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House approves resolution allowing three counties to build or expand jails amid debate on cost and core rates
Summary
The Utah House passed HJR101 to allow Beaver, Millard and Sanpete counties to build or expand correctional facilities and contract beds with the state; members debated core rate reimbursement, long-term commitments, and bed space needs before a 65-8 vote.
The House passed House Joint Resolution 101 on April 19, 2005, authorizing Beaver, Millard and Sanpete counties to construct or expand county correctional facilities and to enter contracts for state prisoners. Representative David Hogue, the sponsor, said the resolution is required by statute when counties seek to build beds for state contracting; the House approved the resolution 65-8 and sent it to the Senate.
Hogue told members the Department of Corrections surveyed counties and three responded affirmatively that they would build beds and contract with the state. He said contractors expect the first beds online by January 2006 if counties proceed immediately.
Floor debate centered on the financial implications for the state and counties. Several lawmakers raised concerns about the "core rate" the state pays county jails (the figure cited in debate was about $42.32 per bed per day) and whether approving bond-funded county construction creates an implicit long-term obligation by the state. Representative Alexander cautioned the House that passing the resolution may effectively create a long-term moral commitment to fill those beds; Representative Bigelow noted that counties cannot pencil projects without assurance of contracting and that the Legislature historically reviews such requests because they imply long-term commitments.
Supporters including Representative Johnson and Representative Noel argued that contracting with county jails is cost-effective for the state, provides rural economic development and spreads prisoner housing across the state rather than building only large state facilities.
Representative Hogue said corrections estimates project an increase of about 250 prisoners per year and that county contracting is one way to address lead-time limitations for state-built beds. The department's housing plan and recent appropriations were cited as context for the request.
The House approved HJR101 by a vote of 65 yes and 8 no; the resolution will be transmitted to the Senate. Debate record shows the House reserved further discussion of the core-rate reimbursement and county fiscal impacts for interim work and appropriations review.
