A significant discussion unfolded during the North Dakota House Appropriations Human Resources Division meeting on March 11, 2025, focusing on wage discrepancies within the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR). The committee examined the nearly $20 daily wage gap between different facilities, raising questions about the underlying reasons for such disparities.

Chairman Nelson and committee members explored how factors like facility population and job types contribute to wage differences. For instance, positions at Roughrider Industries, known for higher pay, attract longer-tenured employees, while roles at the North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP) tend to be lower-paying, with more basic job functions such as janitorial work. The conversation highlighted that the number of employees and their job longevity significantly influence wage structures across facilities.

The committee also discussed the upcoming budget for transitional facilities, projecting an increase in daily rates from $2.09 to $3.07, which could amount to an additional $8.4 million in costs. This increase is attributed to a rise in census numbers and anticipated operational expenses.

In a related note, the committee touched on the differences in rates paid to county jails compared to state facilities, with costs for county jails ranging from $90 to over $100 per day. This operational cost structure was clarified by Lance Anderson, warden of transitional facilities, who emphasized that payments to county jails primarily cover bed and food costs.

The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to address wage equity and operational efficiency within North Dakota's correctional facilities, with potential implications for future budgeting and employee retention strategies.