Realignment costs a concern in Kern County

An opinion piece points out the many ways that realignment may push Kern County costs way up:

Our jail will need to prove compliance with, or begin the compliance procedure with, jail standards under the National Commission of Correctional Health Care or similar accrediting body like the American Correctional Association. The sheriff will need to bear the outside costs of these accrediting agency services and activities. Once accredited, he will need to prove sustained compliance with accrediting standards, which again will require -- and underscore the importance and necessity of -- an ongoing medical quality management and improvement program.

More, with a great deal more detail, at Bakersfield.com.