Weston County officials discuss jail HVAC bids, 24/7 sobriety funding and inmate medical costs

Weston County commissioners and sheriff's office staff spent a substantial portion of the meeting discussing operations and finances for the county jail, focusing on the 24/7 sobriety program funding, replacement bids for a failing HVAC unit and rising inmate medical costs.

The 24/7 sobriety program, which the speakers said is funded by participant fees and administered with state involvement, was described as self-funded for equipment and ongoing supplies. Chuck (staff member) said the state sends back 75% of collected funds after taking a 25% administrative share and that the returned money “is for us to purchase straws, if the laptop goes down, to purchase a new laptop.” He said participants currently pay about $4 per day plus a one-time enrollment fee. Commissioners asked staff to establish a separate line item to ensure the 75% reimbursement is tracked and used…