Chelan County rolls out new daily fee jail rates

The briefing

Cashmere City Council unanimously approved a new contract with the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, setting the daily bed rate at $213 per inmate for 2027. City officials discussed how the escalating fentanyl crisis and related medical costs drive up jail operational expenses, with municipalities bearing the financial burden of medical care for inmates. The 40-year-old jail facility faces mounting structural needs and capital improvement demands that continue to strain local budgets.