Well, I was right about the last meeting (meetings, rather, it lasted for two days, with breaks). There was yelling, cursing and a walk out. Invigorating!
Once again the question of whether or not to close the jail was raised, and it was the contributing factor for much of the hubbub. It wasn't on the agenda, but the topic was introduced by County Judge Ken Holt, presiding officer of the commissioners court. It seemed an odd time to bring it up, after numerous presentations from vendors for services at the jail.
Anyway, during the budget meeting the next day, the court decided to leave the jail open. Holt was not present. Everyone agreed, or understood, the jail is not a money-making proposition, but a needed service for the community.
Tomorrow the Court is scheduled to discuss and vote on the following items:
- Purchase of a new truck for the sheriff
- Engagement and payment for services to monitor inmates and the jail
- Engagement and payment for telephone services at the jail
- The county budget
- The tax rate
