The Daily News

The Wilkin County Jail will soon be housing federal prisoners. The 22-bed facility, which began operations September 2006, historically has only contracted to house prisoners from neighboring counties.

The development was brought about by the continued efforts of the jail's administrator, Matt Brodina. He has not received the contract with the federal marshals as of yet to house the prisoners.

Brodina has been in contact with the federal marshals for the past several months in hopes of securing an agreement that would fill beds at the facility and bring in extra revenue. "(The feds) like everything they see," he told the Wilkin County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.

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Brodina said this is good for Wilkin County. "Sixty-five dollars a day they'll pay us," he said. "If there's an open bed they'll fill it. Transportation is all provided by them."

The contract with the marshals will also include the ability to house prisoners for Immigrations Custom Enforcement. "They'll use the marshal's contract (as well)," he said.

The contract has no down side and can only help Wilkin County's bottom line, Brodina said.

"My goal is to alleviate the tax burden on Wilkin County residents." He said the new contract will help the jail pay for itself and he hopes the future will see even more revenue increases. "It can lead to jobs and growth," he said.

Brodina said he was contacted earlier in the year by the feds and asked about housing prisoners. "I told them we don't have a contract," he said. "So they sent them to Wahpeton."

The commissioners expressed their pleasure at the new positive development.

Brodina said the contract should be finalized by this time next month and federal prisoners can then be housed in Wilkin County.

Comments

Briana Chubb wrote on Jan 12, 2012 6:10 PM:

" I remember that Jan morning so well it was the worst am of my life but iam thankfull for everyone that was right there and that helped save my life Briana Chubb "




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