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Commissioners Defer Action on $5M-Year UTMB Contract for Jail Medical Services, Consulted Counsel in Executive Session
Summary
The court heard a proposed five‑year interlocal with UTMB for inmate medical and behavioral health services with a first‑year cost presented at $5,028,750 (five‑year projection $25,775,792). Commissioners consulted legal counsel in executive session and did not take final action pending further review.
County staff presented an interlocal agreement with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) to provide comprehensive inmate medical and behavioral health services at the Ellis County Jail. The proposal described a five‑year term with a first‑year cost presented to commissioners as $5,028,750 and a projected five‑year total of $25,775,792.
Judge Ray and staff said the item was cross‑posted for executive session and legal counsel would be consulted on contract language and issues that staff and the sheriff identified. After consulting counsel in executive session, commissioners returned to open session and indicated they would explore options further with the sheriff’s office and staff; the court did not approve the interlocal at this meeting and asked staff to return with additional information and possible alternatives.
Commissioners emphasized the county’s facility and service needs in the criminal‑justice system and noted that further review would inform any final decision about contracting with UTMB or pursuing alternatives.
