County to seek Operation Lone Star grant funds

By Tony Farkas
[email protected]

COLDSPRING — To applause and cheers, the San Jacinto County Commissioners Court approved a resolution Thursday allowing the Sheriff’s Department to seek a $1.75 million grant from the state.

Thursday’s meeting, which was a special meeting called to discuss the grant application, was less confrontational than the meeting on Aug. 2, when tempers ran hot when commissioners question certain items on the grant application and grant terms.

The commissioners offered reasons for delaying their approval, which Sheriff Greg Capers offered his thanks and approval.

County Judge Fritz Faulker said that it was a no-brainer to seek the grant, but the original resolution as it was written was concerning.

“We get kicked in the teeth for caring about things, but we’re trying to do our best for the county,” he said.

Commissioner David Brandon said that the original paperwork did not comply with the state constitution and needed clarification, which was all that was needed as the grant request already was at the state.

He also said that since the grant was a reimbursement grant, the commissioners wanted to do their homework to make sure the county was able to fund the grant and that it was the right thing for the county to do.

Capers said he applauded the court for their diligence, and that the paperwork has been modified to reflect the proper grant officials, such as Faulkner being the grant administrator.

Several audience members had spoken in favor of the grant resolution; Gerald Deeter thanked the commissioners for taking the matter up quickly.

“I’m glad to see you’ve come to your senses,” he said. “I didn’t understand the decision to table the issue given the urgency of need.”

Dee Margrave Duke, a resident of the county who moved in recently, said researching the lawlessness in the county was disturbing, and she was concerned about a Sheriff’s Office that was underfunded.

However, she said she hopes the differences have been resolved and the measure passed.

“Every day counts in this, so don’t delay action,” Duke said.