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Craven County approves $200,000 inmate medical budget amendment as jail remains over capacity
Summary
The Board approved a $200,000 budget amendment to cover inmate medical expenses after county and jail officials reported the jail is approximately 100 inmates over capacity and medical costs have increased.
Craven County on June 15 approved a $200,000 budget amendment to replenish the line covering inmate medical expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Sheriff Chip Hughes introduced the request and Chief Detention Officer Chad Smith said the amendment is needed to cover increased medical costs associated with a larger inmate population, including care for conditions that predate incarceration. The presenters said the jail is about 100 inmates over capacity and that the county covers 100% of medical care costs while filing claims with any insurance an inmate may have.
The Board discussed hospital-lease provisions and capacity: Chairman Denny Bucher noted the hospital lease covers the first $200,000 in medical expenses but that amount may be insufficient given trends. The sheriff said the facility was designed to allow future expansion if needed.
Action taken: Vice-Chairman Jason R. Jones moved to approve the $200,000 amendment; Commissioner E. T. Mitchell seconded and the motion passed 7-0.
Next steps: The appropriation replenishes the current fiscal-year medical expense line. County staff indicated some inmates are temporarily housed at facilities in surrounding jurisdictions as capacity demands dictate.
