Speaking about the financial and logistical challenges of housing city inmates at the county jail, East highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in managing detainees and ensuring their welfare.

The discussions arose after the city sought a formal agreement with the county for inmate housing, a process East said he initially resisted.

East explained that the county currently charges $55 per day to house city inmates, though it costs the county approximately $68 per day to provide food, medical care, and other services. Despite this deficit, East said the county remains committed to keeping costs manageable for the city.

“We’re not trying to gouge anyone,” he said. “The goal is to share the responsibility of housing inmates, ensuring they’re treated fairly and that their families know they’re being cared for.”

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. This was done after the county conducted a cost analysis of the county jail. The city agreed.

A few months later, the city then requested the county sign a contract.

“After researching, I found the city, by law, has to have a contract or build their own jail and accept all liability and responsibility themselves,” East said. “I also discovered that there was no legal reason why the county took full responsibility and became liable for a city inmate on felony charges after 10 days. I also found that some inmates would be in the jail for months and even a year or more before their cases were settled.”

It was also discovered that city inmates’ bonds were being set higher than bonds set by county judges which would keep city inmates from posting bonds and put more burden on the county.

East worked with County Attorney David O’Donnell to draft a contract with $55 a day for all city prisoners. City felony prisoners were to remain city inmates until they were indicted by a grand jury. The city would be responsible for taking these inmates to any medical appointments that they might have until they were indicted. After the indictment, the county would accept full responsibility and care for them. The contract was sent to the Board of Aldermen in June; however, the Board took no action on that contract. Last month, the Board of Aldermen sent a revised contract to the Supervisors.

Under the new proposed contract submitted by the city, the city would pay $55 a day for 20 days and $32.71 after the 20 days or until a preliminary hearing bounds them over to a grand jury or they waive the preliminary hearing.

One sticking point in the negotiations has been the handling of detainees’ medical needs. The sheriff’s office has proposed that the city transport its inmates to medical appointments during the initial detention period, while the county would assume responsibility once the inmate becomes a county detainee after being indicted by a grand jury.

“If someone needs to go to the doctor, we’ll arrange it, but the city should handle the transport during that time frame,” East said.

The city has proposed changes to the contract, including removing language allowing the sheriff’s office to refuse inmates in medical distress until cleared by a hospital.

East said that this policy is vital to maintaining safety and reducing liability.

“Once we take custody of someone, we’re fully responsible,” he said. “We can’t afford to take someone who hasn’t been medically cleared.”

East also addressed the broader implications of the agreement, noting that the city’s growing inmate population—largely driven by alcohol-related arrests—has placed increased strain on the county jail.

“This isn’t about politics,” he said. “It’s about doing what’s right for the community, the inmates, and their families.”

While the negotiations have at times been contentious, East expressed optimism that the two sides are making progress.

“I think we’re getting there,” he said. “We’re finding ways to fix issues like high bonds and ensuring timely court appearances. This is about being good partners and working together for the benefit of everyone.”

“It’s important for people to know we’re not trying to take advantage of the city,” East said. “We’re just asking for a fair share.”