Gadsden, Sheriff’s Office, and County Commission Finalize New Jail Contract
GADSDEN, AL — After months of negotiation, the City of Gadsden, Sheriff Jonathon Horton, and the Etowah County Commission have finalized a new agreement for the housing of Gadsden inmates at the Etowah County Jail. The contract goes into effect August 1.
Under the new agreement, Gadsden will pay $30 per day per inmate for housing. The contract spans three years and includes a one-year automatic renewal clause.
City and county officials hailed the agreement as a major step forward in intergovernmental cooperation, improving public safety, and increasing efficiency for local law enforcement.
Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford praised the collaboration between the city, the sheriff’s office, and the county commission.
“I want to personally thank Sheriff Horton for his leadership with Etowah County and the jail, and also the president of the Etowah County Commission, Joey Statum, for working with us,” Ford said. “We were able to work together to make this good for all three parties involved. This contract makes it easier the next time we need to renegotiate, and it also improves the safety of Gadsden citizens.”
Ford also highlighted how the agreement will streamline police operations.
“This allows our police officers to get back on the street faster instead of having to drive to Calhoun County,” he said. “We’ve got some other things that we’re working on together, and hopefully they’ll work out in the future. It’s better when we all come together and work together.”
The finalized contract is seen as a positive move toward regional cooperation and effective public service delivery in Etowah County.
