County Commission Approves Interlocal Agreement
Sheriff Sadie Darnell says that even though the County Commission did not approve her original request for 46 new positions at the jail, she says that 34 new employees is a lot better than what she has now.
After a drawn out controversy, the County Commission approved an interlocal agreement that gives the Sheriff's Office the right to continue to manage the county jail until 2018.
That is complicated by questions over how much funding will come from the state and a new medicaid mandate that may cost the county millions.
Acting Deputy County Manager Betty Baker says if there is enough funding, the 34 jobs would be paid for.
Darnell says that before any hiring is done, they need to make sure the money is in place.
There are a couple capital projects that fall under the interlocal agreement. here at the Alachua County jail they hope to replace the roofs, windows and ac systems as well as renovate the kitchen."
So, she says she is satisfied.
Alachua County spokesperson Mark Sexton says every October the sheriff has the option to accept the budget given by the county or give them a nine month notice before the termination date before turning the jail over to the county.
