Mower County’s jail population has decreased over the past few months, according to Sheriff Terese Amazi.

Amazi told the Mower County Board of Commissioners Tuesday the Mower County Jail and Justice Center averaged about 72 inmates during 2014, including about 10 female inmates.

County officials were concerned with the jail’s population after it steadily rose last summer. The jail can operate as is at up to 87 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 either board out anyone over 87 or possibly hire five new jailers.

Yet Amazi said the jail population leveled off at 84 inmates on average in October and has decreased on average ever since.

Last month, the jail’s population was at about 65 inmates on average.

“I don’t think we need to be concerned at this time,” Commissioner Polly Glynn said after the board’s meeting Tuesday.

County Coordinator Craig Oscarson said the county would weigh the costs of boarding out inmates over hiring new jailers if the jail population is consistently over the staffing threshold.

Current staffing levels call for up to 31.5 jailers.