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The Washington County Commissioners signed an agreement with Nowata County last week. That agreement held Nowata County liable for the health of the 18 inmates moved to the Washington County Detention Center nearly two weeks ago after a gas leak was detected in the Nowata County Jail. That caused the facility to be evacuated.

In Monday's Washington County Commissioners' meeting, the commissioners signed another inmate housing agreement. This time the agreement was with the City of Nowata. Chairman Mitch Antle explained that it came to his attention to Nowata County acted as the holder of Nowata City prisoners. He said they had a choice to add an addendum to last weeks agreement with Nowata County or create a separate standing agreement with the City of Nowata. They saw it fit and efficient to have a seperate standing agreement with the City of Nowata, Antle said.

The inmate housing agreement has been sent to the City of Nowata's legal counsel. Antle said they were free to move forward with the agreement as written. He said the agreement with the City of Nowata is the same agreement they have with Nowata County in regards to who is responsible for the health of the inmates.