County officials say prison bills continue to pose a financial burden in parts of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Officials from across the state of West Virginia told lawmakers Monday that prison bills continued to be a financial burden, despite a 2023 law that would give counties relief if they minimize the time inmates spend behind bars.

This statement was made on Monday during a meeting of the supervisory committee of the regional prison and correctional authority.

County costs have long been a problem. The four counties with the highest prison debt have a total of about $10 million in debt, state officials said.

“My guess is that they are currently unable to pay or have been making minimal payments for some time,” said Brian Arthur, deputy director of financial operations for the state Department of Administrative Services.

Arthur said the Department of Corrections' share of the costs is $18 million under budget.

The main cost drivers include inflationary costs, such as those resulting from the cost of medical treatment or food and incidental expenses.

“The biggest factor over the last two years has been that inflation has had a big impact on operating costs,” Arthur explained.

Berkeley County Commissioner Eddie Gochenour, who joined via conference call, said cost-control legislation passed last year has eased some of the financial pressure.

“It’s getting to a point where it’s becoming increasingly difficult for us financially to pay the daily rates,” Gochenour said.

Berkeley County has tried various methods to keep jail costs low.

“We're doing everything we can to reduce our prison costs,” Gochenour added. “It's good money we're spending. We have other services as well.”

Upshur County Commissioner Christy Tinney also described the major financial challenges due to rising prison costs and limited funding.

“Despite our efforts, we still have problems,” she said. “Our tax revenues have not increased significantly, but our jail bill budget has more than doubled in Upshur County in the last seven years.”

The county has tried a variety of ways to control costs, including expanding home confinement, partnering with day centers, and working with the district attorney's office, sheriff, and county judges.

“We continue to struggle with no relief,” Tinney said. “It is obvious that the financial burden is affecting our law-abiding citizens. We are at risk of having county resources cut or not being able to pay our jail bill like others cannot.”

In response to questions from the parliamentary committee, Tinney said jail costs account for about 10% of the county budget and if daily costs increased, cuts would have to be made.

Nicholas County Commissioner Gary Roberts said counties' ability to raise the money needed to pay jail bills and other costs is limited.

“Rising costs across the board make this almost impossible,” Roberts said, expressing hope for a joint effort to get costs under control.

According to Roberts, jail costs accounted for about 8 percent of the county's total costs.

If the county must cut other costs to cover the difference, Roberts cited supporting partnerships with organizations such as senior centers, sports leagues and community center social assistance programs.

“These are the things we're actually going to cut back on,” Roberts said. “And we're not going to be able to offer our employees a living wage anymore.”