Commission approves 28 new positions to staff jail addition, county projects $2.21M cost

The Marshall County Commission voted to fund 28 new correctional positions tied to the new jail addition, and staff told commissioners the operating impact in the coming year would be sizable.

The chair outlined the budget implications, saying the addition’s personnel costs were estimated at about "$2,210,000, closer to $2,211,000" and that the county would make up the amount from reserves. The county has roughly $27 million in reserves, the chair said, and commissioners intend to phase hiring and rely on a pay study expected at the end of July or August to refine costs.

Sheriff Jeremy described operational needs and staffing patterns in detail, saying the existing jail has 32 positions and the addition requires an additional 28 positions "on top of what we already have," with the full staffed total about 60. He outlined four 12-hour shifts, control-room coverage, two booking officers (male and female), block officers, roving positions between buildings, and specific oversight for female housing and isolation cells. "That's why we're asking for what we want for safety, for our employees, and safety for the inmates," he said.

Sheriff Jeremy also said training and equipment are central to reducing liability; he noted the facility moved from a high-incident to a low-incident status in state reporting and that inspectors are scheduled to return August 27. The commission approved adding the positions to the FY2027 budget and recorded votes in favor.