
    
      OPINION ISSUED DECEMBER 19, 1996
    
    HARRISON COUNTY COMMISSION VS. DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS
    (CC-96-486)
    No appearance by the claimant.
    Jeffrey G. Blaydes, Assistant Attorney General, for the respondent.
   PER CURIAM:

this claim was submitted for decision based upon the allegations in the Notice of Claim and the respondent’s Amended Answer.

The claimant, Harrison County Commission, is occasionally responsible for the incarceration of prisoners who have committed crimes in Harrison County, but have been sentenced to facilities owned and maintained by the respondent, Division of Corrections. The claimant brought this action to recover housing costs for prisoners who have been sentenced to a state penal institution. However, due to circumstances beyond the control of the claimant, the prisoners have had to remain in the Harrison County Jail for periods of time beyond the date of the sentencing order.

This Court previously determined in County Comm’n. of Mineral County vs. Div. of Corrections, unpublished opinion issued November 21, 1990, CC-89-340, that the respondent was liable for the costs of housing and providing medical care to inmates sentenced to a state penal institution.

Pursuant to the holding in Mineral County, the respondent has reviewed this claim to determine the appropriate costs associated with housing the prisoners who should have been in a state penal institution. The respondent then filed an Amended Answer admitting the validity of this claim in the amount of $3,900.00.

Based on the reasons stated above, the Court makes an award to the claimant in the amount of $3,900.00.

Award of $3,900.00.  