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County approves medical-services RFP as jail leaders warn of crowding, high overtime and staffing gaps
Summary
Commissioners authorized release of an RFP for medical and behavioral health services for the county jail and heard that average daily population near 95–105, repeated transports to Eastern State Hospital, and sustained overtime are stressing operations; jail leadership said recruitment and training timelines mean staffing gaps could last ~12+
Walla Walla County commissioners approved release of a request for proposals for medical and behavioral-health services for the county corrections facility and heard an extended operations briefing that described mounting pressure on staff and budgets.
Commander Steve Barker, speaking for the corrections department, told the board the county—s medical contract with Blue Mountain Heart-to-Heart expires on Dec. 31 and the RFP is intended to identify a successor or confirm renewal. "We can't go without medical in the jail, that's for sure," Barker said. The board voted unanimously to release the RFP.
Barker and other corrections staff provided operational context: average daily population was 95 in August and 96 in September, with highs of 104–105; recent weeks included multiple transfers to Eastern State Hospital and increased medical transports. The department reported high overtime costs (monthly overtime figures were presented) and said that, because training and academy time are lengthy, a newly hired deputy can take about a year before full-duty coverage—meaning staffing gaps will persist even if recruitment succeeds.
Commissioners asked about budgeted overtime and whether staffing models are sufficient. Treasurer and other speakers noted that some offsetting revenue (e.g., housing revenues) can help but will not eliminate structural staffing and benefits pressures.
What the county approved: release of the RFP for medical and behavioral-health services for the adult jail. What remains to be decided: evaluation of proposals, potential contract award, and follow-up budget decisions related to overtime, hiring, and possible reallocation of funds; commissioners asked for continued updates on RFP responses and jail staffing metrics.
