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Emery County approves feasibility study to expand state-inmate housing at county jail
Summary
The commission allocated funds for a feasibility study to evaluate expanding the county jail's program to house more state inmates; staff reported current capacity for 15 state inmates with a near-term goal of 30, with the state paying about $90 per inmate per day.
The Emery County Commission voted Jan. 6 to allocate funds for a feasibility study to assess expanding the county jail's program for housing state inmates.
Sheriff's office staff described the program and said the county currently houses about 15 state inmates and is working to increase that to about 30 within months. The sheriff said the county receives roughly $90 per day from the state for each housed inmate; the state covers medical care, while the county handles food, clothing and bedding. Staff explained higher per-inmate rates may be available when the county provides additional programming (mental-health or substance-use programs).
Supporters said the arrangement provides training and oversight benefits, a recurring revenue stream for the county and a caseworker presence that supplements local corrections oversight. Commissioners and the county attorney noted the feasibility study should also examine impacts on the county attorney's workload, staffing needs in the jail (staffing ratios discussed in the meeting ranged from 1:5 to 1:6 in practical terms), and legal or operational limits on capacity.
A motion to fund the study was moved and seconded and passed on recorded voice votes with Commissioners Warwood, Leonard and Jensen voting aye.
The feasibility study will analyze breakeven points, staffing requirements, detention standards, and potential downstream costs to county services; staff will return with study results and recommended next steps.
