Missouri Working to Catch-up on Jail Reimbursement Debt

In recent years, the state of Missouri has racked up millions of dollars in debt that it owes to its counties for county jail reimbursements. Representative Peggy McGaugh of Carrollton says there is progress being made to cover the debt costs.

The root of the issue is that for several years the state has failed to designate enough funding to pay its counties for part of a defendant’s local jail stay if they end up going to prison. McGaugh adds there is an additional concern with the amount the state is paying per day.

The state currently pays county jails just over 22 dollars a day. However, the daily average cost to house a prisoner is estimated to be between 50 and 60 dollars.