The Douglas County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 16 and began the meeting with recognition of correctional officer Patrick West, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Deputy Corrections Director Amber Redmond reported the jail is fully staffed and operating under budget, even though overtime costs totaled $568,516 in August. The average daily population was 1,093, with inmates staying an average of 24 days. She noted progress in GED programming, with 72 participants and five graduates, and said a new pretrial release software system will launch in October. Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh raised concerns about continued overtime use and the fact that 65% of inmates are minorities.
Commissioners also approved joining the National Opioid Settlement with secondary manufacturers and adopted a resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Commissioner Roger Garcia and local historian Jorge Garcia reflected on immigrant contributions to the county. The board adjourned at noon after an executive session.
Meeting documented by Lissette Aliaga Linares
Read full meeting notes here
