Court approves payrolls and bills amid questions about rising inmate transport costs

During consideration of payrolls and bills, a commissioner raised recurring concerns about inmate-transport costs charged to the county (identified in discussion as Sunrise Transport). One invoice cited in the discussion was approximately $9,050; commissioners asked whether those transport and any security charges should be routed through the indigent fund or the general fund.

County staff said the current bills are being entered to the general fund and promised to consult with the sheriff’s office to clarify billing practices, eligibility for indigent funding, and whether security charges at hospitals are appropriately charged. Commissioners discussed options such as terminating a contract or changing transport arrangements if costs cannot be controlled.

The court voted to approve the payrolls and bills as presented and directed staff to follow up on the transport-cost questions and fund allocations.

Why it matters: Recurring, sizable transport bills affect the county budget and raise questions about whether the county’s billing and fund allocation practices align with indigent care policies and contract terms. Commissioners asked staff for more information and potential corrective measures.