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Sheriff warns state budget changes could imperil county’s federal-inmate revenue
Summary
Sheriff Cicirello told the Public Safety Committee he has no definitive guidance yet on state budget language that may restrict local agencies from housing ICE inmates, warned of potential litigation and said the county budgets about $500,000 in revenue from housing federal/ICE inmates (about 80% federal, 20% ICE).
Sheriff Cicirello told the committee on June 3 that he has not yet received definitive guidance about state budget provisions that may limit local agencies’ authority to house ICE or other federal inmates. He said the county budgets roughly $500,000 in revenue tied to federal and ICE inmates and warned that restrictions could be a significant financial hit for Allegany County.
Cicirello said the county houses about 80% federal inmates and about 20% ICE inmates and that the budget currently includes revenue from those contracts. He said there is an expectation of litigation challenging any state limitation on local authority to house federal or ICE inmates and that the county may be eligible for reimbursement if state action removes that authority, but he had no definitive confirmation at the work session.
Legislator J. Burdick asked whether the revenue from housing such inmates is included in the county budget; Cicirello confirmed it is. Legislator Whitney asked for the percentage split of federal to ICE inmates; Cicirello offered the 80/20 figure and said he will report back when he has a definitive answer on how the state changes will be implemented.
The committee received the update; no action or vote on contracts was taken during the work session.
