Revenue from state inmates at the new jail could triple the amount expected in the budget for this fiscal year. In setting the budget, which anticipated 8-9 months in the new facility, the commission estimated $223,000 would be generated from the fee paid by the state for housing state inmates.

Sheriff Bill Davis said last week that the state prisoner population increased even faster than he thought it would. With state funds and around $2,000 monthly from commissions on the commissary orders and 50% of fees for the telephones in the jail, Davis said he thought this year would end with around $650,000 in revenue since the jail opened in November.

He said the inmate population is in the 140s, not quite at the capacity of 150. “It has worked out well,” he said, noting the revenue is around what he thought it would be. If the current pace is maintained for a full year, he said, revenue could reach $1 million.

The budget was amended to allow Davis to have more correctional officer as originally allowed. A formula based on state inmate population was developed, with a cap at 21. Davis had asked for 24 and is again asking for the three additional positions.