County will rent jail space to Smith Co.

Some Smith County inmates will be looking out the windows of the Gregg County Jail in the future.

Gregg County Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Smith County to provide housing for Smith County inmates.

The county has had a lease contract with MTC, a private corrections firm, for the lease of 300 beds. However, MTC is constructing a new facility in Henderson and is expected to have it in use by March 2007.

"That will release 300 beds for us to lease to cities and the federal marshals office," County Judge Bill Stoudt said.

Under the terms of the contract, Gregg County agrees to accept and provide for "the secure custody, care and safekeeping of inmates of Smith County" in accordance with state standards.

Gregg County will provide housing, care, meals and routine medical services for the inmates.

Smith County is responsible for the transportation of its inmates to the Gregg County facility, and Gregg County is responsible for the return trip. Smith County will transport its inmates to and from court proceedings.

Under the agreement, the per diem rate for detention services is $40 per inmate per day. The agreement covers basic custodial care and supervision. It does not include any special educational, vocational or other programs.

The contract is good for one-year, and may be renewed annually by mutual agreement of the parties.

The big expense with the corrections program will be the need for 21 additional jailers.

"The first year, we'll be in transition," he said. "I expect we'll break even that year, but in subsequent years I think we can generate $300,000 to $500,000 through leasing jail space."

The agreement allows for the Gregg County Sheriff or designee to review the backgrounds of all inmates planning to be transferred to Gregg County. Gregg County reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any prisoner of Smith County.

Stoudt said Gregg and Smith County law enforcement officials need to work out a few logistics before the program begins in 2007.