Tulsa City, County Leaders At Odds Over Jail Budget

Tulsa's city and county leaders are at odds over who pays to house certain inmates at the Tulsa County jail. The Tulsa County Criminal Justice Authority discussed the issue Thursday.

The dispute involves inmates booked from the city of Tulsa.

Because Tulsa doesn't have a city jail, inmates go to county lock-up instead.

With a new contract under negotiation, the county hopes to recover more of the costs of booking and housing the city inmates.

Mayor Dewey Bartlett wants the booking fee dropped. He said it costs too much and isn't authorized by state law.

The head of the Criminal Justice Authority said it's only fair Tulsa pay its share.

Tulsa County Commissioner, John Smaligo said, "We're providing a service. Booking is part of that service and should be considered in how much the city of Tulsa pays."

The Criminal Justice Authority created a task force to research a fair fee and negotiate with Tulsa's city leaders.