FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WV News) — The Marion County Commission is grappling with rising jail costs as the North Central Regional Jail becomes increasingly overcrowded, driving monthly expenses for the county close to $300,000.

The North Central Regional Jail has served Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt and Wood counties since 2001. Designed to hold 564 inmates, the facility contained 825 as of Tuesday.

Many of the inmates are awaiting sentencing, and counties are responsible for paying for their stays until trials and sentencing are completed.

Marion County Commission President Ernie VanGilder said the county’s monthly jail bill is “astronomical,” noting that while it shifts throughout the year, it has often cost the county nearly $300,000 per month.

“We have

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