Spencer County approves contract to house inmates at Shelby County Detention Center at $32 per day

Spencer County Fiscal Court on June 16 approved a contract with the Shelby County Detention Center to detain and house Spencer County inmates at a daily rate of $32.00 per prisoner, effective July 1, 2025. The agreement runs through June 30, 2026, unless terminated earlier with 60 days' written notice.

The signed agreement requires Spencer County to transport inmates to and from the Shelby County facility and to provide documentation when an inmate is injured prior to acceptance. If Shelby County personnel must transport Spencer County prisoners outside the detention center — for court appearances, medical appointments or similar reasons — Spencer County will pay $30.00 per hour for each staff member used for guard duty plus $0.50 per mile for travel.

The motion to approve the contract was moved by Esq. Cotton, seconded by Esq. Stump and carried with all members present voting "aye." The contract text was included in the record; it lists the effective date (July 1, 2025), the $32.00 per diem charge and the additional fees for off-site transport.

The contract allocates medical-cost responsibility: Shelby County will not be financially responsible for medical treatment costs for Spencer County prisoners, except where injury is attributable to Shelby County or its staff. The agreement places responsibility for collecting any amounts due from incarcerated individuals on Spencer County.

The court materials include signatories and administrative contact information for the Shelby County Detention Center and the Spencer County Jailer.