Iowa jail flushes plan to charge for toilet paper

[February 21, 2009]  BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) -- Des Moines County jail officials have flushed a plan for inmates to pay for toilet paper to save money. The county had faced a $1.7 million budget shortfall this year. The toilet paper idea surfaced when county leaders asked department heads for suggestions to cut costs.

Budget officials said billing inmates for toilet paper could save more than $2,300.

Jail Administrator Duane Worthy closed the lid on the idea on Wednesday, saying there will not be a separate fee for toilet paper.

Budget Director Cheryl McVey says the budget shortfalls have been erased due to budget cuts by departments, an anticipated $1 million bond issue and other revenues.

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Information from: The Hawk Eye, http://www.thehawkeye.com

[Associated Press]

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