Medical, food costs force Buffalo County Jail to dip into reserve funds

That’s according to Sheriff Neil Miller, who told the Buffalo County Board of Commissioners Tuesday that Nebraska’s county jails face similar budget challenges.

“The people we put in jail today are sicker than in the past, and we have more of them,” Miller told commissioners.

County jails are responsible for medical, dental, and other health care, consistent with federal prison standards.

Miller said Buffalo County budgeted $300,000 for inmate medical care but spent $150,000 more than expected. The prison went $15,000 over its food budget of $399,000.

Miller said that although the prison exceeded its medical and food budgets, two or three vacancies in the second half of the year saved about $85,000.

Combined with the $75,000 transfer, personnel savings of $85,000 will eliminate the deficit and allow the prison to finish the year in the black. The prison’s total budget is $3.3 million, including $2.54 million for staff.

In a 6-0 vote, with Commissioner Sherry Morrow of Kearney absent, the board approved transferring $75,000 in funds to help erase the prison’s deficit and lead to well the remainder of the 2023-24 fiscal year, which ends June 30.