WHO ARE SHORT-TERM OFFENDERS?

A state law that took effect in 2003 requires that people convicted of felonies who have 180 days or less remaining on their sentences serve their time in county jails and workhouses instead of prisons. Many of them are probation violators. Normally jails are reserved for people awaiting court appearances and doing time for lesser crimes. "This is simply another tax on the local units of government which every county ends up paying," said Jim Franklin, executive director of the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association. "The counties have been yelling about this for years."

WHAT DOES THE STATE PAY?

The state has reserved about $1.6 million this year as county "reimbursements" for short-term offenders. The actual payout is estimated at $9-10 a day per inmate. Last year the state paid $27.24, but in 2007 it was $9.19 and in 2006 it was $9.70.

WHAT DO COUNTIES PAY?

Because state reimbursements fall short of actual costs, counties compensate through their property tax levies. In Hennepin County, the net cost is about $1.5 million a year. In Washington County, it's projected at $501,000 this year. Dakota County estimates spending about $1.3 million between 2005 and 2008.

CAN JAILS MAKE MONEY?

Some rent available beds. That's the case in Washington County, which rents to Chisago County and others for the "going rate" of $55 a day to recoup some of the money lost to the short-term offenders, said Sheriff Bill Hutton.