Wichita County sees higher jail population but overtime costs appear lower over last year, officials say

Wichita County Commissioners on Jan. 10 received a salaries and overtime report that showed the county jail's daily population has increased by nearly 100 inmates compared with the same period last year, while the county currently has about 15 open positions across law enforcement and corrections.

County staff told commissioners that, despite the higher population, overtime spending in the sheriff's office is down compared with this time last year. Staff attributed the change to schedule adjustments and use of housing contracts with other jurisdictions; a two-week analysis presented to the court showed net revenue of more than $60,000 tied to outside inmate housing during that period. The analysis included overtime costs…