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Willacy County approves interlocal jail-housing agreement for temporary inmate housing pending legal review
Summary
Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement allowing neighboring counties to house Willacy County inmates when vacancies exist; the court required clear reimbursement and transport tracking and approved the agreement upon legal review.
Willacy County Commissioners Court on Oct. 9 approved an interlocal cooperation agreement to allow neighboring counties to house Willacy County inmates when vacancies are available, with the approval conditioned on legal review.
The judge explained the county’s sheriff proposed the arrangement to accommodate inmates when local capacity was reached and provided proposed per-day rates and mileage reimbursement terms. “This is basically…only if there's vacancies and being able to accommodate whatever small amount of inmates they would have,” a presenter said during the discussion.
Commissioners pressed staff on the need to capture all transport-related costs. One commissioner said the county must ensure overtime and mileage are tracked so the county does not lose money; staff agreed to confirm what documentation the contracting county would require for reimbursement.
Commissioner Garcia made the motion to approve the agreement upon legal review; the motion was seconded and the court voted to carry it. Commissioners also noted the arrangement could create a modest revenue stream if reimbursements fully cover costs but emphasized ensuring clear contract language about transport responsibilities, mileage and overtime reimbursement before final execution.
The court’s approval authorizes staff to finish legal review and incorporate the negotiated reimbursement and transport terms before finalizing the interlocal agreement.
