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Redmond committee backs 22 guaranteed jail beds in 2026 interlocal rate amendment; staff to provide usage data
Summary
The committee reviewed a 2026 rate amendment to Redmond’s interlocal agreement with the South Correctional Entity (SCORE). Staff said guaranteeing 22 beds for 2026 should reduce per-bed costs; council asked for follow-up data on average nightly bed use and length of stay and scheduled the item for the Nov. 3 consent agenda.
The Redmond Public Safety and Human Services Committee on Oct. 21 discussed a 2026 rate amendment to the interlocal agreement with the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) and agreed to place the item on the Nov. 3 consent agenda after requesting follow-up data.
Chief Daryl Lowe told the committee the annual cost update from SCORE reflects the number of guaranteed jail beds the city purchases. He said the city has adjusted guaranteed bed counts year-to-year since the pandemic and that guaranteeing beds lowers the city’s average cost compared with relying on nonguaranteed beds at higher per-night rates. Lowe recommended guaranteeing 22 beds for 2026.
Committee members asked for supporting data. Vice President Forsyth and Council Member Stewart asked staff to provide the historical average number of beds used per night and the typical length of stay to justify the guaranteed count. Stewart requested a table or worked example showing the math behind selecting 22 beds. Chief Lowe agreed to provide a detailed table and follow-up memo to the council.
Council members raised scheduling and timing questions but offered no objection to placing the amendment on the Nov. 3 consent agenda, pending the requested follow-up information.
Why it matters: SCORE bed guarantees affect year-long jail housing costs. Choosing too few guaranteed beds can trigger higher per-night charges for nonguaranteed beds; choosing too many can raise the city’s fixed costs. The committee sought the usage and duration data needed to evaluate the city’s tradeoffs.
Next steps: Staff will provide the requested table showing average nightly bed use and typical lengths of stay, and the interlocal rate amendment will appear on the Nov. 3 consent agenda for council action.
