Glades County to use sheriff—s corrections budget to help start ICE detainee housing at GCDC

Glades County commissioners approved using funds from the sheriff—s corrections budget to help the Glades County Detention Center (GCDC) cover start‑up costs after the facility began receiving ICE detainees April 1 and before per‑diem payments begin.

County staff explained that the county will use a portion of the already approved corrections budget to cover initial payroll, utilities and other start‑up expenses; staff said the county will not be reimbursed immediately and any funds left over would be returned. A staff representative told the board the arrangement does not violate statute.

The sheriff, identified as the county—s constitutional officer during the meeting, said the facility had begun receiving detainees and that about 90 were in custody, with 33 arriving the morning of the meeting. The sheriff thanked county staff and commissioners for assistance while the facility ramps up.

Commissioners discussed timing of per‑diem receipts from ICE and the plan to cover costs in the interim. County staff said the plan is to pay the per‑diem in April and June and to use any additional available budget to offset expenses such as payroll. The board authorized assistance to the detention center; no specific vote tally was recorded in the transcript for that item.

Ending: County staff will monitor expenditures and return unused funds to the county finance account; commissioners requested updates as the ICE per‑diem schedule and GCDC staffing stabilize.