Commission backs letter of support for supervised landfill work program using eligible inmates

San Juan County commissioners approved a letter of support Aug. 4 to allow eligible jail inmates to participate in supervised landfill work programs, with several caveats and follow-up requirements.

Deputy County Attorney Nelson stressed that the letter is a nonbinding statement of support and that a formal agreement between the sheriff’s office and the landfill must include screening, staffing and safety details. "Number 1, this doesn't really require any particular level of inmates going and performing this labor and this work. It just says that you're supportive of it," the deputy attorney said, adding that the later agreement must ``dot your i's and cross your t's.''

Commissioners asked whether inmates would work during public hours, how participants would be screened for criminal-history or flight risk, and whether safeguards would protect the public. County staff said state law authorizes such programs but detailed procedures will be recorded in the later interagency agreement. One commissioner asked the county attorney to include language encouraging weekend landfill hours to expand inmate work opportunities; the commission approved the letter with that direction.

The commission noted the agreement's operational dependencies, including sheriff's staffing levels to supervise work crews and procurement of liability protections. The commission awaits the drafting of the formal agreement that will appear before the board for final authorization.