The Terry County Commissioners Court met Monday morning Aug. 14, 2023, in a relatively short meeting. The main topic of discussion was approving the monthly reports from each department. Before moving on to approve the reports, the Court did approve the past meeting’s minutes and approved paying bills.
For the Justice of the Peace reports, Judge Angie Garza showed the Court that the JP Office brought in a total of $26,974.66 for the month of July 2023. There was $3,250 in cash, $1,958 in checks, $4,121.33 in money orders, and $17,645.33 in direct deposits. The non-monetary total was $682.00 of jail time.
Moving on to the Sheriff’s Dept. monthly reports. There were 91 calls reported, five were emergency, 85 were non-emergency and one misdial. There were seven reported offenses and six cleared. During the month of July 2023, $33,800 worth of property was stolen and has not been recovered. Of the seven offenses, three were burglary of a building, one was theft of property over $750 under $2,500, two unauthorized use of a vehicle (one cleared), and one theft of property over $2,500 under $20K. The Sheriff’s Dept. received 30 warrants, two from the JP’s office, 18 from the County Court, and 10 from the District Court. Five warrants were served, two were returned, and 23 are outstanding. The Sheriff’s Dept. made six arrests in July 2023 and classified them as public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault causing bodily injury to a family member, possession of a controlled substance (PG 1) under one gram, possession of marijuana under two ounces, and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance (PG 1) over 200 grams, under 400 grams.
The county judge’s Office had 21 new cases filed and 37 cases closed. The office brought in $607 in fines and non-monetary was $2,755.00 of time served.
Next, the Court reviewed and renewed the facilities agreement with the West Texas Center (WTC) for Promoting Behavioral and Developmental Health. Terry County will continue to furnish an office suitable for the efficient operation of the Terry County Mental Health Center. This will include a post office box, telephones, and all other utilities. The County will also furnish general office equipment and supplies for the Center. The County will allow the center to supervise and administer mental health and intellectual and developmental disability services in compliance with standards set forth by Texas Administrative Code, the Health and Human Services Commission, and Mental Health Community Standards, plus register any complaints or questions through the Chief Executive Officer.
In the agreement, WTC will provide sufficient staff to offer mental health and intellectual and developmental disability services in Terry County. Services will be in compliance with the standards set forth by the Texas Administrative Code, the Health and Human Services Commission, and Mental Health Community Standards. WTC will continue to promote and upgrade communications and services allowing both the community and the Center to offer better services to citizens and consumers. Also, WTC will furnish all staff training, travel expenses, postage, medications, medical equipment and medical supplies. The Court approved the facilities agreement and the service agreement with WTC.
The Court moved to approve two separate applications for soil conservation work. One is located in the southeast corner of Terry County and the other is located off of County Roar 321 east of Wellman.
Next, the Court moved to review and consider approving the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fees. In Texas, the county commissioners’ courts are statutorily required to notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) each
year regarding the imposition or removal of optional fees. The notice must be made to TxDMV each year by September 1
with new fees taking effect on January 1 of the following year. The Court approved to not change any fees.
