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Committee hears jail capacity crunch, $7,600 in February transport costs
Summary
Jail Administrator Emily Scholl told the committee that regional capacity issues have required extra transports and staff call-ins; February transport-only expenses totaled $7,600 and the jail has budgeted $275,000 for related costs.
Jail Administrator Emily Scholl told the Buffalo County Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Committee on March 4 that regional jail capacity problems have increased transports and operational strain, and that February transport-only costs totaled $7,600.
"In February the cost of transports was $7,600 and that is only for transports and nothing else," Scholl said, describing instances when neighboring jails were full and county staff had to be called in overnight to perform transports. She said Trempealeau County has been housing inmates but declined to enter into a guaranteed-beds contract, and the county is exploring housing some inmates in Pierce County or further afield for longer-term placements. Scholl added that part-time staff are being used for transports and that transport and medical expenses come out of different budget accounts.
Why it matters: committee members heard that inmate housing pressures create overtime and logistical burdens, causing budgetary strain and staff stress. Scholl said the jail budgeted $275,000 for related costs and that the department will continue to seek options to reduce transports, including alternative housing placements.
The committee recorded the update and expressed appreciation for staff efforts; no formal action beyond discussion was taken at this meeting.
