YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Facing rising jail medical costs, Sutter County will join a regional feasibility study to explore new ways of delivering inmate healthcare.

Supervisors approved the agreement March 24 as part of a 25-county effort to evaluate service models and identify potential cost savings and liability reductions.

The board adopted a memorandum of understanding with the Golden State Finance Authority for participation in the study, at a cost not to exceed $39,520.43.

County officials said Sutter County spent more than $4 million on jail medical services in the last fiscal year, with rural and mid-sized counties facing higher costs due to a limited number of healthcare providers.

Deputy County Administrative Officer Matt Robertson said the study will examine multiple service delivery models, including county-run systems, contracted providers and regional partnerships.

Robertson said a consultant specializing in correctional health care will lead the study, supported by experts in management and fiscal operations, with the goal of identifying long-term operational efficiencies.

Participation in the study does not commit the county to any specific service model but will provide data to guide future decisions, he said.

Supervisor Jeffrey Boone asked about participation levels and implementation timelines during the discussion.

Robertson said 25 counties are participating statewide, with Sutter County part of a smaller regional group of eight counties collaborating more closely on the study.

He also noted that 14 counties have already implemented the CalAIM Justice-Involved program, with a statewide deadline of Oct. 1, 2026, adding pressure for counties to evaluate their service delivery systems.

Health and Human Services Director Sarah Eberhardt-Rios and Dr. Yu Lu were recognized for their work on the study group, along with Sheriff Brandon Barnes.

The board approved the agreement unanimously.