Commission approves $430,000 to cover inmate medical costs

The Athens-Clarke County Commission approved a $430,000 amendment to the FY2026 operating and capital budget to cover inmate medical expenses, the mayor announced during a special called session on Sept. 15.

Mayor (speaker 1) opened the short session to consider the funding request and asked Clerk Howard to call the roll. Attorney Drake (speaker 9) read the ordinance language: “An ordinance to amend the FY 2026 operating capital budget for Athens-Clarke County, Georgia so to provide funding to the sheriff's office for expenses related to cost in providing inmate medical services and further purposes.” Commissioner Hamby (speaker 4) moved approval; Commissioner Myers (speaker 8) seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote after the commission suspended the rules for the item.

Commissioner Myers thanked Sheriff Williams (referenced in the discussion) for providing requested information, and said the increase stems from a higher-than-forecast inmate population and late medical bills. “Part of this increase is because of the number of inmates that we have is above what was forecasted, and medical expenses and bills coming in late,” Myers said (speaker 8). No recorded roll-call tally was taken in the transcript; the mayor stated the motion carried after asking for objections.

The ordinance text read into the record directs the funds to the sheriff's office for inmate medical services. The commission did not attach conditions or amendments to the appropriation during the special session. The budget amendment will appear on the Oct. 6 voting meeting agenda for final formalization of the ordinance language and recording of the minutes.