By Gary Mays

gmays@

themonroetimes.com

MONROE — Green County is once again sending inmates to be held in Iowa County Jail, as the local jail has reached capacity.

It is the second time in as many years that the county has sent inmates to Iowa County — the first was in summer 2022, when four female inmates were moved to the Iowa County Jail. 

At that time, the jail simply did not have enough staff, particularly female corrections officers. Beyond basic staffing ratios, some responsibilities of holding either female — or male — inmates are gender specific, according to officials.

While the county is still trying to hire more deputies and jail officers, this time, the issue is overall jail capacity, according to outgoing Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud. That has prompted the county to send as many as six inmates per day to Iowa County, mostly female, though some male.

“We’re just full,” said Skatrud, whose last day in office as sheriff was Friday, June 28. “We don’t have enough space in the jail.”

The county is aware of the issue, he added, noting that a Facilities Committee was recently created as a joint effort between the city and county officials to address lingering facility shortfalls at a number of critical agencies, including the sheriff’s office and county highway department. 

But Skatrud said the issue is something that incoming sheriff Cody Kanable will have to address when he takes over. Kanable was recently appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to fill Skatrud’s post.

The cost of holding an inmate in another jail is between $50 and $60 per day, as well as Green County being responsible for medical costs and the transportation of the inmate to the Iowa County Jail in Dodgeville and back if required for a court appearance.

Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department, beset by retirements and increased demand for services, is still looking for jail personnel, road deputies and a dispatcher. According to the sheriff’s department website, candidates for jail posts must be at least 20-years-old, a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma and no felony or domestic abuse related crime convictions. 

Skatrud has said the starting wage for a jail deputy is $22.07 and will increase to $22.74 on Jan. 1.

He said the most difficult job to fill is that of road deputies, who must meet a number of qualifications, including a clean criminal record and the right disposition to deal with the public in stressful situations.

“It’s a special kind of work, and not everyone can do it,” said Skatrud. “We prefer to do it the right way and get the right person.”

Those interested in starting the application process can do so online at the county’s website, greencountywi.org.