The York County Commissioners today announced that the impending federal sequester is beginning to have a negative effect on the County budget and operations.
As of Wednesday morning, the York County Prison was experiencing a decline in the number of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees held at the facility. The federal government pays the County approximately $83 per day for each detainee held at the prison.
The detainee population as of Wednesday morning numbered approximately 630, down from a budgeted target of 850. The decrease in detainees will mean a revenue shortfall of up to about $18,260 per day.
County officials have been told the population is reduced due to the federal sequester and is unlikely to return to normal until sequestration is resolved. In the meantime, the county is planning to cut costs to help offset the loss in revenue. With fewer inmates, the county can reduce overtime costs, reduce meal costs and take other measures.
“We’ve advised our federal representatives in Congress of the impact and are hopeful action is taken soon to resolve the situation,” said President Commissioner Steve Chronister. “While a short-term decline in detainees is manageable, we need direction from the federal government regarding its long-term plans.”
County staff is also examining other potential sequestration impact on other operations, including Human Service agencies.
A preliminary review indicates that federal funding for the York County Area Agency on Aging could decline by $53,116. That would translate into the loss of 15,176 home-delivered meals or 2,871 hours of personal care meant to help keep seniors in their homes. Waiting lists for these services would increase.
The sequestration would also likely result in the further erosion of funding to local senior centers.