City councilors approved last night a resolution agreeing to a jail fee increase.
Tulsa’s daily rate for inmates arrested on municipal charges went from $59 to $69. Mayor’s Chief of Staff Jarred Brechja told councilors that’s not the final word, however.
"It is important to add that while that rate has changed, there is an opportunity to evaluate the appropriateness of that rate once our audit is complete," Brechja said. "So that is, again, part of the terms."
The news was met with incredulity during a committee meeting.
"We've gone through — this will be our third, right?" said Councilor Karen Gilbert.
"Yes," Brechja said.
"So our first amount was $52?" Gilbert said.
"Yes," Brechja said.
"Then up to $59?" Gilbert said.
"Uh-huh," Brechja said.
"And now up to $69?" Gilbert said.
"Yes," Brechja said.
"Within, the last, what, two months?" Gilbert said.
Negotiations tied the city’s rate to the U.S. Marshal’s rate. City Attorney David O’Meilia briefed councilors before they approved the resolution.
"The marshal's rate has changed as of Feb. 1, so the sheriff's office will be billing us at the new rate of $69, which is what the marshal's per diem rate is, as of Feb. 1," O'Meilia said.
Under the jail agreement, municipal prisoners are those in the jail solely on city charges.
