Dodge County supervisors to pursue further talks on jail contract after officials report 70 inmates in custody

Supervisor Beam reported to the Dodge County Board of Supervisors on April 15 that "there are currently 70 inmates in custody, with 41 being held in Saunders County, 20 in Washington County, 4 in Douglas County, 3 at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and 2 at the Lincoln Regional Center." The report came during the Board's brief session as the Board of Corrections.

The update prompted officials to describe ongoing intergovernmental negotiations over a jail contract. County Attorney Hopkins told the Board that "there was a meeting held between Dodge County and the Saunders County Attorney regarding the jail contract" and said a follow-up meeting is expected within two weeks; after that, the Jail Committee will be included in discussions. The Board did not take a vote or direct immediate action during the April 15 session.

Why it matters: Dodge County is relying on multiple out-of-county placements for people in custody, a dynamic that can affect costs, transport logistics and local detention capacity. Board members did not provide a detailed cost breakdown at the meeting; no contract text or timetable for a final agreement was presented.

What happened next: The Board adjourned its Board of Corrections session; officials said the next step is continuing talks with Saunders County and then involving the County's Jail Committee. No formal motion or contract award was made on April 15.