Group of Bellingham inmates likely moving to Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) _ Yakima County commissioners are expected to approve a contract that would bring up to 20 inmates from Bellingham to Yakima.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports (http://goo.gl/68xcLK ) that the transfer is being discussed because space at the Whatcom County jail is running low for Bellingham prisoners. Yakima County Department of Corrections Director Ed Campbell says officials haven't yet figured out the exact number of inmates from Bellingham that will be housed in Yakima, but it's expected to be around 15 to 20.

If the contract is approved, Yakima County will charge rates from $50 to $80 per day based on several factors, including the seriousness of the inmate's crime, medical issues and total number of inmates being held.