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Board OKs larger security contract cap, transfer after sheriff says service is vital to courts
Summary
The board approved an amendment and budget transfer to raise the cap on a secure-transport contract and moved $350,000 into the sheriff's office after the administration said private guards handle inmate transports needed for court safety.
Milwaukee — The Milwaukee County Board on Sept. 18 approved an appropriation transfer of $350,000 to the sheriff's office and the sheriff's office's request to amend the current secure-transport contract cap, moving the contract ceiling from $350,000 to $3,106,959.
The item (file 25-585) authorizes an appropriation from contingency to the sheriff's office to increase expenditure authority for Allied Universal Security Services (which had acquired a business formerly operating as G4S Secure Solutions USA) and approves an amendment to the existing contract to raise its cap.
Supervisor Willie Johnson Jr., speaking on behalf of supporters, described the transportation and security service as "a vital service to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office." He warned that, without the funding, court bailiffs could be pulled from their posts to perform transports, which would affect courtroom safety: "If this funding does not take place, it's very well possible that bailiffs will have to be taken off, taken away from their posts in the courts."
Opponents voiced concerns about cost increases and contracting practice; the roll call showed the board adopted the item (13 ayes, 5 noes).
Why it matters: The contract covers secure transport services for inmates to medical appointments and other locations and funds bailiff coverage related to court safety. The increase in the contract cap reflects higher projected spending and a shift in vendor ownership.
What happens next: The sheriff's office will execute the contract amendment and use the transferred appropriation to cover near-term contract obligations. Supervisors who voted against the item said they wanted more detail on fiscal alternatives and contract procurement but the majority approved the change to avoid staffing impacts to courtroom security.
