Sheriff and jail official say inmate housing offsets about $4.25 million of Bedford County jail costs

The sheriff and a jail official told the Bedford County Public Safety Committee that revenue from inmate services and housing outside inmates significantly offsets the county's jail operating costs.

"The total amount we took in for housing that state and DeKalb County combined was $2,153,889," the jail administrator said, later reporting that "that yearly total is $4,245,120.97." The official presented line-item figures including inmate phone revenue of $203,726.57, commissary receipts of $30,004.80 and a sheriff's fee of $49,675.

The figures, presented during the committee's monthly reports, were framed as offsets to the county's roughly $6,000,000 annual jail operating allocation. The jail official said the goal is fiscal responsibility rather than profit: "We are not trying to turn the Bedford County jail into a for-profit organization," the official said, adding the department aims to reduce the county's net subsidy where practicable.

Sheriff's office summary: The sheriff also reviewed operational figures for June, including 23 drug task-force investigations involving 31 defendants and seizures of cash, firearms and controlled substances. He reported that court-security processed 4,735 people through the Bedford County Judicial Complex and that the jail passed a recent state inspection and was reaccredited for a third consecutive year.

Why it matters: County officials said the revenues ease pressure on the county budget but do not change the county's statutory responsibilities for confinement and care. Committee members asked clarifying questions about community programs and the jail's role; the jail administrator reiterated that the department prioritizes humane care and efficiency.

The committee approved the meeting reports by voice vote later in the session (tally not specified).