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Sheriff Chris Wells reports traffic uptick and strong jail revenues in 2025
Summary
Sheriff Chris Wells told commissioners traffic crashes and vehicle-related incidents increased in 2025 and reported stronger-than-expected jail housing revenue, highlighting improved 9-1-1 call-answer performance and ongoing staffing needs at the jail.
Sheriff Chris Wells delivered the department's year‑end report, saying several categories of calls rose in 2025 while others fell.
"Traffic crashes, they've actually increased about 10% this year, with 690 incidents," Wells said, and he noted increased vehicle break-ins and VIN inspections. Wells said the 9-1-1 center exceeded NENA standards, with 100% of 9-1-1 calls answered in 15 seconds and 99% answered within 10 seconds, and that the agency processed substantial administrative and outbound call volume.
Wells described the new jail's financial performance: the county had expected about $500,000 in revenue from federal inmate housing but reported housing revenue of $758,313.65 and a total major revenue figure for jail operations reported in discussion as approximately $865,817.72 (different revenue lines were given during the presentation). He also reported commissary and related revenue and said operations generated more than originally forecast.
The sheriff noted the jail opened later than planned (end of March rather than January), which reduced a full‑year comparison, and he said staffing is nearly full but remains a continuing operational concern. Commissioners asked whether policy or pay adjustments were needed to retain staff; the sheriff and commissioners then discussed a prior staffing incentive tied to maintaining 80% staffing levels.
Wells closed by saying the department would continue building capacity and training to maintain response performance and handle changing caseloads.
