Potter County approves two short-term inmate housing contracts amid capacity crisis, defers larger Haskell decision

Potter County’s commissioners on Monday approved two short-term out-of-county inmate housing contracts while pressing staff for more budget detail before committing to a larger Haskell County agreement.

Sheriff (S9) told the court the county has already spent about $1.3 million in 2025 plus roughly $144,000 on overtime and transportation this year and that local capacity has been administratively limited to 80% by the jail commission. “We are to the point now that we’re having to go at least 7 to 8 hours away to find beds,” the sheriff said, arguing the Haskell contract would relieve transportation burdens because Haskell provides weekly pickup and handles TDCJ paper-ready inmates.

Commissioners repeatedly questioned the sustainability and cost. One commissioner (S5) warned an annualized cost tied to the six-month Haskell deal could approach $1.8 million, making it the county’s largest single contract if extended: “That would be the single largest contract that the county has,” S7 (auditor) said, and cautioned the court that long-term funding was not in the adopted budget.

The court voted to approve contracts with Hemphill and Wichita counties (motions seconded and approved on the floor). Commissioners declined to finalize the Haskell six-month contract immediately, asking the sheriff and auditor to provide additional comparisons, availability data and funding sources before the court acted further. The sheriff said Haskell had offered a six-month term, but that Hemphill and Wichita would be week-to-week and subject to bed availability.

The discussion also noted an increased population of “11 d” inmates — people denied bond under a law referenced by the sheriff — and that the county is tracking a rise in long-term detainees. The court directed staff to bring back funding options and bed-availability details before extending or renewing significant out-of-county housing commitments.