Citrus County sheriff outlines $18.9 million plan, including 169 new positions, to bring detention center in‑house

The Citrus County sheriff on April 28 presented a detailed plan to bring the county’s detention facility back under local control from a private operator, telling commissioners his staffing and operating model would require 169 new positions and an estimated $18.88 million in new annual budget dollars.

The sheriff said the county would create a detention bureau within the sheriff’s office with a command structure led by a major and staffed across housing, booking, administration and medical services. “Our staffing model in total is 169 positions — 83 sworn, 30 civilian and 23 medical,” the sheriff said, adding that the proposal uses the department’s recently proposed salary plan to attract experienced candidates.

Why it matters: County control of the jail would shift responsibility for operations, medical care and capital upkeep to local government and require up‑front transition spending. The sheriff’s office argued that, after an initial investment, revenue such as federal Marshal housing contracts could offset some costs and provide funds for ongoing facility improvements.

What the sheriff proposed and why - Staffing and budget: The sheriff’s…