AUSTIN, TX - Harris County's sheriff is hoping for a little hospitality from the neighbors after being ordered to ship at least 500 inmates out of his jail until he can hire enough officers to oversee them.

Despite assurances that a remedy is in the works, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards told county officials Thursday to move some of their inmates to other lockups in the Houston region while Sheriff Tommy Thomas tries to raise his staffing level to the state mandate. The exodus won't be easy, however.

While officials in at least two neighboring counties said they can offer help, four others said they're wrestling with the same problems that are plaguing Harris County.

Chief Deputy Mike Smith said Harris County officials hope to keep the inmates within 200 miles, citing the expense and logistical problems of moving them to Houston and back for court appearances and other needs.

Representatives of Thomas and County Judge Robert Eckels said the county is taking steps to ease the strain soon, but all eight jail commission members voted to order the shift. The agency has withheld certification from the jail for three consecutive years, most recently after an April inspection found the inmate-to-officer ratio still below the required 48-1.

County officials said the order could force them to move at least 500 inmates to other jails within 30 days. They estimated it could cost $45 to $60 per inmate per day to house them elsewhere.

Though that compares favorably with the $66 per day it costs to house an inmate in the downtown Houston complex, they said, the price tag for processing and transportation will be significant. Dick Raycraft, the county's budget officer, said he couldn't calculate that cost until he knows how many inmates will be moved and where they are going.

"I think this is going to get everyone's attention," said Doug Adkinson, deputy chief of staff for Eckels.

The county criminal justice committee is scheduled to meet today to discuss how best to comply with the order. Eckels and Thomas did not attend the Austin hearing, remaining in Houston to participate in a statewide hurricane evacuation drill.