In a proposed budget that anticipates new staff, small pay increases, a sizable insurance rate hike and much higher food costs, the regional jail is seeking a 16 percent increase in funding from its four member counties.

The regional jail will establish a free complaint line so inmates can directly reach the top two officials at the jail, and healthier menus, hopefully with local produce, are also planned.

Sherman County Sheriff Brad Lohrey, the overseeing sheriff for the regional jail, is a planner. He likes to anticipate what might be needed 5 to 10 years from now. At his behest, the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility (NORCOR) board created a dedicated reserve fund Feb. 28 that would be used as a savings account for things like a new roof, new cameras and new heat pumps.