Somerset County Reaches Agreement with Hunterdon County on Housing Jail Inmates

According to the County of Somerset:

Somerset County Freeholder Director Mark Caliguire has announced that the freeholder board has authorized an agreement with neighboring Hunterdon County to house its inmates in the Somerset County Jail.

The contract would begin on Sept. 1 and there would be adequate time allowed for a safe and orderly transition of inmates, he said.

Under terms of a contract approved by the Somerset County Board of Freeholders at their Aug. 25 meeting, Hunterdon County will pay $90 per inmate per day. The two-year contract has an option for an additional two-year renewal. Hunterdon County will transport its inmates to the Somerset County Jail in Somerville, and will be responsible for transportation to and from scheduled court appearances in Flemington.

“This agreement is smart government and a good deal for Somerset County taxpayers as it provides our county with additional revenue,” said Freeholder Director Caliguire. “We have the capacity to absorb Hunterdon County’s inmate population at minimal additional cost.”

The Somerset County Jail has a capacity of 400-plus inmates but currently has an average daily population of only about 220, he said. Hunterdon County, which is in the process of closing down its jail, currently averages between 50 and 80 inmates per day.

Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano said county jail officials are confident that the agreement with Hunterdon County can be handled without hiring additional staff. “The safety of the community is always paramount,” he said. “We have sufficient staff and sufficient capacity to handle this increase from Hunterdon.”

“This is the kind of agreement between government entities that there should be more of,” said Freeholder Director Caliguire. “I applaud Hunterdon County for their willingness to enter into this contract, which will save their taxpayers money and help Somerset County remain within the 2-percent cap, add to a healthy surplus and maintain our triple-A bond rating.”