In a brief meeting, Erath County Commissioners Court tackled a slew of agenda items including taking steps to improve the jail.
The court unanimously approved a system agreement between Guardian RFID and Erath County Jail for the implementation of eight handheld devices which will be used to itemize inmate checks.
Jail Captain Danny Clayton explained the devices have alarms on them indicating when jailors should be making their rounds.
The devices are also capable of taking video and photos to aid in the investigation of contraband items such as drugs.
The cost of the devices is $18,855.40 for the fiscal year and will come out of inmate funds.
“This will come out of inmate funds because it directly benefits inmates,” Clayton said.
The jail captain added that they will be asking for $10,000 in next year’s budget for the subscription for the devices. The devices will also be replaced every three years.
“This will allow for better documentation and it ensures we are doing the right thing,” County Judge Brandon Huckabee said.
The court also unanimously approved a Care Coordination Agreement between Pecan Valley Centers and Erath County Jail.
In the agreement Pecan Valley will work with the jail to identify defendants who have returned from the state facility on a 46B commitment (those incompetent to stand trial) and provide reimbursement for up to 90 days post-release supply of medications.
The care coordination process includes communication between all of the parties involved and will begin immediately after a person is adjudged not competent to stand trial and will continue through the movement to the State Hospital for legal competency restoration, return to the jail as competent to stand trial, and until the detainee is released because charges are disposed or is released on bond.
The court also unanimously approved a five year wet/dry system inspection agreement, which is a jail standards requirement to have the fire suppression systems at the jail checked every five years. The contract was approved at a cost of $ 4,431.
Bids for a new warehouse for Erath County Volunteer Fire Department are underway after approval from the court.
The building will be 60’ by 30’ used to consolidate everything under a roof and put it under lock and key, Erath County Emergency Coordinator Chris Brooks said.
It will also be trimmed to match the fire station, he said.
Road bore permits and driveway permits were also approved along with road material bids.
The court accepted all bids for materials that were sent in.