(1) Any combination of two or more counties may establish a regional jail, which shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the provisions of chapter 951.

(2) Any regional jail shall be supervised and managed by a board consisting of one county commissioner from each participating county and the sheriff from each participating county. The county commissioner shall be selected by the board of county commissioners of each county, respectively.

(3) Each board shall:

(a) Promulgate rules and regulations relating to the management, maintenance, and operation of the regional jail, provided that such rules and regulations are consistent with Department of Corrections standards.

(b) Acquire land for construction of a regional jail upon approval of participating boards of county commissioners.

(c) Employ required personnel pursuant to chapter 943, giving first priority, wherever possible, to persons employed by the county jails of the participating counties.

(d) Appoint a superintendent for the regional jail.

(e) Purchase casualty and other insurance for protection of the participating counties.

(f) Elect a chairperson and secretary.

(g) Submit an annual report to each of the participating boards of county commissioners and to the secretary of the Department of Corrections, which report shall be due on July 1 of each year. Such report shall include a summary of activities and budgetary data.

(4) Each participating county shall be responsible:

(a) For its proportionate share of maintenance, operational, and fixed capital outlay expenses.

(b) For the cost of transportation for an offender under the county’s jurisdiction for the duration of the offender’s confinement.

(5)(a) A county may elect to withdraw from participation in a regional jail, provided that such withdrawal is approved by a unanimous vote of the regional jail board and the boards of county commissioners of all participating counties.

(b) The withdrawing county shall remain obligated for the payment of its proportionate share of any lease agreement entered into by participating counties, unless otherwise provided by the regional jail board.

History.—s. 12, ch. 86-183; s. 54, ch. 91-110.