By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Since the opening of Guthrie County’s new Law Enforcement Center, the county has been housing a significant number of inmates from other counties. This was expected and has been a subject of frequent discussion during weekly meetings of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors.
The county began housing out-of-county inmates on Aug. 3, 2023, and averages approximately 15 out-of-county inmates at any given time. Although the percentages vary, overall, approximately 42% of the inmates are from Guthrie County while the remaining 58% are from outside the county.
Following a request from the supervisors, Deputy Jesse Swensen sent a letter summarizing revenues and costs related to the housing of outside inmates. The data is summarized below, using revenue and expense numbers from August 2023 to present.
Billed revenue from out-of-county inmates:
August 2023: $15,600
September 2023: $26,040
October 2023: $24,420
November 2023: $25,920
December 2023: $30,120
January 2024: $22,250
February 2024: $31,500
March 2024: $26,140
April 2024: $29,770
May 2024: $22,420
June 2024: $29,220
July 2024: $32,270
August 2024: $35,750
September 2024: $33,180
Total Revenue 2023-2024: $385,050
Regarding expenses related to out-of-county inmates, Swensen broke down the averages in his report as follows:
Expense estimates for out-of-county inmates
Food: $2,500/month
Water/Electricity: $2,174/month
Janitorial Supplies: $413/month
Staffing: $4,665/month
Swensen said the total expense estimates for out-of-county inmates for 14 months is $127,198. Raises were also implemented at a total of $9,120 for jailers and $5,760 for facilities.
Swensen’s report showed the estimated net income for housing out-of-county inmates for 14 months at $242,972.
Swensen’s report stated that costs for out-of-county inmates paid for by Guthrie County but billed back to home counties include all medical expenses as well as all prescription drugs. He noted that other expenses such as clothing, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shoes, bedding, mattresses, etc. are paid for from the commissary fund, which he said is 100% funded out of the revenue generated from inmate phone calls, texting and commissary sales. Swensen said there is no additional cost to the taxpayer for these items.