2019-10-24 Prelim budget - 1 - Sheriff-Jail2020 preliminary budget meeting: Sheriff and Jail
October 24, 2019
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik
Martin, Budget Services Manager Becky Butler, Sheriff Rob Snaza, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Chief
Dusty Breen, Captain Chris Tawes, Chief Bruce Kimsey
Citizens Budget Committee members: Frank Corbin, Paul Crowner, Bill Kassen, Bill Marshall, Bill Serrahn
Other guests: Dr. Lindsey Pollock, Linda Williams
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Sheriff’s Office
Becky Butler said the preliminary 2020 budget for the Sheriff’s Office includes revenues totaling
$1,997,479 and expenditures totaling $8,735,550.
Sheriff Snaza discussed funding the commissioners had approved the previous year to for an additional
position: that of the Commercial Vehicle Officer (CVO) position. He said the individual hired for the CVO
position left after the extensive training process was underway. He said his office has hired to fill
another vacant position and that individual is still undergoing field training. He said his office plans to fill
the CVO position, if funded, as other vacancies are filled.
Sheriff Snaza said he is asking for additional funding totaling $22,000 to cover increased operating costs
for things such as copy paper, etc.
Sheriff Snaza and Chief Kimsey discussed the costs associated with outfitting a new deputy for the CVO
position.
Sheriff Snaza outlined cost-saving measures his office takes, such as reusing uniforms, pursuing grants,
purchasing less formal (and therefore less expensive) uniforms that can be used in less formal
circumstances, etc.
Sheriff Snaza discussed contract services his office provides for small cities. He also talked about
additional costs associated with the implementation of Initiative 1639.
Jail
Becky Butler said the preliminary 2020 budget for the Jail includes revenues totaling $1,224,766 and
expenditures totaling $8,525,500.
Sheriff Snaza said the jail’s adult daily population (ADP) average was below 200 when he first started
and now averages 235. He said additional medical services have been needed to address the increased
number of inmates.
Sheriff Snaza said Lewis County is one of the few sites along the Interstate 5 corridor that still books
people into jail for misdemeanor crimes.
Sheriff Snaza said he and his team will be reviewing its rate structure to create a uniform charge for
booking fees and inmate housing.
Sheriff Snaza said he is requesting funding to hire two additional corrections deputies. He said he also is
requesting funding to purchase a body scanner to help detect any contraband and a transport vehicle.
Chief Kimsey left at 9:56 a.m.
Sheriff Snaza discussed:
• cost increases to the county’s agreement with Naphcare, which provides 24-hour medical care
at the jail.
• High costs associated with providing medical care for inmates.
• The loss of a BHO grant that had helped pay for mental health medications. He and
Commissioner Fund noted that Medicaid coverage goes away once a criminal is incarcerated.
• The benefits that could be associated with home monitoring.
• The limits courts now face regarding imposing fines and fees.
• The high costs of caring for individuals who suffer from a mental illness and must be housed at
the jail until beds open up at Western.
Meeting ended at 10:16 a.m.