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Commissioners and sheriff debate timing, staffing and costs for DOCR inmate contract
Summary
Grand Forks County officials discussed a proposed contract to house Department of Corrections inmates, staffing needs, equipment and medical cost responsibilities; county and sheriff’s office leaders said the contract may begin later than July 1 because of hiring and operational concerns.
Grand Forks County commissioners and the sheriff’s office spent a lengthy portion of the meeting discussing a proposed contract with the Department of Corrections (DOCR) to house state inmates and the county jail’s readiness to accept additional beds.
Sheriff Schneider and county administration said talks with DOCR are ongoing and that the draft contract is under review. Sheriff Schneider reported concerns about the ability to hire enough correctional staff in time for a July 1 start and suggested August 1 was a more likely earliest date. County staff and the sheriff discussed using recently completed housing (a new “pod”) to manage occupancy and to perform needed maintenance before increasing population.
The sheriff reported recent equipment failures at the jail — broken restraint straps and worn Velcro on restraints — and said the jail had purchased replacement restraint systems and other equipment. A corrections officer class is in training at the facility and regional recruits are participating, county staff said.
Commissioners and the sheriff raised multiple cost and operational questions about the DOCR contract: whether DOCR would cover medical costs, uniforms and transportation for appointments; how medications and medical appointments would be handled; and whether the $100‑per‑day rate under discussion would adequately cover county expenses. County staff said they have been charged six‑figure medical bills recently and want clarity on cost responsibilities in contract negotiations. Staff and commissioners said they would expect DOCR to pay for the additional services tied to contract inmates but noted the negotiation would define final responsibilities.
County staff said an in‑person meeting with DOCR representatives was being scheduled to resolve contract terms and that county counsel, jail leadership and public‑health partners (who provide nursing services to the jail) would participate. Commissioners asked staff to ensure contractual terms around medical care, staffing levels and reimbursement are clear before finalizing the agreement.
Sheriff Schneider and other county staff said the county is near maximum capacity and that careful staffing and logistical planning will be needed if a contract to add beds proceeds. The commission discussed and directed staff to continue negotiations and return with a finalized contract for approval when terms are resolved.
