10/04/12 Sheriff Gjesdal Objects To Jail Contract Change (AUDIO)

KPQ News Director Steve Hair reports that Douglas County Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal objects to a decision by the County Commissioners to stop using the Chelan County Regional Jail in favor of sending prisoners to Okanogan County.

The decision to end the jail service contract comes after negotiations with Chelan County Commissioners failed to produce reduced bed rental rates. But on today's KPQ Morning Update the Sheriff publicly criticized Commissioners for their actions complaining that his department will be overburdened. The Sheriff says he expects a big spike in travel costs if deputies have to transport prisoners to the County line. Meanwhile, Commissioner Ken Stanton reacted with surprise to Gjesdal's complaints. He and Commissioner Dale Snyder maintain that the Sheriff has been in the loop from the start and should have detailed his concerns months ago.