City and county leaders continue to hash out an updated established framework to manage detainees housed at the Lafayette County Jail efficiently and equitably.

Oxford had historically paid $35 a day for the housing of misdemeanor and felony prisoners arrested by the Oxford Police Department, paying for the full duration of misdemeanor sentences and the first 10 days of felony detentions. The state reimburses the city the $ 35-a-day fee.

However, in October 2023, the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors requested an increase in the city’s daily payment per inmate from $35 to $55. Oxford agreed to the increase to remain a cooperative partner with the county, even though the city would still only be reimbursed $35.

In June, the Board of Supervisors proposed additional changes to the agreement, including the city’s increased responsibility for the medical care of inmates. The city objected to some of the new proposed changes and continued to meet with county leaders, outside of corum, to discuss the contract.

Last week, City Attorney Pope Mallette presented a new proposed contract to the Board of Aldermen for their consideration after the meeting between the two governments.

The Board approved the contract and sent it to the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors who reviewed the proposed contract in an executive session after their regular meeting on Monday.

According to Board President Brent Larson, no action was taken by the supervisors. They did not vote to approve or deny.

Under the new proposed agreement, the city would retain responsibility for detainees arrested on felony charges until they are either bound over to the Grand Jury, waive their preliminary hearing, or are formally indicted.

At this point, these individuals transition to becoming county inmates, shifting both responsibility and associated costs to the county. Misdemeanor detainees, however, remain under the city’s jurisdiction for the entirety of their detention related to those charges.

The city would continue to pay the county $55 per day for the first 20 days a detainee is held, with a reduced rate of $32.71 per day thereafter. These payments cover standard costs such as housing, routine medical care, clothing, and administration. However, non-routine medical expenses, including off-site treatments and prescriptions, remain the city’s responsibility.

The county coordinates necessary off-site medical treatments for detainees and provides detailed invoices for these non-routine services. The city is obligated to reimburse these costs within 45 days of receiving the invoice. Both parties also aim to recover medical expenses from other available sources, such as inmates or external funding, before bearing the costs themselves.

The agreement emphasizes the importance of timely legal proceedings. The city is tasked with ensuring detainees receive initial court appearances promptly, helping to reduce unnecessary delays.

Additionally, both the city and county would work together to minimize pretrial detention times.