County committee reviews jail access-control problems and rising federal inmate numbers

The Chippewa County Building, Grounds and Jail, Legislative and Natural Resources and IT Committee reviewed problems with the jail’s access-control systems and heard that an increase in federal inmates is creating unbudgeted revenue and personnel needs.

Following a walkthrough of the Sheriff’s Office, the committee discussed recurring issues with the facility’s control boards — which manage access-control, fire suppression and lighting relays — and said the contracted provider has not been responding promptly to service calls. The committee did not take formal action on vendor contracts or repairs during the meeting.

The Sheriff’s Office reported an increase in federal (ICE) inmates that county staff said will bring additional revenue that was not budgeted for. Committee members were told staff will ask the Finance Committee to consider a request to raise part-time wages for a proposed ICE Liaison Officer, a position described as a liaison between federal inmates and jail administration.

Commissioner Justin Knepper requested a press release explaining how ICE inmates are processed and how they can be held at the county facility, citing constituent questions generated by entries on the Sheriff’s App. No vote was taken on the liaison position at this meeting.

The committee’s discussion was procedural and informational; next steps included referring the proposed pay change to the Finance Committee for consideration and, if needed, further work on service contracts for the jail’s systems.