GLASGOW, Ky. — The daily fee charged by the Barren County Detention Center to house inmates from Metcalfe and Monroe counties is increasing as local officials point to rising jail costs and declining state revenue.

Barren County houses inmates from Metcalfe and Monroe counties, along with its own inmates and state inmates.

Monroe County closed its jail on Aug. 31, 2016, after rising operating costs and the cancellation of its insurance policy forced the facility to shut down.

Metcalfe County has not operated a full-time jail since 1983, when the state closed the facility after it failed to meet required standards. The jail was later allowed to operate briefly as a hold-over facility but no longer serves that purpose.

During the July 21 Barren County Fiscal Court meeting, magistrates unanimously approved raising the daily housing rate for Metcalfe and Monroe County inmates from $45 to $50 per inmate.

“That’s getting close to as much as we’re even allowed to do on these inmates,” said Magistrate Tim Durham, chairperson of the jail committee.

Officials said the higher rate is needed as the cost of operating the detention center continues to climb.

“The cost of jails are continuing to increase, and the state incomes have dropped dramatically,” said Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd. “I do support this effort.”