Statute allows counties to contract with private service providers, operate their own facility, participate in a regional operation, or contract with another county. Counties may issue general obligation bonds for acquisition, purchase, or construction of a facility. To pay the county share of the cost of equipping, operating, or maintaining detention facilities, counties may also levy taxes. Daily Rate Influenced by Several Factors Facilities charge a daily rate or price for juveniles held in detention. We found the cost of operations is the primary factor considered in rate determination.
Secure detention is one tool allowing flexibility.
We found detention use varies from community to community and is influenced by factors such as facility availability, daily rates, cost of transportation, community awareness, availability of alternatives, and juvenile population. Detention Funding Assistance State law directs MBCC to provide grants, within the limits of available funding, to assist counties in establishing and operating detention services. Legislation includes a statement of intent, indicating state funding is provided for alternatives to secure detention, and for cost sharing to prevent excessive utilization and hold down costs. Within the five regions, counties jointly develop a regional plan to project detention usage. MBCC staff provide target state allocations based on juvenile populations in the five regions.