Commissioners create Franklin County Department of Corrections, appoint interim jail administrator amid heated public comment

Franklin County commissioners voted on April 23, 2025, to create a stand-alone Franklin County Department of Corrections under resolution 2025-132 and to appoint Commander Keelan Harmon as interim jail administrator. The actions followed presentations by county staff, two hours of public comment, and an extended executive session.

County Administrator Brian Denzel introduced resolution 2025-132, saying the change “would create a stand alone Franklin County Department of Corrections. It does not call for staffing cuts and does not change any of the current agreements in place as it pertains to daily rates.” The board voted to approve the resolution by voice vote.

The nut graf: The change transfers oversight of the jail from the sheriff’s office to the board through a newly created department. That shift prompted extensive public comment from the sheriff, jail staff and community members who raised operational and safety concerns, inventory and equipment questions, and potential accreditation impacts.

During the public comment period, Sheriff Jim Raymond said county-owned and sheriff-held equipment and personnel commissions would be affected by the transfer. “They will be removed and my commission cards will be pulled from the jail staff,” the sheriff said, and he warned the board the actions could affect accreditation.

Multiple corrections staff and former staff spoke at the meeting describing operational risks during a rapid transition. A former employee and commenters with corrections experience urged the board to allow more time to plan. One former corrections employee said a rushed transfer “is going to be operations greatly affected by this.” Tim Davidson, a Pasco resident and corrections veteran, warned of increased taxpayer expense if the transition proceeds without planning. Jesus Garcia, a corrections deputy, told the board that the county’s correctional training differs from basic law enforcement training and asked why staff were not briefed earlier.

City of Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano and Deputy Chief Cook attended and said the city was ready to help maintain continuity of public safety operations and urged coordination while an interlocal agreement is being negotiated.

After public comment, the board amended the agenda to add a vote offering Commander Keelan Harmon the interim jail administrator position and then appointed him. County administration asked permission to negotiate an out-of-scope pay adjustment for Harmon and to return with a contract at the next meeting; commissioners approved that direction.

Later in the meeting, the board voted to direct the prosecuting attorney’s office to file injunctive relief in court to enforce the board’s actions “unless the sheriff immediately complies,” a motion made by a commissioner and approved by the board. Commissioners said the injunction directive was intended to ensure a “smooth transfer” for public safety, staff safety and inmate safety and to secure needed equipment for the jail during the transition.

The board recessed the meeting and scheduled follow-up work to finalize transition details. County staff and commissioners said they would present contract and operational details in forthcoming meetings. The meeting record shows no immediate staffing reductions, but several public speakers urged a slower, more consultative handoff to avoid operational disruption.