By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. – A growing number of inmates and rising medical expenses at the Rhea County Jail have officials looking to cut costs at the lockup.
County officials are reining in food costs and allowing some inmates furloughs so they can go to the doctor with their families rather than at county expense.
The jail’s average population is 94 men and women, finance director Pam Hixson said, but right now it is housing 120 people. Some of those are awaiting transfer to state prison.