(The Center Square) – Caddo Parish says a recent increase in state reimbursements for housing inmates still leaves the local government responsible for much of the cost.

Louisiana increased its per diem reimbursement for inmates housed in local facilities from $26.39 to $29.39 per day under Act 530, according to a legislative update presented to the Caddo Parish Commission on Thursday.

But Caddo's cost is approximately $80 per inmate per day, leaving a gap of about $50 between the parish's estimated cost and the state's reimbursement.

Caddo had sought a larger increase during the legislative session, Dr. Cassandra Pierre, the parish's legislative adviser, told commissioners.

"We wanted a more substantial increase," Pierre said, citing the roughly $80 daily cost.

At $29.39 per day, the state reimbursement covers about 37% of the parish's estimated daily cost.

Pierre said the $3 increase is a step in the right direction and provides a basis for Caddo to continue advocating for higher reimbursements.

The reimbursement issue is part of a broader effort by parish officials to address costs and capacity pressures at the Caddo Correctional Center. Commissioners also received an update Thursday on legislation allowing Caddo and the Sheriff's Office to implement a pretrial home incarceration program using electronic monitoring.

Officials said the program is intended to provide another tool for addressing jail capacity while maintaining safeguards and accountability. An electronic monitoring provider must be selected through a competitive process involving the Sheriff's Office and parish administration.