Sheriff reports rising jail population, ALPR activity and applies for $450,000 radio grant

Sheriff Brad presented the July sheriff’s office report and financial snapshot, reporting a commissary/checking combined balance of $27,857.29 for June 2026 and operational totals including 565 cases and calls for service and 186 bookings for the month. "The balance was $24,752.95," he said, adding that resident balances and commissary items left a usable funds balance of $17,615.52.

Brad said the jail’s average daily population in June was 62.4 (high of 74, low of 55) and that roughly 6–7% of the population are out-of-county contract inmates. He explained the county bears the first 24 hours of costs for state-sentenced inmates and that state reimbursement rules apply for some transports and post-sentencing costs.

On technology and grants, Brad said the office applied for a radio grant "for up to $450,000" with no county match, intended to add portable and vehicle radios with cellular redundancy and encryption to improve communications and officer safety. He also reported ALPR (automated license-plate reader) activity and searches that aided investigations and helped recover about $2,500 in stolen tools.

Budget changes Brad proposed include a 4% COLA for wages, a projected 10% increase in health insurance, a $1,000 professional-fees increase, and a $24,400 rise in machinery and equipment for vehicles, weapon/upgrades, Taser and subscription costs and consideration of a Skydio drone. He said the detention center utilities budget was raised by $40,000 to plan for the new facility but that full-year costs will be clearer after occupancy.