The Fairfield City Jail is empty because there isn't money to buyfood for inmates, but the police chief says that doesn't mean they won't arrest lawbreakers.

"Let me be clear: If we need to arrest you, we will arrest you,'' said Chief Leon Davis. "It's not a free day for criminals in Fairfield."

Davis said he was forced to release three or four inmates on April 16, and has not been able to book in anyone else since then. The law requires jails adequately feed inmates, and Davis said he doesn't have the money to do so. Other than the food issue, he said, the jail is up to code.

Police officials went to Fairfield City Hall last week, and told them they were running low on food. Davis said he submitted a request for the money - some $500 - and city officials prepared a check for him.

Mayor Kenneth Coachman said the city has appropriated money to feed inmates, and he signed off on the check for the food money. Council President Darnell Gardner, however, hasn't signed the check to make the payment.

"I had no choice but to release them,'' Davis said of the inmates. The inmates were being held on non-violent, misdemeanor charges. Suspects charged with felony crimes are transferred to the Jefferson County Jail.

At Monday night's regular meeting, the council discussed ways to deal with the problem. Councilwoman Gloria Matthews said they could save money by buying meals from Walmart, and she volunteered to pick up the food every week if needed.

Davis said several people have been arrested since he had to empty the jail. "We did bring in a couple yesterday, but released them on bond,'' he said. "If we need to arrest you, we will arrest you. If you mess up, we're going to get you. And once I get food, we'll be back in business as usual."

The lack of food for the jail is the most recent in a string of battles between the mayor and the council. Fairfield's city vehicles are facing gasoline rations after the city council voted to limit the amount of money employees can spend to fill up their tanks every day. Last month, a group of residents started a petition to impeach Coachman.