The Joint Committee on
Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review
Report # 459
2003 Cost Analysis of Housing Inmates in Regional Correctional Facilities
Executive Summary
Introduction
Pursuant to the authority granted by MISS. CODE ANN. Section 5-3-57 et seq. (1972), the PEER Committee conducted a cost analysis to determine the necessary per diem, per inmate cost at the state’s regional facilities and establish a breakeven point for each facility for 2003.
Analysis of Cost of Housing State Inmates in Regional Correctional Facilities
PEER found that the number of inmates guaranteed by the MDOC Inmate Housing Agreement (200) exceeds the breakeven point associated with housing state inmates in seven of the eleven regional facilities reviewed. The four facilities with breakeven points above 200 (Holmes-Humphreys, Issaquena, and Jefferson- Franklin, and Marion-Walthall) have negative cash flows when they only house the guaranteed minimum of 200 state inmates.
PEER identified $551,520 in costs that, if eliminated, would reduce the number of inmates required to break even at the eleven regional facilities. PEER determined that $243,940 in attorneys’ salaries and fees; $153,480 in program and accreditation fees; and $154,100 in payments to county sheriffs were above the reasonable level.
With these costs removed, the regional facilities have an inmate breakeven point averaging 188, which is below the number currently guaranteed in the Inmate Housing Agreement (200).
Savings in Attorneys’ Salaries and Fees and ACA Service Provider Costs Since 2001
Since PEER’s breakeven cost analyses reports in 2001 and 2002, which reported each regional facility’s legal and American Correctional Association (ACA) expenses, reductions in attorneys’ and ACA service providers’ expenses have resulted in total savings of $363,964. The reduction of these expenses has decreased the breakeven point and increased the financial strength of the regional facilities that have reduced these costs.
Regional Facility Costs for Housing Non-State Inmates
None of the eleven regional facilities reviewed received sufficient per diems from local government entities to reach the breakeven point for housing non-state inmates. Regional facilities use revenues generated from housing state inmates to defray the costs of housing non-state inmates.
Recommendations
Designation of Chief Corrections Officer
The Legislature should amend MISS. CODE ANN. Section 47-5-935 (1972) to allow counties to designate a regional facility’s warden as Chief Corrections Officer, without additional compensation for performing these duties. The Legislature should amend the section to delete the requirement that sheriffs receive $15,600 compensation for duties as Chief Corrections Officer.
If the warden is designated as Chief Corrections Officer, the Legislature should amend MISS. CODE ANN. §47-5-937 (1972) to allow the warden to hire legal counsel for the regional facility, with the legal counsel contract term not to exceed the term of the sitting board of supervisors.
Local Government Per Diem
Regional correctional facilities should increase per diems of local government entities at least to the level of the state’s first year per diem amount of $24.90 at the time contracts with local government entities are renewed or new agreements are reached with local government entities.