Harrison County Commission v. Division of Corrections

22 Ct. Cl. 130

• Court: West Virginia Court of Claims
• Decided: December 1, 1998
• Docket: CC-98-52
• Status: Published

Opinion

PER CURIAM:

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

The claimant, Harrison County Commission, is 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 $26,400.00 in costs for providing housing and/or medical care to prisoners who have been sentenced to a state penal institution, but due to circumstances beyond the control of the county, these prisoners have 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 of Corrections, unpublished opinion issued November 21, 1990, (CC-89-340), that the respondent is liable to the claimant for the cost of housing and providing medical care to inmates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, the 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 $26,400.00.

In view of the foregoing, the Court makes an award to claimant in the amount of $26,400.00.

Award of $26,400.00.