Sheriff details overtime overrun, jail crowding and awaiting master study

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office told commissioners it is facing sustained overtime costs and crowding that staff say require a new jail planning process.

"Note that our overtime budget is $11,700,000 and to date we've already spent $17,000,000," Alicia Lindsey said during the FY2026 presentation. She said three months remained in the fiscal year and that overtime continues to be driven by critical vacancies in both jail operations and law enforcement.

Sheriff Floyd Bonner and CAO Lindsey highlighted that the county's detainee population is rising and that the master jail study—expected May 6—would inform next steps. Lindsey described a "worst case" estimate for a new jail at $1,400,000,000, but noted that figure came before the final master study results and that construction tariffs and supply costs could change estimates.

Kirk Fields, chief jailer, described recent capital repairs—particularly replacement of obsolete sliding pod doors with swing doors—and said the new doors have reduced incidents and improved safety. Fields said some original parts and vendors for older door systems no longer exist, increasing costs when parts must be remanufactured.

Commissioners pressed the sheriff's office on where additional funds would come from, the timeline for the master study and whether the new-jail estimate included courts or administrative space; Lindsey said the $229,000,000 figure discussed for the jail was a worst-case construction estimate that excluded courts and administrative staff.