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Sheriff warns new jail layout will require additional staffing, raises $365,000/year estimate
Summary
Sheriff White told councilors the proposed facility design would require about five additional jail officers (to cover control, booking, floor and response functions) and suggested the county has underfunded staffing for years.
Sheriff White said the design choices intended to improve sightlines and safety would increase on‑going staffing needs. He told the joint meeting that the planned facility layout requires more officers to staff booking, control and floor positions and to provide adequate coverage for days off.
"We would need 5 extra positions," Sheriff White said when asked about staffing for the new design, adding that those hires respond to both operational needs and to a long‑standing staffing shortfall the county has had for the past decade. Councilor estimates during the meeting put the total recurring cost for five full‑time positions (including benefits) at about $365,000 per year.
Sheriff White said the county cannot ignore those additional operating costs when evaluating the facility and asked the council to ensure that staffing needs are identified and budgeted as part of the project. Officials acknowledged the point and said operating cost details will be refined as part of later stages of budgeting and the bond plan.
