NEWS
SB22 funding tempers budget requests for jail, sheriff
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Montague County Commissioner’s heard their first full presentation of budget requests from the sheriff’s office Monday during a budget workshop.
While the court has left the item budget workshop on the agenda for the last few months, hardly any department head or elected official has stepped to the podium.
The technology director went through her budget proposal last month, and a couple of officials said they don’t plan any changes, but it appears most may be waiting for the certified property values to arrive at the first of August when they know just how tight the budget strings might be pulled.
Sheriff Marshall Thomas went through the primary increases in his budget, however, the sheriff’s office and jail are experiencing an influx of funding through Senate Bill 22 so unlike the norm, his budget review did not center on funding for additional staff or pay hikes.
SB22 created a grant program to provide financial assistance based on population to the sheriff’s office, district attorney and county attorney to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of the people’s interests throughout the state. In the sheriff’s office he was able to apply for $350,000 in funds that can be used to provide a minimum salary for the sheriff, deputies and jailers, hiring of additional deputies or staff, purchase vehicles, firearms and safety equipment. Thomas laid out his wage increase proposal for each member of the staff last month.
There will be one new deputy and an animal control officer to work out of the SO funded by the grant, and the new county attorney investigator funded out of that office.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Top photo- K9 officer Ace was retired from his service at the Montague County Sheriff’s office on Monday. His handler Deputy Chase Pelton will take Ace as he retires after six and a half years of service. (Bowie News file photo from an early arrest by the officers)
| Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) launched the Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line, a new statewide crisis support line for Texans impacted by recent catastrophic floods. The crisis support line is available 24/7 and provides professional crisis counseling at no cost. “The State of Texas continues working to ensure that Texans hardest hit by these devastating floods have the resources and support they need, and that includes mental health support,” said Governor Abbott. “This new statewide crisis support line will ensure survivors, families, and first responders have access to emotional support and crisis counseling as they work to heal and recover. Cecilia and I continue to pray that God brings comfort to everyone affected and strength to our first responders as they deal with the unimaginable.” Survivors, families, first responders, and others affected by the disaster can receive professional crisis counseling at no cost by calling 833-812-2480. All calls are confidential and answered by personnel specially trained to work with disaster survivors. “The physical and emotional effects from a natural disaster are profound, and can have lasting effects on hearts, minds and communities,” said Michelle Alletto, HHSC chief program and services officer. “Dedicated mental health support is available to help our fellow Texans cope with loss, rebuild and heal.” Through crisis counseling, Texans can receive emotional support and get assistance with reviewing their disaster recovery options and referrals to other programs. Crisis counseling also promotes positive coping strategies and helps prevent additional stress for those affected by disaster. For more information on mental health resources available to Texans, visit the Disaster Behavioral Health Services page. |
The staff of the Office of Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced upcoming mobile office hours for July in regional towns including Nocona.
Constituents are encouraged to attend if they need assistance with a federal agency or to learn more about the office’s services.
Bring all documentation if you require assistance with a federal agency case. No appointment is necessary. Additional questions should be directed to Congressman Jackson’s Amarillo office at (806) 641-5600.
In Montague County the office staff will be set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 14 in Nocona City Hall, 102 Clay Street.
The Bowie City Council conducted a relatively brief meeting Tuesday night where the budget proposal was presented and the election for November was called.
The agenda opened with a public hearing on the 2024 annual Drinking Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report. City Manager Bert Cunningham touched on the highlights of the report which is available to the public on the city’s website.
He reported there were no violations or issues and the city’s water system continues to operate within all parameters. Water loss was at 41,402,247 gallons, which often stems from leaks or breaks. No action is required by the council.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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