Lincoln County looks for new jail management
Lincoln County is looking for a new company to manage the 161-bed detention center in Carrizozo.
In April 2017, county officials were surprised when the warden working for Emerald Corrections LLC. suddenly announced the company was walking away from the job after several years.
LaSalle Corrections West based in Texas stepped up to help out on an interim basis and subsequently was awarded a contract.
County Manager Nita Taylor reminded county commissioners at a special meeting Tuesday that the five-year contract signed in August 2017 with LaSalle contained a 90-day escape for convenience clause that could be executed by either side.
LaSalle officials notified her on April 17 that they would be triggering that clause and terminating the contract.
Commission Chairman Preston Stone said he was leery of advertising a request for proposals to manage the jail until the county received a written notification, but he asked how long of a turn-around period would be needed.
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County Attorney Alan Morel said he wanted to allow 30 days to 45 days for companies to respond to the RFP, and staff should be able to issue the notice by early next week.
With that in mind, Commissioner Dallas Draper offered a motion that passed unanimously authorizing Taylor to issue a RFP.
Taylor said the delay shouldn’t be a problem, because a LaSalle representative verbally committed that the company would help until Oct. 31 with the transition, if needed.
Commissioners told Taylor also to ask for that in writing.
Last time management changed, the transition took months and involved decisions on how to handle employees and equipment, Morel said.
“It was quite a process,” he said, adding that he estimated a minimum of 60 days will be needed for the transition.