Jail sees revenue decrease, reviewing operations

After announcing last month that the Yuma County Jail District is facing a budget crisis, the Yuma County Sheriff says they've experienced a 4.2 percent revenue decrease from the previous year.

The reason: a decrease in sales tax revenue and an increase in the length of stay for inmates.

"Everything's increasing except our sales tax," said Yuma County Sheriff Ralph Ogden said while presenting a report on the problem to the Yuma County Board of Supervisors at its meeting Monday. "We're eating up our resources and we just can't afford it."

That's causing district staff to review operations, research and communication with the criminal justice community.

The jail previously changed its mail policy, which now only allows inmates to send and receive post cards.

Ogden said what used to take personnel 48 hours a week, now only takes 7.5 hours a week, saving 85 percent man power.

He said he's not asking for additional money or resources from the county.

"We're just waiting for the economy to catch up with us," he said.

Also at the meeting Monday, the Supervisors approved funding for the health district to provide for three health educator positions. The $205,257 comes from a state grant.

The supervisors also approved to receive $280,000 from the Arizona Department of Health. The $280,000 will fund tobacco education to all of Yuma County, including Yuma, Somerton, Gadsden, San Luis, Wellton, Dateland and Mohawk Valley.