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Commissioners warned jail population surge is driving outsourcing bills; county projects added jail and legal-defense costs
Summary
Officials said jail population rose above 150 inmates and the county is outsourcing dozens to other counties, producing monthly bills (about $47,000 for 30 inmates in July) and projected overages in food, contract services and inmate medical expenses.
During the budget workshop the presiding official flagged a sustained rise in jail population and the fiscal consequences for next year.
"Our jail capacity is 1 44, and we've run most of the year with a 125 inmates in in the in the jail ... now where I've met over a 150 inmates that the county is responsible for housing," the judge said, noting the county is currently housing some inmates in Henderson County and paying monthly outsourcing bills.
The judge presented preliminary projections based on July billings: roughly $47,000 for about 30 inmates housed outside the county in July, and an estimated fiscal‑year shortfall in contract and medical expenses (projected totals presented: inmate food +$15,000; contract services +$97,000; inmate medical expense +$56,000, for a combined projected increase around $168,000). He said those projected costs are not yet reflected in the requested FY27 budget and will require adjustment.
Commissioners discussed opening additional minimum‑security beds to avoid transport costs versus the immediate staffing costs of adding correction officers; staff estimated opening a 24‑bed unit would require four correction officers and that the long‑term savings from reduced outsourcing could offset those payroll costs if the unit could be properly staffed and certified.
