The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners is set to reconvene this week to reconsider the per‑diem fee that Dodge County pays to house its detainees at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center. After a narrow 4‑3 vote in August approved a steep increase from $75 to $323 per day, the board is now hearing a motion to rescind that decision and adopt a more modest $100 daily rate, with a built‑in 3% annual escalation.
Background on the fee dispute
In August, commissioners Mark Thein, Gregg Wright, Laurel Podulke‑Smith and Michelle Rossman voted to raise the daily fee to $323, arguing that Olmsted County taxpayers should not subsidize detention costs for other counties. The motion was opposed by commissioners David Senjem, Bob Hopkins and Brian Mueller, who warned that the hike could drive the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office to seek a different facility for its inmates.
Following the vote, Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose issued a statement indicating his intent to look elsewhere for housing detainees, citing the new rate as “misleading” and financially untenable. Sheriff Kevin Torgerson of Olmsted County echoed Rose’s concerns in an interview on News Talk 1340 KROC‑AM and 96.9 FM’s Rochester Today, noting that the $323 charge could eliminate a revenue stream that might exceed $300,000 annually for the Olmsted County jail.
Proposed amendment
Commissioner Bob Hopkins has introduced an amended motion that would repeal the $323 increase and instead set the per‑diem fee at $100 per day, with a modest 3% increase each year to account for inflation and operating costs. The amendment is slated for a vote at the Tuesday meeting.
Supporters of the amendment argue that a $100 rate is more likely to gain approval from both counties while still providing a steady source of funding for the detention center. They contend that the previous $323 figure was excessively punitive and could damage inter‑county cooperation.
Implications for the community
If the $100 rate is adopted, Olmsted County could retain a reliable revenue stream without alienating neighboring jurisdictions. The annual 3% bump ensures that the fee keeps pace with rising costs, protecting the county’s budget while maintaining a fair charge for services rendered.
Conversely, should the board revert to the $323 rate, Dodge County may relocate its detainees, potentially reducing Olmsted County’s jail revenue by up to $300,000 per year. That loss could impact staffing, facility maintenance, and other operational needs, ultimately affecting taxpayers who rely on a well‑run detention center.
Next steps
The board’s decision will be recorded in the official minutes and made available to the public. Residents interested in the outcome are encouraged to attend the meeting or review the posted agenda, which also notes the proposed 3% annual increase.
Both counties have expressed a willingness to continue dialogue on detention costs, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and fiscal responsibility. The upcoming vote will determine whether Olmsted County adopts a more moderate fee structure that balances revenue needs with inter‑county goodwill.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
