Supervisors ask ISD to revisit civilian custodial contract for jails after worker and safety concerns

Lede Supervisor Lindsey Hahn on Oct. 7 asked the Internal Services Department to refer back a proposed custodial contract covering several county sheriff facilities so staff could revisit the scope, staffing and worker protections after testimony from unionized janitors and supervisors’ concerns about outsourcing.

Nut graf The board discussed a multi‑site custodial services contract intended to expand janitorial coverage at sheriff substations and detention facilities while county recruitment for permanent custodial positions remains incomplete. Supervisors expressed concerns about consistent service levels, the comparative costs of contractors versus county staff, workers’ wages and benefits, and the county’s obligation to consider labor standards.

Body Supervisor Hahn held the item for discussion and described a recurring county practice of contracting out work that previously had been provided by county employees. She said the board should weigh “what cost” savings mean if they reduce wages, healthcare and collective‑bargaining opportunities for workers who clean high‑security county facilities.

Gerardo Pinedo of the Sheriff’s Department told the board the contract would include custodial coverage at the IRC (Inmate Reception Center) and three substations on top of existing county positions. The department said it had filled 14 of the 28 permanent positions added in the prior budget; turnover and lengthy background checks were cited as challenges to fully staffing all positions.

Commander Jeradette Montoya confirmed that Men's Central Jail uses trustee (inmate) labor for cleaning and that inmate workers receive good‑time credit rather than monetary compensation.

Several janitors who work under a union contract testified that a private vendor that had previously held some county contracts reduced staffing and eliminated benefits after taking over certain buildings. Union representatives asked the board to ensure future contracts guarantee a living wage, health coverage and other protections. SEIU and janitor‑worker witnesses said quality and continuity of work improved when workers had stable pay and benefits.

ISD Director Michael O. said the department would refer the contract back for further review, and the board ordered the item returned to ISD for revisions and further consultation with unions and the Sheriff’s Department.

Ending The board did not award the custodial contract Oct. 7 and instead asked staff to return with a revised approach, leaving services in place under existing arrangements to avoid gaps while the review proceeds.