PORT HADLOCK — In just six months, the Jefferson County jail has spent its entire medical budget allotted for 2009.
Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez said that tough economic times are the big reason for the estimated $113,000 worth of jail medical costs between January and June.
The jail was budgeted $80,000 for medical care and $35,000 for prescription drugs in 2009.
“The costs are higher than they have ever been,” Hernandez said.
“We may be asking for an extraordinary medical appropriation [in the midyear budget review] because we aren’t used to seeing such high costs.
“This is something that is out of our control.”
Hernandez said rising medical expenditures are being seen in jails statewide.
“Because of the difficult economic times, people who would normally get treatment for medical problems aren’t doing that,” he said.
“Then, when they come into our care and custody, we have a responsibility to provide them proper care.”
Variety of ills
Hernandez said the jail houses people who need routine medical treatments and medications for everything from asthma to mental conditions.
“We get people with a variety of health conditions,” he said.
“We have a doctor and two nurses on staff, but if we can’t treat them here, then we pay to take them to the hospital.”
“If they need to be airlifted, then we pay for that as well.
“When you run a jail, you also run a medical facility and you have an obligation to take care of people.”
Hernandez said some people wanted on warrants have turned themselves in to get medical treatment, three meals and warm beds.
“We see this typically more in the winter,” he said.
“But now, if people can’t afford to pay and have a warrant out, they know we are here and will provide these things for them.”
Also adding to the jail’s costs are the number of residents.
At capacity
Currently, the jail is running at capacity, with 50 people booked into custody.
Hernandez said that the jail can house more, if needed.
Hernandez said he is considering what other cuts can be made to alleviate the pressure on the Sheriff’s Office.
Already this year, county employees — including Sheriff’s Office employees — took a 6 percent pay cut.
Hernandez, the former undersheriff, did not fill that position to save money.
“Right now, this is an anomaly,” Hernandez said of the medical costs.
“But it’s not anything different than the other jails in the state.
“Still, during the tough economic times, it definitely gets noticed.”
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
