By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Health care at the Metropolitan Detention Center faces a major shake-up in 2027 as Bernalillo County prepares to take over the system, with nearly $40 million in startup costs and a funding request that still needs state approval.
At its Oct. 27 meeting, the Bernalillo County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt a new health care management model for the Metropolitan Detention Center. Under the approved plan, the county will oversee the system while hiring a lead contractor and specialized subcontractors for clinical services such as pharmacy, radiology and addiction treatment. The transition is scheduled for July 1, 2027, when the county takes over from UNM Hospital, whose contract ends June 30. To help cover transition costs, commissioners also voted to ask the state for permission to withdraw up to $30 million from county reserves, which requires state approval.
Commissioner Walt Benson voted against the plan, citing concerns that drawing from reserves could hurt county credit rating and increase borrowing costs. To maintain oversight, Commissioner Eric Olivas proposed an amendment requiring staff to deliver quarterly updates on transition progress and finances, covering operational, clinical and infrastructure milestones. Staff also must report on emergency spending and contracts tied to the county’s declared fentanyl state of emergency.
According to Policy and Budget Director Haley Kadish, the county expects about $37 million in one-time startup costs during fiscal year 2027 for electronic health records, medical equipment, facility repairs and initial staff onboarding. County Manager Cindy Chavez said those costs are on top of the county’s existing $34.5 million annual contract with UNM Hospital. To help cover the startup costs, county leaders are asking the Legislature for $36.1 million in one-time funding. The county is also exploring other potential funding sources, including gross receipts tax funds, federal grants and opioid settlement funds, but officials have not secured those dollars.
The county already issued a request for proposals for pharmacy service providers and expects to select one by mid-November. Chavez next will submit the $30 million reserve request to state officials. Staff also is working to select a lead contractor and outline requirements for the jail electronic health record system before the county takes over in July 2027.
Share this story and start a conversation
