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Commission renews sheriff's commissary contract, affirms inmate-account protections
Summary
The commission approved renewal of the county sheriff's commissary contract with the incumbent vendor and discussed how commissary revenues (reported historically as 25–30%) support inmate-security operations; commissioners confirmed inmate funds are kept separate and not diverted.
The St. Francois County Commission approved renewal of the sheriff's commissary contract with the incumbent service provider as presented by county staff.
Staff described the commissary arrangement, saying the county historically received a return (referred to in the meeting as about 25% and, in some years, up to 30%) that is deposited into a commissary fund and that excess funds above inmate account balances are turned over to inmate security for operational uses. Staff emphasized that inmate-account funds are not removed from individual inmate balances and remain available to inmates until release.
Commissioners asked logistical questions about whether released inmates would receive checks or gift cards; staff said they would check contract terms and past practices. The commission moved, seconded and approved the contract renewal for the sheriff's department.
During discussion commissioners also asked about the possibility of changing distribution method for released inmates (for instance, issuing gift cards rather than mailed checks); staff said they would follow up on contractual options.
