Dodge County to seek talks with Saunders County over inmate housing after reporting 71 in custody

During a Board of Corrections session recessed from the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Beam reported there were 71 inmates in custody. Of those, 45 were being held in Saunders County, 20 in Washington County, 3 in Douglas County and 3 with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. The figures were presented to the Board as part of the Corrections update.

Supervisor Backens asked whether formal negotiations have begun with Saunders County regarding housing Dodge County inmates. County Attorney Hopkins said she has spoken with Saunders County officials but that no formal meeting has been scheduled; she said she plans to schedule a meeting in the next couple of weeks to discuss the agreement.

Why it matters: Dodge County relies on out-of-county beds for a substantial portion of its jail population; arranging formal agreements affects costs, transportation and operational planning. The Board adjourned the Board of Corrections and reconvened as the Board of Supervisors with no immediate formal action recorded on housing agreements.