PORT TOWNSEND — In an effort to rein in escalating costs, the Port Townsend Police Department is looking at shipping misdemeanor inmates 170 miles away to Chelan County jail in Wenatchee.
Earlier this week, Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green presented to the Port Townsend City Council a proposal meant to reduce costs within the department.
The council voted 4-2 to authorize City Manager David Timmons to execute an agreement with the Chelan County jail.
Currently, the Port Townsend Police Department contracts with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for space in the 60-inmate Port Hadlock jail at $63.12 per inmate per day.
A contract with the Chelan County jail would reduce the cost to $40 per inmate per day.
“[Chelan County jail employees] make runs two to three times a week to this area,” said Green.
“They’re already in the area. They could just pick our people up.”
The Chelan County jail has a 342-inmate capacity.
Calls to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office seeking comment on Port Townsend’s proposal were not immediately returned.
Green said that since the day rate for the Chelan County jail is $23.12 less than Jefferson County, the city can save more than $8,400 for a prisoner who is sentenced to serve a year.
