Jasper County approves ordinance transferring detention center custody to sheriff

Jasper County Council voted to adopt an ordinance transferring custody and management of the county detention center to the sheriff. The ordinance follows an emergency first reading earlier in January and cites statutory authority (cited in the meeting as code 24-5-12).

Counsel explained that the transfer delegates custody and administration to the sheriff while the county retains the authority to set a budget for operations. Several council members asked about long-term reversibility and whether a future sheriff could decline custody; counsel and staff said the transfer requires the sheriff's agreement to accept custody and that any reversal would likewise require the sheriff to relinquish custody.

Councilors also raised operational concerns such as whether separate memorandums of understanding or operational agreements should be developed; counsel replied that the ordinance itself is legally sufficient but acknowledged that ongoing budget negotiations and operational planning between the county and sheriff would be important to implement the transfer smoothly.

After discussion, a motion to approve was made and carried by voice vote.