Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- Counties in West Virginia are going to have to pay more to house inmates beginning July 1.
The State Regional Jail and Correctional Authority recently voted to raise the per diem 72 cents to $48.25.
The increase is intended to help pay the rising cost of health insurance and utilities.
Joe Thornton, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, says the rates remain among the lowest in the country.
The money is used to provide inmates with food, clothing and medical services.
(Copyright 2009 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
