Sheriff reports maintenance backlog, falling inmate numbers and recent hires

At the Wichita County Commissioners Court meeting on May 15, the sheriff updated commissioners on jail maintenance, staffing and population trends. "Work orders for the last 2 weeks were total of 92 being completed," the sheriff reported, noting contractors have been contacted for roof repairs and parts awaited for an out-of-service dryer.

The sheriff said a portable building’s siding and its attachments are deteriorating after roughly "10 to 12 years" and will need outside repair. Commissioners discussed where to direct repairs and asked for contractor estimates; Jay Reynolds was named as providing a roof estimate.

On staffing and population, the sheriff said the jail was holding "488 this morning," and described recent operational improvements: eight new hires started this week, jail school has temporarily housed 10 people (who will return to the floor when school ends), and three pods were closed, which lowered daily staffing needs.

Commissioners and staff debated overtime accounting and suggested tracking sick and vacation use differently to show more accurate overtime figures. The court was told that some reductions in out-of-county inmates reflect federal placements elsewhere rather than a local policy change.

No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to obtain repair quotes and to continue reporting staffing and overtime trends for budget season.