County contracts made with TDCJ

GROVETON — The Trinity County Commissioners Court approved a contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to use inmates for general labor around the county.

At its regular meeting on March 16, Commissioner Tommy Park said TDCJ will provide six to eight inmates with a guard each week to pick up trash on county roads, cut trees, and assist with road repair and mowing.

Park suggested that each week, the inmates can rotate between the four Road and Bridge departments, and on the last day they can work around the Courthouse.

The county needed only to provide a vehicle for the TDCJ to transport the prisoners and the necessary tools to complete the required tasks. Additionally, the county will feed the workers lunch.

In a related matter, the court approved the purchase of a passenger van to be used for the inmate work crews.

In other business, the court:

•approved the canvass for the March 5 election;

•approved a contract between the Election Administrator and the Westwood Shores utility district for a bond election;

•approved budget amendments for the County Attorney’s Office to correct for the payment of payroll taxes;

•declared office equipment as salvage; and

•approved the application for the 2025 Texas Indigent Defense Improvement Grant.