Sheriff: Commissioners approve MOU for out-of-state inmate transport services

Jim Wells County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding to allow the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office to contract with Sunrise FSB, doing business as IAX (Inter-Intra Agency Extradition Service), for prisoner transport services including interstate extraditions and out-of-county bench-warrant pickups.

Sheriff Guy Baker told the court the vendor has been used for extraditions and some bench-warrant transports. He said contracted transports can be substantially cheaper than sending county officers on long trips; the sheriff cited a recent out-of-state transport that cost about $1,900 under a contracted bid and a typical minimum charge of about $400 for some in-state bench-warrant trips.

Baker said the MOU formalizes service standards and allows the sheriff’s office to request cost estimates on a case-by-case basis; the court may then decide whether contracting is more cost-effective than using county personnel. Commissioners questioned the automatic renewal language and termination notice; the MOU contains an opt-out clause allowing termination with at least 30 days’ notice, and commissioners discussed whether 60–90 days would be preferable. The sheriff and the court noted the county is not bound to use the company and will use the MOU only as needed.

After discussion the court voted to approve the MOU by motion and second; the clerk recorded the motion carried.

Why it matters: the agreement gives the sheriff an option to contract interstate and distant transports when operationally or financially preferable, which the sheriff said saves overtime and travel costs. Commissioners sought clarity on renewal and termination language.

What’s next: the sheriff’s office will use the MOU to solicit case-by-case quotes and bring transports forward as operational needs arise.