Linn County sheriff links deputy vacancy to new U.S. Marshals housing agreement

The Linn County sheriff told supervisors that a new intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the U.S. Marshals Service requires additional staffing and prompted a request to post a full‑time deputy vacancy.

Sheriff Bridal Gardner said the county 'appears we have reached an agreement with the US Marshals Service to resume housing prisoners in the Linn County Correctional Center' and noted a sharp rise in the contract rate, saying, 'A year ago their daily per diem rate was $80 an hour. It will now be $140 per hour.' He told the board the IGA includes additional compliance requirements that make the position necessary to avoid recurring forced overtime for deputies.

Gardner also warned that other federal agencies can use the Marshals' umbrella IGA to place detainees. 'When you enter into the IGA with the marshal service, other federal entities are allowed to piggyback onto that agreement such as the Bureau of Prisons or or ICE,' he said, adding that 'based on the narrative that we hear, It is possible that ICE will resume housing prisoners within the correctional center.' He emphasized that exact census numbers were unknown.

Supervisors pressed for clarity on whether the agreement could increase the jail census and noted the request is 'out of cycle' but tied directly to complying with the IGA. One supervisor stressed past problems with overtime and retention and said the request 'hinges with you getting the contract.' The sheriff confirmed the staffing ask is contingent on the IGA.

The board agreed to place the vacancy form on the consent agenda for its Wednesday meeting so staff can finalize details and funds were identified in the sheriff's presentation as tied to anticipated revenue from housing agreements.

What's next: The vacancy will appear on Wednesday's consent agenda for formal action and personnel processing if approved.