Medical bills for inmates at Forrest County’s detention facilities have almost doubled since 2006.

In fiscal 2006, Forrest County spent $249,792 on medical supplies and fees for inmates at the downtown jail, evaluation center, juvenile detention center and work center.

And this fiscal year the Board of Supervisors anticipates spending $439,375.

The jail’s inmate population is not supposed to exceed 155 inmates, according to federal statute.

Since Hurricane Katrina, the county’s daily inmate count has hovered in the mid 200s, forcing the construction of a new jail that is currently under construction.