Cost of outsourcing inmates could see increase

The Hays County Commissioners Court is spending upwards of $50,000 to outsource inmates each week and the rates with Burnet County will increase should the amended contract pass during Tuesday's meeting.

The county jail has spent $2,846,930 to date on outsourcing inmates from the overpopulated facility and the commissioners have set aside just $822,435 for the upcoming fiscal year, knowing that the opening of the new jail will increase jail capacity and the start of new criminal justice programs should reduce the number of nights arrestees spend in jail.

It costs between $50 and $70 to house an inmate at various facilities, and Burnet County is increasing their rate from $50 per day to $55 per day.