Sheriff presents deputy hiring cost analysis and says he may privatize jail food service

Sheriff Rodney Robinson briefed the Steuben County Council on personnel costs and operational options at the May 14 meeting, providing a first‑year cost estimate and a possible cost‑saving measure for jail food service.

Robinson presented a breakdown estimating the total investment to bring a first‑year deputy to full active duty at about $26,450, excluding pay for field training officers; a more detailed cost breakdown is on file in the Auditor’s Office, he said. Robinson described concerns about wage disparities among road deputies at the state, county and city levels and said the county has experienced high turnover as a result.

He also reported that he is evaluating a privatization option for jail food service. Robinson said his meal cost analysis showed potential savings of $50,000 to $60,000 for the remainder of 2019 if the county moves to contracted food service, and estimated the savings could be roughly double in the following year. He told the council he would make a decision before July 1, 2019.

The council reviewed routine correspondence and approved April 9, 2019 minutes before adjourning; Ruth Beer moved to adjourn and Council President Richard Shipe closed the meeting.