Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Juvenile Justice Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners debate $11.226M fund‑balance request to move youth‑justice supervision to Corrections
Summary
The administration requested an $11.226 million FY2026 amendment from general fund fund balance to transfer supervision of the Youth Justice & Education Center from the Sheriff's Office to the Division of Corrections. Staff said recruiting and 12‑week training timelines make the funding time‑sensitive; several commissioners urged delaying fund‑balance action until books are closed and additional fiscal options are explored.
The administration asked the Budget & Finance Committee to amend the FY2026 operating budget to allocate $11,226,461 from general fund fund balance to support transitioning supervision of the Youth Justice & Education Center (YJEC) from the Sheriff's Office to the Shelby County Division of Corrections. Chief Administrative Officer Harold Collins and Director of Corrections Anthony Alexander said the transfer responds to the Sheriff's announcement that the office will stop supervision on September 30 and that the county must recruit, hire and complete training (some training up to 12 weeks) for corrections staff and supervisors.
Director Alexander said hiring had already begun and that three classes produced roughly 45 current hires, with additional background checks under way; the requested appropriation covers salaries, fringe and O&M to operate YJEC under Corrections. Several commissioners — notably Commissioner Ford — pressed finance staff about process and timing, arguing that fund balance should not be used for recurring costs without completing June close and auditor diligence. Commissioner Ford moved to send the item down without recommendation so commissioners could receive additional numbers and options; that procedural motion was seconded and accepted so the item will be revisited after staff provides the requested detail.
Why it matters: the request ties to public‑safety continuity for detained youth and to recurring operating costs; commissioners are weighing an urgent operational need against fiscal process norms and fund‑balance constraints.
