Barbour County Commission v. Division of Corrections

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

Claimant, Barbour County Commission, is responsible for the incarceration of prisoners who have committed crimes in Barbour County, but have been sentenced to facilities owned and maintained by respondent, Division of Corrections. Claimant brought this action to recover $48,350.00 in costs for providing housing to a prisoner who was sentenced to a State penal institution, but due to circumstances beyond the control of the county, the prisoner had to remain in the custody of the county for periods of time beyond the date of the commitment order.

The Court previously determined in County Comm ’n. of Mineral County vs. Div. of Corrections, 18 Ct. Cl. 88 (1990), that respondent is liable to claimant for the cost of housing and providing medical care to inmates sentenced to a State penal institution.

Pursuant to the holding in Mineral County, respondent reviewed this claim to determine the invoices for the services for which it may be liable. Respondent then filed an Answer admitting the validity of the claim in the amount of $21,750.00. Claimant agrees that this is the correct amount to which it is entitled.

In view of the foregoing, the Court is of the opinion to and does make an award to claimant in the amount of $21,750.00.

Award of $21,750.00.