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Sheriff reports higher jail population, projects state contract revenue offsetting increased costs
Summary
The sheriff told the committee that out-of-county transports numbered 14 last month, housing of state inmates and fluctuating per-inmate rates will keep jail revenues roughly on projection (presenter cited about $167,000 gross and $119,000 net through May, described as approximate); staffing, training and population management remain active priorities.
The Waushara County sheriff reported to the public safety committee that the jail’s population and state inmate contract continue to drive revenue and costs but remain close to the department’s projections.
The sheriff said the county recorded 14 out-of-county transports in the last month and described how per-inmate food and medical costs vary with daily population and contract thresholds. He presented rough revenue figures through May — described in the meeting as approximately $167,000 gross with net income near $119,000 — and cautioned those numbers are estimates because daily population and contract averages fluctuate.
Officials explained that the jail’s contract with the state changes per-person rates when the average population crosses certain thresholds (for example, rates drop when populations exceed targeted levels). The sheriff also noted the county sometimes requests male inmates only because the facility has limited slots for females, which can delay placements and affect revenue timing.
On staffing, the department reported four recruits in academy — one expected out in August and others later this year — and three current jail vacancies (one filled by an internal move to dispatch). The sheriff outlined plans to move personnel internally to staff the detective bureau as academy graduates become available. Monthly activity figures presented included about 224 traffic stops, 12 theft/burglary cases, seven frauds, five drug cases, seven Internet Crimes Against Children (IAC) cases, and four search warrants.
Committee members asked about the nature of returns to the state for certain inmates; the sheriff said recent returns were behavioral rather than medical, and that when the state reassigns inmates they may go to more restrictive facilities.
The sheriff characterized budget timing as the principal uncertainty: several intergovernmental revenues and grants were not yet reflected in county accounts and are not expected to post until early 2027, but he said current revenues should still exceed incremental jail expenses.
