Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sheriff and EMS budgets draw questions over jail costs, vehicles and service transfers
Summary
County staff said the sheriff's FY recommended budget keeps FTEs at 109 and is built on an average jail census of ~70 inmates; EMS numbers rise because the county will assume EMS services July 1 and restricted EMS tax dollars will come to the county rather than a third-party provider.
County staff walked the Board through public-safety budget items, answering questions about jail census, vehicle replacements, and an upcoming operational change in emergency medical services.
On the sheriff's office budget, staff noted there are no additional positions recommended and that personnel and benefits are set at current levels; operating expenses were adjusted by the same CPI used elsewhere (2.5%). "This budget is built based on an average of 70 inmates for the meals, for the medical and for safekeeping," staff said, adding that if the census increases the county would manage the exposure through budget amendments and quarterly updates to the board.
Commissioners thanked the sheriff for reducing crime and overdose deaths and asked whether last month’s request to increase the jail budget for a higher census was included; staff said it was not included and reiterated the plan to report quarterly on inmate-related lines.
Fleet management: staff listed vehicle counts and replacements—21 vehicles for the sheriff's office (enterprise program), two EMS vehicles that staff recommend purchasing outright, one for environmental health and two for water. Departments were instructed not to purchase vehicles until enterprise evaluations are complete.
EMS and service districts: staff said the county will begin providing EMS services on July 1, and that EMS tax revenues previously routed to a third-party provider (referred to in the transcript as the "Choco/Chaco entity") will instead come to the county because the county is providing the service. Preliminary conversations with the City of Washington about 911 and EMS roles are ongoing, but staff asked to defer any large transfers for at least a year while the county absorbs the current provider.
On jail meals, staff said the new meal plan is adequate and that vendor negotiations continue to seek frugality without reducing nutrition or portion fairness.
Closing: staff said they will provide quarterly updates on jail-related costs and continue discussions with municipal partners about EMS and 911 responsibilities.
