County approves juvenile-bed contracts with Prairie Lakes and Carver County

Blue Earth County’s board approved two intergovernmental and vendor agreements to secure juvenile detention capacity in 2026.

Community Corrections staff presented a contract with Prairie Lakes Youth Programs (Wilmer) for one secure bed per day in 2026 at a per diem of $540. Staff said the facility serves long-term secure placements and the per-diem increase from $440 to $540 represents roughly a 22% rise. The total contract was described in the memo as approximately $197,100; unused bed-day costs would be split between Community Corrections and Human Services as specified in the agreement. The board approved the contract.

The board also approved a contract with Carver County for one secure bed per day at a $200 daily per diem (unchanged from 2025). The total contract value is about $73,000 with Blue Earth County’s share roughly $61,000 and Nicollet County covering the remainder. Staff emphasized the Carver agreement typically guarantees priority access for Blue Earth County and limits stays there to up to eight business days under that arrangement. Commissioners approved the Carver contract by motion.