NEWS
Cost of Justice – Fulfilling an inmate’s rights, juggling a budget a hard road
By BARBARA GREEN
How do you weigh the costs of justice?
Does Montague County take on the costs of serious medical procedures for a person detained on a minor felony charge or let them go on a personal recognizance bond?
Those are just a few off the questions Montague County Sheriff Paul Cunningham has to consider as he strives to fulfill the task of arresting offenders, while adhering to their constitutional right to be released on bond and maintaining a viable budget.
One of the most common complaints from citizens to law officers and prosecutors asks why an offender is released on bond – especially if that person is considered to a habitual offender or has multiple convictions. Read the full feature in the weekend News. Pictured – the exterior sign to the Montague County Jail. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The following indictments were issued out of the Montague County Grand Jury during its session on Dec. 16.
For the month there were seven indictments returned including one that was sealed awaiting the arrest of a suspect.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Read the full list of cases in the mid-week Bowie News.
Montague County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on Dec. 23.
The court will consider obligating $276,961.84 of American Rescue Plan funds to completing the new wastewater treatment plant that will serve the courthouse complex. Commissioners have been working on this project much of the year.
Montague County will apply to the Nortex Regional Planning Commission for a solid waste disposal grant to purchase a tire cutter for use by all four precincts.
Developers for Kingdom Estates Phase 2 subdivision will offer a plant for lots 6-10, 16.06 acres located in precinct two.
A cooperative agreement between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the county will be presented, along with a non-exclusive license and service agreement between Local Government Solutions and Justices of the Peace one and two.
Annual bonds for seven elected officials will be offered, along with the county attorney’s 2024 Chapter 59 Asset Forfeiture report.
Montague County has received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist individuals with the purchase and installation of a residential storm shelter.
The shelter must be FEMA-approved and individuals must install and pay for the shelter. After installation and passing an inspection, the individual could be eligible for 50% reimbursement of the cost of the storm shelter up to a maximum $3,000 reimbursement.
The initial program allows for financial assistance for the installation of up to 100 storm shelters. Visit the Montague County website at co.montague.tx.us and click on “Safe Room Program,” and under quick links to see the qualifications and requirements for participation in the program.
There is no deadline to apply, but only 100 applicants will be accepted
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