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Approve the Board of Supervisors’ response to the FY2025/2026 Civil Grand Jury Report of June 15, 2026, entitled, “Save Over $10 Million by Closing Claybank Jail”
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the Board of Supervisors’ response to the FY2025/2026 Civil Grand Jury Report of June 15, 2026, entitled, “Save Over $10 Million by Closing Claybank Jail.”
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On June 15, 2026, the Solano County Civil Grand Jury issued a report entitled, “Save Over $10 Million by Closing Claybank Jail.” The Civil Grand Jury examined the operations, staffing, occupancy and costs of the Solano County Sheriff’s Office Custody Division and the County’s three detention facilities, with a focus on opportunities to reduce operating and capital costs amid declining inmate populations and available jail capacity.
As part of its review, the Civil Grand Jury examined County budgets, the Capital Facilities Improvement Program (CFIP), jail occupancy and staffing data, and other state and local information. The review included approximately $13.4 million in capital projects identified for the Claybank facility, Custody Division staffing levels, potential use of available jail beds to generate revenue, and the need for an outside review of Custody Division costs and operations.
The Civil Grand Jury investigation found that Claybank had a relatively low inmate occupancy rate and questioned planned capital investments at the facility. The report also raised concerns regarding staffing levels, unused jail capacity and the absence of an outside financial review. Recommendations included closing Claybank, reassigning inmates and security staff, evaluating alternative uses for the facility, reducing staffing through attrition and a hiring freeze, leasing available jail beds and conducting an independent review of Custody Di...
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