Overtime extension sought

By Tony Farkas
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COLDSPRING — San Jacinto County’s jail Capt. Denise Bradshaw gave the County Commissioners’ Court an update on jail staffing, and asked for some more funding at a recent meeting.

Bradshaw said the jail still is short five people to be fully staffed; however, the night shift is fully covered and no overtime would be needed, but the day shift still needs manpower.

She also said that prisoners from Trinity County have brought in $122,000 for November and December; the current jail population is 119 out of a 136 capacity.

The county previously approved $10,000 for overtime as an incentive to keep jailers hired while attempting to fill the ranks; however, the court could not act since the item came up in public forum instead of as an agenda item.

In other business, the commissioners:

•denied amending criminal court jurisdiction to allow county judges to hear misdemeanor criminal cases;

•appointed members to the SJC Emergency Services District;

•approved payment for ballistic shields, which will be reimbursed 100 percent through a grant;

•approved agreement for tracking services for the Affordable Care Act;

•approved a variance on a two-acre tract of land in the Isaiah Kerby Survey;

•declared computer items as salvage;

•approved David J. Waxman Inc. as grant administrator for a $350,000 Community Development Block Grant for roadwork. The grant has a $75,000 county match, and administration services will run $35,000;

•approved an agreement with the city of Shepherd for its police department to use Sheriff’s Department radio system;

•approved the purchase of a Komatsu motor grader to replace a grader that was returned;

•approved a lot split in the Fostoria Subdivision;

•set April 14-15 as days for collection of tires;

•amended the mileage reimbursement policy; and

•approved a contract with Rebel Contractors for grinding and stabilization of roads.