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Commissioner Lyons also believed that it is very important to avoid, as much as possible, the growing number of civil rights suits which now arise at jails. Commissioner Bird felt that Attorney Brandenburg did indicate that if we did take on the jail administration, it would have a significant impact on his office. Attorney Brandenburg noted that the Board recently authorized him to hire another attorney, and the individual he will hire would be given the responsibility of becoming an expert in this area. He continued that another issue involved in taking over the jail is that we would be merging certain aspects of liability, and in some aspects taking on additional liabilities. As far as the physical plant is concerned, the Board currently has that liability, but the Sheriff has the liability for the day to day operational aspects. When the Board takes over the facility they will have that liability also, and possibly individually. Chairman Scurlock asked if the Board is not now included in suits regardless because we are responsible for providing the funds, and Attorney Brandenburg stated there are areas where the Sheriff would be sued now and the Commission would not be involved. When we take over the jail, we would be involved in all areas. Commissioner Wodtke discussed the operation of the jail facility and the fact that it will be understood whoever is in charge there works for Administrator Wright. He could not see that the facility is not going to continue to be used as a stepping stone for some of these people as they will be hired by other cities, etc.. but agreed it would take away the guarantee that in two years or so, they can go on the road. Commissioner Wodtke noted that he has said for years that this type of operation could be and has been run in other states by county commissions. However, it has been said counties are not in the corrections business, and he 37 JUL 3 1984 BOOK '7 ;;',E565