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Suffolk passed a measure allowing the City of Hampton to join the Western Tidewater Regional Jail Authority to provide a long-term solution to its housing issues. 

Until its closure on April 1, Hampton housed its inmates at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in Portsmouth, leaving the city to search for a new location. Hampton will pay $5.7 million in addition to its required prisoner-per-day rate to join the Western Tidewater Regional Jail Authority, using funds from the city’s portion of the sale of HRRJ.

Hampton’s share of the costs for the first three years will be based on a fixed 200-inmate count, which will adjust in the fourth year to a rolling three-year average. Hampton will also be responsible for the cost of extraordinary medical care for Hampton inmates in excess of $250,000 in the first three years of the agreement. In the fourth year, these costs will be incorporated into Hampton’s base per diem rate, which will be consistent with the rolling three-year expense average. The city will also be responsible for transportation to and from WTRJ until transportation staffing reaches 85%.

According to Suffolk Mayor Mike Duman, Hampton has been transporting inmates to WTRJ for over a year and being charged a fee similar to how federal agencies are charged to house inmates. 

As of July 30, there are 767 inmates being housed at WTRJ, with 177 being held by federal agencies.

During the July 17 council meeting, Duman said adding Hampton would likely reduce Suffolk’s financial burden by approximately $500-$600K.

Prior to Suffolk’s approval, both Isle of Wight County and the City of Franklin already approved the measure, making this the final step for Hampton’s addition to the authority.