Richland County approves inmate housing agreement with Wilkin County after rate adjustment

The Richland County Board of Commissioners approved a housing agreement with Wilkin County on July 23 to allow Wilkin to accept Richland County inmates when the county jail reaches capacity. The motion, made by Commissioner Nathan Berseth and seconded by Commissioner Rollie Ehlert, passed unanimously after States Attorney Kummer was asked to review contract changes.

The agreement was introduced by Steve Gjerdevig, who said the jail reached maximum capacity over the preceding weekend and that neighboring counties had only one available bed each. Gjerdevig told the Board the State Jail Inspector, Joe Sherven, has approved the arrangement and that he quoted part of the North Dakota Century Code in giving his approval. Commissioners discussed per-diem rates; Gjerdevig said Richland County charges $85 per inmate per day while Wilkin charges $90. Commissioner Tim Campbell asked that the rates be matched; Commissioner Ehlert suggested adjusting the contract so both parties receive $90, and Commissioner Perry Miller agreed. The Board directed the States Attorney to review and implement that change prior to final execution.

Why it matters: the agreement creates a short-term mechanism to place inmates in another county when local jail capacity is exceeded. Board members raised legal and operational questions about cross-county housing, but were told the State Jail Inspector had reviewed the arrangement. The item moves next to States Attorney Kummer for contract revisions before the county executes the agreement.

The Board approved the motion after the requested review and changes; the vote was unanimous.