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Sheriff outlines rising transport costs; council approves transfers to cover vehicle and staffing expenses
Summary
The sheriff told the council that inmate transports and associated fuel and outfitting costs have risen sharply; the council approved transfers totaling $140,000 across accounts to cover vehicle repairs/outfitting, part-time salaries and jail supplies.
Grant County's sheriff addressed rising transport volume and vehicle costs during Wednesday's council meeting and won approval for several intra-departmental transfers to keep the department operating through the year.
The sheriff reported increased inmate transports and mileage, saying the department "we had transported 1,683 inmates" since May 23, 2023 through the current month and noted that average monthly mileage and fuel costs had risen. He told the council, "Monthly average fuel cost in 2023 was $540.33. Now this year's been going up to $842.91," and detailed recent van outfitting costs that contributed to heavy repair and equipment spending.
To address those expenses, the council approved a set of transfers in the sheriff's budget: $60,000 from the out-of-county housing account to Garage & Motors for vehicle outfitting and maintenance; $30,000 shifted from full-time salaries to part-time salaries to reduce overtime exposure; and $50,000 reclassified from office supplies to jail supplies where funds had been misposted. The motions were made, seconded and approved by roll call.
Why it matters: Transport, fuel and vehicle maintenance are significant recurring costs for sheriff departments. The transfers are intended to cover immediate needs and reduce overtime by expanding part-time coverage.
Next steps: Sheriff staff will implement the reallocations and adjust procurement as vehicles arrive; county finance staff will update account records and report back if further adjustments are needed.
