There are factual errors in your post that require correction.

First, jail beds don't sit vacant because there's no money to hire staff.  The levy passed 4 years ago and renewed this month gives adequate funds to hire the staff to open the beds.  The problem is finding qualified applicants and getting them hired and certified.  The county is very picky (rightfully so) about who they hire for this job - far more selective than the city or state.

Second, the county didn't give away the forest work camp.  They rented it to the veterans group for a very nominal amount, this is true.  But the group is taking over all maintenance of the site, which was costing the county hundreds of thousands in tax dollars per year.  This decision was made after they tried and failed to sell the land, so I would say it's a frugal decision based on their limited options.

If you want to talk about government officials building facilities then not funding them, look to the state-run Junction City hospital.