Spokane County presents timeline, costs for possible Geiger closure and proposes ‘equitable billing’ for regional agencies

Spokane County commissioners received detailed budget modeling Oct. 20 that lays out three options for detention services, including a phased shutdown and ultimate demolition of the Geiger Correctional Facility, and a proposal to shift more of jail housing costs onto regional arresting agencies through an “equitable” or fractionalized billing model.

County budget staff said the analysis projects mid‑2026 operational steps if commissioners choose to pursue closure — including issuing contract termination notices to regional agencies and renegotiating service agreements — and a multi‑year schedule for moving inmates, modifying downtown jail capacity and, if chosen, decommissioning Geiger in 2028.

Why it matters: The county now covers the majority of housing costs for people held in county custody; staff said the county currently bears roughly 82% of the chargeable housing costs and that a change to billing would materially shift the county’s share of that expense to regional partners. Commissioners were urged to notify cities early so those jurisdictions can plan budgets and contracts if the county triggers mid‑year contract changes.

County presentation and timeline Staff presented three options: status quo, a partial closure that reduces regional programming and some services, and full closure and…