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Kent County commissioners end pursuit of regional jail with Queen Anne's; approve outsourcing test and review costs
Summary
The board voted to stop exploring a regional jail with Queen Anne's County, directed staff to pursue a transport/outsourcing model for inmates, and heard staff's estimate that full outsourcing could yield roughly $392,000 in recurring savings depending on staffing attrition and contract terms.
Kent County commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 30 to stop pursuing a regional jail partnership with Queen Anne's County after Caroline County withdrew from the project and commissioners expressed concerns about cost and timing.
Commissioner (Speaker 3) moved "that we no longer consider the regional jail with Queen Anne's County," a motion the board approved. Commissioners then discussed alternatives for managing detention operations. Sheriff Hickman, detention staff and county finance staff reviewed a model that would move some or all incarcerated individuals to other counties under contractual arrangements and retain a reduced local staff for transport, oversight and facility maintenance.
Finance staff said the net recurring fiscal benefit, assuming medical and food contracts transfer away and some staff attrition occurs, could be on the order of $392,000 annually. Presenters emphasized the savings depend on: (1) achieving contractual daily rates with partner facilities; (2) fully removing medical and food obligations from the county budget; and (3) attrition of detention staff so salary lines drop. Commissioners noted near-term costs and liability concerns, including possible capital work to the local facility to meet state mandates if the county again seeks to house inmates locally.
Board direction: Commissioners voted to end the regional-jail discussions with Queen Anne's County, directed staff to pursue outsourcing/transport models and to produce more detailed financial projections for the Oct. 7 work session. The board also affirmed it will not force detention-center employees out of their jobs and will maintain the facility while the transport model is implemented.
