By Sam Poe
Thursday, April 18, 2013 | 3:04 PM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1537
The Winston County Commission recently voted to allow prisoners from Walker County to be held at the Winston County Jail. Sheriff Rick Harris stated Winston County receives $32.50 per inmate per day. The total income goes to the Winston County Commission which is then redistributed in part back to the jail to cover overhead and a portion goes to pay off the bond for the facility. It will also be used to pay deputies and other jail staff, as well as to fund traning for the officers.
The first Walker County inmates arrived at the Winston County Jail Friday, April 12. There are currently eighteen Walker County inmates housed in Winston County, but the number fluctuates almost daily. The sheriff stated more employees were needed to make this change possible, but the number of employees will remain dependent on the number of inmates in the jail. Also, the agreement with Walker County will not prevent Winston County offenders from being jailed. The agreement with Walker County specifically states the contract is dependent upon available space.