Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Oct 23, 2024
HENRY COUNTY and TANEY COUNTY, Plaintiffs-Respondents v. W. ARCHIE DUNN, Defendant-Appellant
Henry and Taney Counties sued W. Archie Dunn, the former Sheriff of Jasper County, seeking to hold him personally liable under §50.650 for the cost of boarding Jasper County prisoners in their jails. The Jasper County Commission had refused to pay these costs, arguing they were not budgeted. The trial court granted summary judgment against Dunn, finding him personally liable. The appellate court vacated the summary judgment and remanded the case, holding that the plain language of §50.650, which imposes personal liability for purchasing "supplies, materials or equipment," does not apply to the cost of boarding prisoners.