T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Belmont County Commissioner J.P. Dutton speaks Wednesday about continuing problems of jail overcrowding and the cost to the county.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Expenses at the Belmont County Jail continue to impact the bottom line, and leaders took further steps Wednesday to house inmates at other facilities.

The commissioners contracted with Washington County to house Belmont County inmates at a rate of $68 per day, effective April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Commissioner J.P. Dutton said this is the latest of several agreements with other counties to control the inmate population. He said overcrowding at the jail continues and the costs are taking a toll.

“Our jail currently holds 144 beds at our facility. The daily average in terms of prisoners in Belmont County is right around 190 inmates per day. … We can get as high as a little over 200 and as low as maybe the 170s. Most of our out-of-county prisoners are located in Jefferson County and also Monroe County. Both those counties on a daily basis have Belmont County prisoners at them. Both those rates are $65 a day.”

Dutton added that Jefferson County had increased its fees from $55 to $65 a day this year. He said about 20 individuals are housed in other counties daily, and Belmont County must pay for their food, medical care and transportation.

“Entering this agreement with Washington County at $68 per day … I’m not sure that we’re going to be moving prisoners there in the near future,” Dutton said, adding that the commissioners also have agreements with counties in western Ohio but this deal provides an option closer to home.

“This will be another backup for us as we continue to work through discussions on longer-term potential solutions,” he said.

Dutton has said the total expense for housing inmates outside of Belmont County in 2019 was about $460,000 and that Jefferson County’s $10 increase likely will mean an additional $100,000 this year.

Guests included Richard Hord of Martins Ferry, who asked if the situation was improving or worsening.

“Right now it’s leveled out for the time being,” Commissioner Josh Meyer said. “It’s not just a Belmont County issue. This is an issue throughout the state of Ohio and other states for that matter. We’re just part of that trend where jail populations for whatever reason continue to increase. It’s put a strain on county budgets, county facilities and so on. We are continuing to look at all solutions moving forward.”

Dutton said he believes about a third of counties across Ohio are considering projects to improve or expand their jails. He said the matter has been brought up during meetings of the Ohio County Commissioners Association, which is asking the state administration if any funds are available.

Commissioner Jerry Echemann added that should an ethane cracker plant come to the Dilles Bottom area near Shadyside, it will mean an influx of people and the possible need for more jail space.

Dutton said the situation is further complicated by legislation requiring lower-level felony offenders to be held in county jails rather than state-owned facilities. He said the commissioners may have a solution by the end of the year. Suggestions have included expanded or new facilities for lower level or female inmates. Dutton said he cannot yet speak to potential costs associated with those options.

Regarding the possible cracker plant, the Rev. Michael Ziebarth, pastor of the Life-Giving Fountain Greek Orthodox Church in Martins Ferry, inquired about how much property tax would be generated for the county by the plant. He wondered if the state would provide incentives that would reduce the amount.

“We’re not at that stage yet where we’ve announced any type of discussions like that,” Dutton said, adding that such a project likely would have a positive tax impact in terms of sales, lodging and fuel.

“I’m asking specifically about corporate. Is the company, is PTT (Global Chemical America and Daelim Chemical USA), going to be paying a tax rate similar to other businesses in the county, and if so do we have any idea what income that might be for the county?”

“It’s premature at this point,” Dutton said. “We will be talking about tax policies with the company.”

Dutton said the commissioners have not had conversations with state officials about this subject.