Sheriff requests and jail health contract drive large share of first‑pass increases

Buncombe County staff told commissioners April 8 that first‑pass FY2027 departmental requests total about $18 million in additional spending and nine new positions, and that roughly $11 million — about 60% — of that increase is attributable to the sheriff's office and detention‑related costs.

"The sheriff's office has requested 60% of these requests at about $11,000,000 of additional budget requested in fiscal year 2027," staff said, pointing to vehicle replacements, body and dash camera upgrades, radio and software licensing, and capital projects tied to the detention center.

Staff broke operating requests for the sheriff into two pieces: about $2.1 million in additional operating costs for items including weapons replacement, detention monitoring software and K‑9 replacements, and larger capital and personnel components that raise the total request to the $11 million figure.

Commissioners pressed staff on a proposed roughly $1,000,000 increase to the jail health contract. Staff explained the contract was bid this year and that outside hospital billing for care provided outside the facility produces unpredictable costs; the $1,000,000 figure was described as an estimate or placeholder until contracting is finalized.

"So we're...expecting about 1000000 dollar increase to the current jail health costs," staff said, adding that the final number could change following contracting and review.

Staff also noted support services across other departments add an additional $12.6 million of funding that supports sheriff functions (IT, fleet, general services). Commissioners asked for more breakdowns of personnel versus operating costs and requested follow‑up when contracting is complete.

There were no formal votes taken on these requests; staff will return with further details during the revenue and personnel sessions.