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Sheriff asks commissioners to fund housing 50 inmates offsite as jail population climbs
Summary
Sheriff Chris Clark told commissioners the jail census has risen and proposed moving 50 long-term inmates to the Logan County jail at roughly $65–$75 per inmate per day (about $1.3M–$1.6M annually); commissioners expressed support but raised budget concerns and asked for a lower-cost proposal.
Sheriff Chris Clark told the Board of Clark County Commissioners that the county jail has been operating over capacity and proposed transferring 50 long-term or non-appearance inmates to the Logan County jail to ease pressure on local facilities. Clark reported recent counts, saying, “Yesterday the jail count was 219 inmates and this morning it was down to 212 inmates.”
He presented cost estimates of roughly $65–$75 per inmate per day and told commissioners the annual cost to house 50 inmates would be about $1.3 million; adding transport officers would raise the figure to roughly $1.6 million. Clark said moving 50 inmates would not be a permanent fix but would provide breathing room for law enforcement, prosecutors and judges to manage cases and operations.
Commissioner Charles A. Patterson said he supports addressing overcrowding but noted the requested funds are not budgeted and suggested the sheriff return with a smaller, more affordable proposal to help the board identify a funding source. Commissioner Rittenhouse said the office had sought a lower per-bed cost than other contracts and that the county would look for the most cost-effective short-term option.
No formal vote was taken; commissioners asked for additional financial detail and alternatives before committing county funds.
