TITLE
Title
BUDGET AMENDMENT AND AUTHORIZATION TO PAY STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA FOR JUVENILE DETENTION BED STAYS
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Doug Logan
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BACKGROUND
Background
The Guilford County Juvenile Detention Center manages the daily population of juveniles housed at the County facility. Over the past year, the department has experienced increased operational and security challenges related to housing older juveniles (ages 16-17) together with younger residents. These challenges include program limitations in delivery, increased staffing and supervision demands, and elevated safety and security risks for both residents and staff.
To better manage this population mix and to maintain safe operations, the department has utilized the option of placing certain Guilford County juveniles in State-operated facilities when appropriate. The State of North Carolina assesses a rate of $150 per night for each Guilford County juvenile housed in a state facility.
In the first six months of the current fiscal year, costs associated with these state facility bed stays have exceeded $200,000. Based on current utilization trends, additional appropriations are necessary to continue this practice through the remainder of the fiscal year.
Guilford County operates under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the State of North Carolina governing juvenile detention cost sharing. Under this MOA, the State reimburses the County for a portion of costs associated with operating the County’s detention facility, including 50% of the projected cost for Guilford County juveniles housed locally and 100% of the projected cost for out-of-county juveniles housed locally. This requested action pertains specifically to payments made by Guilford County to the State for housing certain County juveniles in State facilities where appropriate for operational and safety reasons.
The Purchasing Department has requested formal Board authorization to continue payment of State invoices for these detention bed stays.
Fiscal Sustainability
This request is based on current year operational needs and projected usage trends. The Juvenile Detention Center will track daily State placements, nightly costs, and remaining budget authority, reporting monthly to Budget & Management Services to ensure spending remains within the approved appropriation. Staff are evaluating long-term population management strategies, including age separation practices and coordination with the State, to reduce reliance on State-operated placements when feasible and fiscally responsible.
Policy Compliance
This practice aligns with North Carolina juvenile detention standards requiring appropriate age separation and adequate supervision for all residents.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
$250,000 increase in appropriation to Juvenile Detention
$250,000 increase in Appropriated Fund Balance
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Amend the General Fund budget ordinance to increase the appropriation to Juvenile Detention by $250,000 and $250,000 in appropriated fund balance; and authorize the Purchasing Department to pay invoices submitted by the State of North Carolina for juvenile detention bed stays at State facilities.
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