Bradley County sheriff says jail maintenance, inmate contracts and staffing shortfalls will shape 2026 budget talks

At a Bradley County Commission meeting, Sheriff Garland told commissioners that ongoing maintenance problems at the County Judicial Complex’ jail and persistent shortfalls in contract and grant reimbursements have put the sheriff’s office under financial strain and will require commissioners to consider budget changes next year.

The sheriff briefed commissioners on recent repairs after a kitchen fire and on plumbing failures that have required shutting off water to parts of the jail. He said staff have added shutoff valves during upgrades but that some valves have failed because of age and buildup. The sheriff warned the commission the office may have to return for additional maintenance funding as further failures occur.

Christie, a sheriff’s office staff member who presented facility numbers, said the jail is currently housing 416 inmates, 111 of whom are state inmates. Christie said the state pays $41 per inmate per day and that a recent law raising accreditation pay from $3 to $6 per day had not been reflected in July invoices; the office has written to the Department of Corrections seeking the remaining balance.

The sheriff also said the federal per-inmate contract currently pays Bradley County $64 per day while an adjacent county receives $90 per day. He said he has requested paperwork to begin renegotiation of the federal contract and will work with county leaders to determine a target rate to request.

The sheriff reported about $94,000 spent on maintenance so far this year for the jail and equipment — roughly half of the maintenance budget for the affected accounts, he said. He told commissioners that because some maintenance requires turning off the facility’s water, larger repairs can disrupt court schedules and require coordination that delays work and raises costs.

Commissioners discussed employee recruitment and retention. The sheriff noted turnover across divisions, including law enforcement and corrections, and pointed to regional pay differences. He said Bradley County starting and step pay have increased in recent years but that surrounding counties have raised pay and longevity programs, increasing competition for personnel. "We need to angle toward that and set our goal toward at least getting toward the middle or upper of this slide," he said.

Commissioner Howard Thompson urged a phased approach to higher pay and suggested doubling the existing step plan over time to improve retention. Thompson said the county should plan now for the 2026 budget cycle to avoid last-minute decisions. The commission chair and several commissioners said they expect major budget decisions in 2026, including school requests and continued support for emergency services.

The sheriff said he has asked three agency staff, including Christie and Camille, to compile the figures and options he will present to the mayor and commission for consideration during next year’s budget process. He said renegotiation of the federal contract is a lengthy process and that the office will provide commissioners with options and recommended funding levels.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes, May 14 meeting — Motion by Commissioner Howard Thompson; second by Commissioner Denny Collins; voice vote recorded as "aye." Outcome: approved.

Ending The sheriff asked the commission to review the forthcoming cost and staffing scenarios and to consider them in preparation for the 2026 budget. Commissioners said they expect to review the sheriff’s options before budget work begins next spring.