Boone County is currently housing more inmates out of the county than in the county, due to population numbers, mental health issues and other factors.
Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick tells 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” that the county spent $499,000 to house inmates out-of-county in 2022. He notes that number jumped to $2.5 million in 2025.
Boone County Sheriff Dwayne Carey has previously told 939 the Eagle that inmates also have to be separated at times due to gangs.
Commissioner Kendrick tells listeners that Boone County currently has inmates in 12 counties. The Boone County jail is 35 years old.