Mower County’s jail population is still higher than normal.

In March, Sheriff Terese Amazi confirmed the jail population was hovering around 80 inmates, up from the typical 65 to 70, and she said Tuesday it’s still around 80.

“Hopefully it will drop below it again,” she said.

The jail can operate as is at 80 inmates, but the county hits problems at 88. If the jail population consistently hits 88 inmates, the county would need to contact the Department of Corrections and possibly hire five new jailers.

Amazi previously estimated each new employee would cost the county about $80,000 in salary and benefits.

The jail staff is currently 30 people, plus one part-time employee.