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Lavaca County approves MOU to house inmates in Calhoun County amid overcrowding
Summary
Facing near-capacity at its jail, Lavaca County Commissioners voted to formalize an agreement with Calhoun County to house inmates off-site at a daily rate, citing rising costs and transport burdens. The sheriff warned the arrangement is costly but necessary while local capacity remains tight.
The Lavaca County Commissioners Court voted March 10 to approve a memorandum of understanding with Calhoun County for housing Lavaca County inmates as the county grapples with near‑capacity at its jail. The court approved the MOU after the sheriff described steady overcrowding and rising per‑inmate out‑of‑county housing costs.
County Sheriff Oswelyn told the court the jail’s average daily population over the past two months was 47 while capacity is 48, forcing officials to place inmates in other counties. "They sat at the $55 rate for that's per inmate per day for as long as I've been in office... recently, they've decided ... to increase that rate from $55 a day to $75 a day," the sheriff said, adding that transportation and two deputies per transport add to the county’s cost.
County Judge (presiding) framed the action as a necessary response to a statewide problem of jail crowding. Commissioners discussed the financial strain of transfers and the operational burden on defense counsel and jail staff; no numerical vote tally was recorded, and the motion passed by voice vote.
Court documents and the sheriff’s remarks indicate the MOU is intended to provide immediate overflow capacity. The sheriff described ongoing efforts to move detained people efficiently, including communication between the county attorney’s office and jail staff to identify candidates for reduced bond or expedited case processing.
The court did not adopt a long‑term construction plan during the session; the judge said the jail would remain a priority for future planning and that itemized options would return for discussion. The court will revisit jail capacity and related facility planning as part of future agenda items.
