Council approves one‑year extension for Wexford jail‑health contract amid sheriff transition

The New Orleans City Council voted to authorize Amendment No. 1 to the city’s jail‑health contract with Wexford Health Sources, extending the existing professional services agreement for one year to June 1, 2027. Council action followed presentations by the CEO’s office and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office explaining continuity and oversight reasons for the short extension.

Abby Ven, the CEO’s office chief performance officer, told the council the original agreement resulted from a 2023 RFP and carried an initial two‑year term set to expire June 1, 2026. The proposed extension would maintain medical, mental‑health, addiction medicine and dental services while the new sheriff’s administration conducts a comprehensive review of operations and long‑term service options.

City and sheriff’s office speakers described the contract as a cost‑plus arrangement of about $24 million for the year: roughly $3 million in administrative fee and about $21 million in operating costs, subject to periodic reconciliations. Ven said the city receives reconciliations approximately every six months and has historically returned credits when operating costs are below projections.

Sheriff Wood said the extension is intended to avoid lapses in medically necessary care and to provide time for her administration to evaluate providers and staffing, with an explicit pledge to be “boots on the ground” and involved in oversight of clinical services. Council members emphasized transparency over spending and the need for ongoing reporting to ensure quality of care and compliance with monitors of the consent decree.

Council moved and passed the motion to adopt the amendment after discussion; the recorded floor count indicated support by the majority of council members present.

What happens next: The one‑year extension will preserve continuity while the sheriff’s office, city administration and stakeholders plan for any future procurement or service model changes and work toward full compliance with court‑monitored standards. Council members asked for continued financial transparency and opportunities for council tours and oversight.