11/10/26 Special Called Metropolitan Council Committee: Rules, Confirmations and Public Elections

At the November 10, 2026, special-called Metropolitan Council Committee on Rules, Confirmations and Public Elections meeting, the committee considered Jared Irvin and acting Sheriff Ruby Joyner for the Davidson County sheriff vacancy. After public comment and candidate questioning, members voted 8–0 to advance each nominee to the full Council; the votes were procedural and did not endorse either candidate. No contract award, procurement approval, or spending motion was taken. Discussion included jail overcrowding and dilapidated facilities, with a new jail identified as a possible need, but no capital funding decision was made.

Procurement-related discussion covered the jail’s healthcare and communications vendors. Joyner said WellPath had been replaced by VitalCore about a year earlier and described the current medical services as meeting the jail’s needs; she also said inmates receive required medication without being billed. She said the phone-services provider had changed from Securus to IC Solutions, with free calls, including holiday calls, and subscription services supporting the arrangement. Irvin said he would review the WellPath contract and consider bringing some medical services in-house. On private contractors, Joyner opposed contracting out facility administration to CoreCivic, while Irvin said he would consider selected services but not private custody of inmates. The candidates also discussed fiscal oversight, staffing, and possible grant-supported programs, without making budget or purchasing commitments.