Big Horn County approves interlocal agreement with Yellowstone County to house inmates

On Dec. 11, 2025, the Big Horn County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement with Yellowstone County to detain Big Horn County adult inmates at the Yellowstone County Detention Center in Billings.

Commissioner Larry Vandersloot moved to approve the interlocal agreement and Commissioner George Real Bird lll seconded; the motion passed unanimously with the two commissioners present. Victoria Olson, Big Horn County detention administrator, told the board Yellowstone County sent the draft to formalize an existing practice of accepting inmates when needed.

Under the agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2026, and running for 12 months through Dec. 31, 2026, Big Horn County will pay a daily housing fee of $130 per inmate. The $130 daily rate does not include medical expenses; the agreement makes Big Horn County responsible for all medical costs for its inmates. The contract requires daily invoicing for housing fees with payment due 30 days after receipt and quarterly invoicing for medical expenses. Either party may terminate the agreement without cause with 90 days' written notice.

The contract assigns day-to-day custody and facility authority to the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and the Yellowstone County Detention Center (YCDF) while an inmate is in YCDF custody; Big Horn County staff must follow YCDF policies while on site. Big Horn County is responsible for transporting inmates to and from YCDF and for transportation costs to medical treatment; Yellowstone will provide temporary security for emergency medical transports for up to 90 minutes, after which responsibility for security and costs rests with Big Horn County unless otherwise agreed.

The agreement cites Montana statutory authority for interlocal detention agreements and detention fees (Title 7, Chapter 11, Part 1; and specific detention statutes cited in the text). It also includes standard contract provisions covering insurance and indemnity, records and licensure compliance with Montana Jail Standards, nondiscrimination clauses referencing federal and state civil-rights statutes, and venue for disputes in the Sixteenth Judicial District, Rosebud County.

The board's approval formalizes a working arrangement intended to ensure capacity for housing inmates and sets billing, transportation and liability expectations between the counties. The meeting record shows no public comment opposing the agreement. The agreement was approved and the board moved on to other business and adjourned.