By Michael Pineda
Staff Writer
Crime may not pay but it can be costly for offender and county alike.
Canadian County Commissioners on Monday approved the transfer of $50,000 to help cover inmate housing fees for the current fiscal year, which ends this month.
The current fund for out-of-county inmates has been exhausted. Commissioner Jack Stewart said work is taking place to add more for expenses for the new fiscal budget.
Undersheriff Kevin Ward said the department knew the time would come when expenses would rise.
He attributed it to the fact that some counties that previously housed Canadian County inmates had new contracts with the Department of Indian Affairs. Whereas one county used to hold 15 to 20 inmates, that number has been reduced to two. In response, the county has signed contracts with other facilities, which charge more to house inmates.
Currently, there are 214 inmates, 40 of which are housed in other counties and 174 held in the El Reno facility. Of those inmates, 22 are awaiting transport to the Department of Corrections. Ward said the DOC number will vary as the department will let it build up to as high as 25 sometimes. At that point, the sheriff’s department will transport 10 to 12 inmates.
During the meeting, the commissioners also approved a resolution renewing an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Canadian County and Circuit Engineering District 5. Another line item called for a resolution designating a Canadian County board member to the Circuit Engineering District. After discussion, the commission tabled the item indefinitely. Stewart pointed out such designations are typically made at the beginning of the calendar year, rather than the beginning of a fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Typically, the commission designates the vice-chair.
The commission will also have at least one new face halfway through the fiscal year term, as Stewart has opted to run for the State Senate. District 1 Commissioner Marc Hader is also facing an opponent in the upcoming primary June 28.
District 2 Commissioner Dave Anderson opted to wait and get further information.
Later in the meeting, Hader learned a designation was needed because the state auditor requires it. After additional conversation, no further action was taken.
“We will find out if it is a problem,” Anderson said.
In other commission actions:
- The commission approved permits with Tom-Stack LLC in District 1 and Select Energy Services in District 2.
