KTTS contributed to this story

Some inmates at Springfield’s jail will be housed 90 miles away in the Vernon County jail. The Springfield City Council has voted unanimously in favor of the agreement that begins next month. Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams says the Vernon County sheriff contacted him about having space available.

Vernon County helps Missouri city jail ease overcrowding issues

“He said they could hold between probably 15 and 30 at this point, based on their current capacity,” says Williams.

In an effort to address jail overcrowding problems, Springfield has been seeking partnerships for the past year with other area jails.

Williams says the agreement includes a $45-per-day charge per inmate, no minimum and no maximum number of prisoners.

“They agreed, like Miller County did originally, to provide transportation one round-trip a day, between 8 and 5 Monday through Friday. He did put a limit on that of up to 10 people,” says Williams.

The Springfield News Leader reports that if a trip is not planned for the day, inmates will be given a bus ticket to Springfield.