Richland County approves new one‑year jail food contract, promotes correctional officer to meet PREA duties

The Richland County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 6 approved a one‑year contract to have Wilkin County supply meals to the county jail and also approved the promotion of a correctional officer to meet federal PREA supervisory requirements.

Steve Gjerdevig told commissioners the county’s current meal plan with St. Francis costs about $16,000 per month and provides lunch and dinner. He said the Wilkin County plan would add breakfast and cost about $14,000 per month. Gjerdevig said the county would see about $30,000 in annual grocery savings and roughly $15,000 in savings on paper trays if the new contract is adopted. “I would like to have the new contract start September 1, 2024,” Gjerdevig said. State’s Attorney Kummer cautioned that the agreement will require signatures from Wilkin County commissioners and “that could delay the start of the agreement.”

After the presentation, Commissioner Nathan Berseth moved — and Commissioner Terry Goerger seconded — a motion to approve the contract; the board voted unanimously to approve it.

At the same agenda item, Gjerdevig requested the promotion of Correctional Officer Roxanne Mitchell to sergeant so the county’s PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) roles would be held by staff in supervisory positions. Gjerdevig said Mitchell has “knocked it out of the park” as the PREA manager and has mentored team members; Auditor/Administrator Sandy Fossum said the promotion would increase Mitchell’s salary by about $5,600 annually. Commissioner Tim Campbell moved — and Commissioner Goerger seconded — the promotion, which the board approved unanimously to be effective Sept. 1, 2024.

The board recorded the approvals as routine motions during the Aug. 6 meeting. Kummer, Gjerdevig and Fossum said they would follow up on administrative steps needed to implement the contract and personnel change, including any additional signatures and payroll adjustments.