LA PLATA COUNTY, Colo. (KRQE) – A sheriff’s office is planning to close its budget gap by renting out more jail beds. The Durango Herald reports La Plata County is expanding its program for renting jail beds to parolees in the substance-abuse program.
Currently, the program includes 24 beds, bringing in nearly $370,000 a year. Officials plan to expand to 60 beds.
The Sheriff’s department says the downside could be complicating jail operations and increasing staff workload.
The county’s budget crisis is a result of a drop in property tax revenue.