By Becky Brewster
Culberson County Sheriff’s Office is getting a 911 Communications system upgrade through a Homeland Security Grant. The grant funding of approximately $39,000 is for a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) digital 911 system. “Culberson County is now an important part of the regional 911 system,” said Culberson County Judge Carlos Urias, “if Alpine goes down, Van Horn is second in line to handle the regional 911 calls with the new digital upgrades and the existing self-sustaining generator for the system.” The Court voted to supplement the grant funding with $4003 of local funds to cover the cost of the upgrade. Judge Urias reported that the County is making “incredible” progress noting other recent technology upgrades county-wide, including a security system at the Courthouse.
The Court also heard a report from Victor Uvalle from the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) on the Risk Control Reimbursement Program which funds projects that decrease a County’s risk exposure for insurance purposes. He invited the County to submit an application by the July 1 deadline, noting the best ideas with the best presentations from across the State will be given priority for funding.
Then Sheriff Oscar Carrillo briefed the Court on the need to update the Law Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual, noting that the current manual was adopted in 2001. He was notified that many of the policies were out-of-date, and suggested that the County scrap the existing policies and purchase a new policy manual for approximately $1500. He noted that the Policy and Procedures Manual for the jail will need to be upgraded as well. Victor Uvalle suggested that the Sheriff coordinate with TAC for a review of the policies, noting that TAC may have a template for the updated policies.
The Commissioners also learned that the Culberson County Tax Office will be closed June 13 to 17 for employee training.
In other County business, the Court also:
• Conducted an Executive Session with no action following in open session.
• Updated the Constable checking account at the bank.
• Authorized the purchase of a time clock for the Nutrition Center.
• Approved a Utility Permit request by Wise West Water Works, Ltd. to install a temporary water line parallel to Rustler Springs County Road.
• Modified the Personnel Policy Manual regarding compensatory time.
• Heard reports on County Projects.
• Approved February payroll and expenses.
