Gates County sheriff flags jail medical costs, supply delays and equipment tariffs in budget talks

Sheriff Paul told Gates County commissioners on April 3 that the sheriff’s office recorded unexpected expenses this fiscal year and is monitoring several emerging cost pressures.

The sheriff reported about $158,000 in unexpected costs covering law-enforcement and civil operations and said jail costs were more variable and harder to project because of fluctuating inmate populations and medical needs. He said one inmate’s medical care included eye surgery that resulted in roughly $15,000 in county charges after transport and follow-up care were provided by Northampton County.

The sheriff said the office is using a medical-billing negotiator, Prime Health, which has reduced hospital bills in the past by an estimated 60 to 70 percent. He also described a nationwide problem tracing to supply chains and recent tariffs: an invoice the department received included a newly applied 10 percent tariff, and ordered equipment (including holsters) remained stuck in customs.

“We're not gonna ask for no increase on any line items until we see how it goes,” the sheriff said, adding that the office had ordered 18 holsters in late 2024 that remain in customs and that ammunition shortages — specifically for 300‑Blackout rounds used in some rifles — are affecting readiness.

On vehicles, the sheriff asked for replacement of two patrol vehicles later in the year and discussed outfitting costs. He described an approximate figure for outfitting as part of planning but did not present a formal, board-approved appropriation at the meeting.

The sheriff said his office is pursuing grant funding for body‑worn cameras rather than asking the county to fund equipment and noted that storage and long-term evidence retention would create an ongoing cost. He said the district attorney’s office has urged adoption of body cameras because some criminal cases lack sufficient evidence without them.

On staffing and organization, the sheriff discussed unfreezing a captain’s position and converting a vacancy to a sergeant-level assignment; he said the department is considering additional investigative staffing if vacancies are filled.

The sheriff also described regional jail capacity and per‑diem costs, telling commissioners Northampton County’s contracted rate for housing inmates is about $40 per day compared with other sites charging roughly $70 to $88. He said the county participates in a regional-jail study to assess options and capacity.

The board and the sheriff agreed that, given supply‑chain uncertainty and pending tariff decisions, they would wait before seeking budget increases. The sheriff said he will return to the board with any formal requests if conditions change.