KINGWOOD — Regional jail costs are projected to be $1.2 million or more for the 2018-2019 budget year, according to Preston County Administrator Kathy Mace.
Mace told county commissioners budget revisions are needed to meet the $338,000 needed to meet risings costs.
“I don’t see any relief, but you have to be prepared,” she said.
Mace said the costs are for jail fees only. She said transpiration fees are included in the sheriff’s department budget. Transportation fees cover transporting prisoners from Tygart Valley Regional Jail for scheduled trials and hearings.
Mace said budget revisions to cover the costs could come from the building and grounds funds, capital outlay improvements, the contingency fund and by moving some paving projects to the Special Building Fund.
“We don’t want to get into an emergency situation and have to cut everyone’s budget,” Commissioner Don Smith said. “Some other counties have had to do this and had lawsuits. We don’t want that.”
The vote for the budget revision was tabled until the next meeting. The action required a unanimous vote and Commission President Craig Jennings was not present.
In other business, commissioners tabled the certification of the recent elections until their next meeting. The county has until Dec. 6 to finalize results.
Smith said all but Doddridge has submitted their portions of a resolution on road conditions. The counties represent the road caucus for the West Virginia Division of Highways district 4. The resolution will be presented at a January meeting in Morgantown.
Smith said an email should be sent to legislators reminding them of the date of the meeting.
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