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Aberdeen authorizes meeting with Monroe County after county warns it may stop taking inmates
Summary
The board authorized Mayor Johnny D. Stevens to contact Monroe County officials about the city's inmate housing contract after Attorney General opinions suggested the city may be overpaying; county officials reportedly told the city it will have nowhere to house inmates after Jan. 30, 2026.
The Aberdeen Board of Aldermen voted Jan. 20 to authorize Mayor Johnny D. Stevens to contact the Monroe County attorney and arrange a meeting that would include the city attorney, the Board of Aldermen, the Monroe County Board of Supervisors and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to discuss the city’s inmate contract.
Alderman John Cain told the board that Attorney General opinions the city received indicate the city may be paying too much under its contract with Monroe County. Cain said the board began attempting to renegotiate the contract and subsequently received a letter from the Board of Supervisors saying Aberdeen “will have nowhere to house inmates after January 30, 2026.” The authorization to set up the meeting passed unanimously.
Why it matters: the ability to house inmates affects public safety operations, police procedures and the city’s budget. If the county were to stop accepting Aberdeen inmates after Jan. 30, the city would need an alternative housing arrangement quickly.
Related action at the meeting: the board also tabled paying the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office inmate invoice dated Dec. 1–31, 2025 while the issue is addressed.
What’s next: the mayor and city attorney are expected to meet with county counterparts to discuss the contract and the Attorney General opinions; the meeting will determine short-term housing arrangements and any financial or legal remedies.
