Sheriff warns jail staffing shortfall could add $1M a year if 72-bed dorm opens

During the county's public hearing on the proposed tax rate, the sheriff told the court that an increase in the inmate population could force the county to bring a 72-bed dormitory online, adding substantial recurring costs.

"If we avoid opening that particular dormitory, it has a savings of about 800,000 to 1000000 dollars," the sheriff said, noting that staffing the dormitory would require roughly 10 additional jailers and that the county spent about $90,000 last month on out-of-county inmate housing. Sheriff comments prompted commissioners to discuss options such as bringing in associate judges to move dockets or otherwise accelerate criminal case processing to reduce jail population.

Court members said they could explore administrative and judicial options to limit overtime and reduce reliance on out-of-county housing but did not adopt any immediate budget changes at the hearing. The sheriff characterized the immediate operational strain as a personnel and scheduling issue rather than an item the court could resolve administratively that day.