Council approves amended inmate-housing contract; daily rate raised and damage-cap amendment added

The Seminole City Council approved an amended inmate-housing agreement with the Seminole County Detention Facility that raises the per-diem housing rate to $67.54 and adds protections for the city.

Staff presented the contract change and explained the city will be billed and then attempt to collect from inmates; historically the city budgets the full amount and net collections are returned to the general fund if successful. The proposed daily rate represents an increase from the previous rate of $32.68. Council members raised concerns about open-ended liability for damages caused by inmates and asked for contract language that would protect the city's budget.

Council approved an amendment (added to paragraph 70 of the proposed contract) requiring the county to notify the city immediately of damage by an inmate and to provide the actual cost of repairs within five working days, and the council added a $10,000 cap on per-incident damage charges (to align with the county's insurance deductible). The motion to accept the contract as amended passed by roll call.