Unidentified official Randy (first referenced speaker: SEG 239) and finance staff Crystal (first referenced speaker: SEG 004) told the BCCMC Corporation at its regular meeting that the 2024 fiscal year closed in a stronger position than projected and that recent operational changes at the jail have reduced open positions.

"We did end the year much better than budget," Crystal said while reviewing the packet, noting cash-flow timing that left October invoices reported later than usual because of billing and reconciliation lags. The financial report reviewed three accounts: an operating account, a debt-service account and a cash-management savings account that contains a USDA-required reserve intended to remain at about $2,000,000 under the boards debt agreement.

Randy described several factors behind the improved receipts: higher-than-expected detainee volumes tied to the ICE contract (he cited a recent daily ICE count of 285) and staffing changes that reduced vacancies. "We asked you for an increase in the starting salary of $50,000," Randy said, adding that a tiered retention-pay plan also helped stabilize staffing. He told the board the current ICE contract term runs through May and that negotiations on a new term are expected in the spring.

Board members asked for and received clarifications about how the USDA reserve and debt-service payments are handled; the presenters said the debt-service account funds the loan payments, while the cash-management account is intended as a savings cushion that the board should avoid tapping except for emergencies under the debt agreement.

The sheriff's office also reported several unbudgeted repair costs this year that reduced the amount available to return to reserves: speaker 6 said replacement of damaged cameras after a lightning strike, additional cabling to convert analog to digital configurations, an unplanned steam system repair and a hot-water-heater failure together accounted for substantial unplanned outlays. Despite those costs, the sheriffs office said it would return $25,000 to the board.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the board made and carried a motion to accept the financial report by voice vote (all in favor).

What happens next: staff said they will continue to monitor invoice timing and provide more detailed budget work in the spring. The sheriff's office will proceed with ICE negotiations and report back as those talks progress.