Jasper jail to house Hardin Co. inmates

Jasper County jail will be home to Hardin County inmates, according to a new contract recently approved by the commissioners' court.

As currently staffed, the new jail can accommodate 96 inmates, according to Chief Deputy Sheriff Jack Jett. Only an average of 70 beds are needed, so the 10 extra Hardin inmates housed at $35 per day will help balance the budget, according to Jett.

"If we get up to our 96 in Jasper, we'll have to send theirs back to Hardin," Jasper County Sheriff Ronnie McBride said.

Under the agreement, Hardin County remains financially responsible for things like medical treatment and transportation if needed for the prisoners' welfare.