PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Earlier this fall, Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko sent a letter to county sheriffs indicating that the State of South Dakota would only pay a flat rate of $95 a day for county jails that housed state penitentiary inmates that violated their parole. The program is used for inmates out on parole from the state prison who violate the conditions of their parole, but it is not enough to have their parole completely revoked and sent back to the state penitentiary.
Davison County Sheriff Steve Harr, and numerous other county sheriffs, upon receipt of the letter let the Corrections Secretary know that Davison County would no longer accept state inmate parole violators. The true cost of a day in the Davison County jail is $105. In addition, the State indicated that no state inmate parolee’s medical or prescription costs will be covered, nor will any overtime or other exorbitant costs be covered by the State. Sheriff Harr, on behalf of the taxpayers of Davison County, said he could not take the financial risk for caring for prisoners that are ultimately the responsibility of the State of South Dakota and not Davison County.
Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko has sent another letter indicating that the State is firm on the $95 daily rate but will pay medical and other related costs for state inmates that Davison County houses on a temporary basis. Sheriff Harr has said he will reconsider taking inmates for now but reserves the right of refusal if costs begin to spiral.