Posted: 10/16/07
County continues racking up
the miles transporting prisoners
By Charlie Warner
Argus Editor
The Houston County Sheriffís Department is going through vehicles like cornflakes. And until something can be done with the over-crowded jail, the miles will continue to be racked up on county vehicles, as they transport prisoners to and from Houston County.
Thatís basically what Sheriff Doug Ely told the Houston County Board of Commissioners at the Oct. 9 meeting.
"I have spoken with Jail Administrator Mark Schiltz in regards to vehicle needs," Ely stated. "Currently, we utilize two vans, a 2004 Chevy Venture with 115,000 miles and a 2006 Chevy Uplander with approximately 57,000 miles. Schiltz states there is a need for a four wheel drive vehicle for transporting prisoners during the winter months.
"The reason we need a four wheel drive is we canít wait for a snowstorm to blow over," Ely continued. "We canít hold juveniles, or females in our current jail. So when we have these types of prisoners, we have to transport them."
Ely added with Wabasha Countyís jail now closed, open jail cells are fewer and farther between. And if a prisoner, being held in Freeborn County (130 miles one way) has a court appearance, he or she must be transported back to Houston County, regardless of the weather. "And there can be quite a difference in the weather between Freeborn County and here," he added.
Ely suggested the Sheriffís Office do some "swapping" amongst his department. He requested purchasing a 2008 Dodge Durango for use as the sheriffís vehicle. The sheriffís current vehicle, a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer with approximately 48,000 miles, would be used by Emergency Management/Court Security Director Kurt Kuhlers. Kuhlers vehicle, a 2004 Ford Explorer with 39,000 miles would then be giving to the jail for use as a transport vehicle.
"The 2004 Venture would still be kept for local use only, as there is always a need for a third vehicle," Ely explained. "The Explorer would be used only during inclement weather. This would maximize the life expectancy of the Explorer and provide safety for the transport officers and inmates during transport."
County Commissioner Ann Thompson noted the Sheriffís Department purchased three new vehicles last year, and it appears as if they are planning on purchasing three again this year.
Ely replied she was correct. He added due to the fact his department has been forced to put on many more miles transporting prisoners, vehicles are wearing out faster.
According to figures furnished by the Sheriffís Office, the county has driving 71,921 miles from January 1 through October 12 transporting prisoners. Utilizing the 48.5 cents per mile figure the government uses, thatís a cost of $34,8881.68. During that time, the county has incurred a cost of over $21,000 in wages for transportation officers.
"Weíre wearing our vehicles out," Chief Deputy Scott Yeiter noted. "Weíve been changing the oil in the one van nearly every week. Weíre putting that many miles on it, and itís only going to get worse with Wabasha county being closed."
The county board approved Elyís request to purchase the 2008 Dodge.
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