The Liberty County Commissioners Court on Oct. 17 approved an interlocal agreement with Bell County to house up to 100 Liberty County inmates in the Bell County Jail.

County officials said the contract has been reviewed by the county attorney's office. Sheriff Raider told the court there are 100 beds available and staff would begin transporting inmates next week if the agreement and placements are approved.

The court voted 3-0 to approve the agreement. Commissioner Greg moved to approve and Commissioner Gerald seconded; the court recorded three ayes and no nays.

The sheriff and county staff did not provide a dollar amount for the housing arrangement during the meeting. Officials also did not specify which inmate populations would be transferred or how long the agreement will remain in effect. County staff said the county attorney's office had reviewed the contract; a county attorney staff member was present during the discussion.

The approval came during a brief special meeting called at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 17. No additional debate or public comment on the agreement was included in the transcript of the meeting.