By C1 Staff
NEOSHO, Mo. — A new legislative proposal is hoping to help put some money back in Missouri jail’s pockets.
Currently, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office receives $19.58 per day per inmate, according to the Four States. The new proposal would raise that amount to $45 a day.
“We spend, here in Newtown County to operate the jail, we spend almost a million dollars a year,” said Capt. Richard Leavens. “It cost us last year, to house an inmate, $37.70 per inmate, per day.”
The increased amount would help the facility break even in its operating costs. Leavens says the facility provides food, clothing, housing and medical attention to every inmate.
Newtown County Jail does generate some of their own revenue through charging inmates for commissary or additional jail fees. The money is invested in the care of the county inmates, and additional money is made up by local tax payers.