Essex County approves short extensions for jail services contracts and a fund transfer as officials spotlight rising healthcare and staffing costs

Essex County commissioners on Wednesday approved short‑term extensions and a change order for contracts serving the county correctional facility and voted to transfer funds to cover 2025 spending shortfalls after officials said inmate healthcare costs and staff absenteeism have driven expenses above budget.

Mister Jackson, speaking for county administration, described a package that included 90‑day extensions for existing contracts with GD Correctional Services and CFG Health Systems to allow time for re‑bidding, and a 20% change order for CFG Health Systems not to exceed $3,720,000 to cover higher than expected medical bills and ongoing hospital stays for a small number of inmates. “We've had parole violators, our population has gotten bigger,” Jackson said as he explained the need for the change order and extensions.

Treasurer Hassan Mohammed asked the board to approve a transfer to cover appropriations for 2025. Mohammed said the jail population exceeded 2,200 inmates and described a combination of overtime and so‑called “no pay dues” that together are driving the need for additional budget authority. “We have the amount of inmates increasing. We have over 2,200 and they required more overtime,” he said.

Commissioners pressed administration for details. Commissioner Mary Thomas questioned whether management was examining working conditions, hiring practices and mental‑health supports for corrections staff, noting large numbers of call‑outs and past incidents at the facility. Jackson and other officials said the county has increased pay and is working with outside consultants (the Ambrose Group was cited) and programmatic supports intended to reduce overtime and improve retention.

Officials said the county budgeted roughly $9.3 million for overtime but now projects actual overtime closer to $12.3 million; Mohammed indicated no‑pay deductions approaching $7 million that help explain the current transfers. The board approved the transfer and the related contract extensions by roll call; two commissioners were recorded as absent.

What it means: The short extensions preserve continuity of services while procurement and OSC approvals proceed, and the transfer acknowledges the county will need to cover overtime and other corrections costs in 2025. Administration said it will return with longer‑term contracts and that a separate committee and outside review will continue to explore policies intended to reduce absenteeism and overtime.

The board moved the resolutions during the meeting and approved them by roll call. The board also scheduled further review of corrections staffing and management in early 2026.