By Lisa Morton
During the Culberson County Court regular meeting last Tuesday, steps to better ensure public safety were revealed. For many remote areas like Culberson County, valuable time is lost during a 911 emergency call when the operator has limited technological resources and the caller cannot properly communicate the location of the emergency. Carbyne finished converting the Sheriff’s department’s 911 call center with advanced technology features such as live video that allows dispatchers to send a link in a text message to a cell phone callers device. When the link is opened, callers can take pictures during the live video as well as the dispatcher.
The system allows dispatch to start a message chat should the caller be unable to speak such as with kidnappings and break-ins. The system is integrated with Google Maps and depending on the phone carrier, can provide the exact location of the caller.
Commissioners received the annual audit presentation remotely by Rick Knapp. The audit provides a financial performance overview of the County’s financial activities for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. The County’s net assets increased $1,238,218 in fiscal year 2021 as compared to $1,528,805 in 2020 (as restated). Knapp commented that with the net position increase, the tax base up due to oil & gas, cash revenues up, the county worked within its means and did not exploit reserves. Knapp will assist the County Auditor with the motion necessary to approve the audit at a later meeting.
In other county business:
- Heard from Victor Uvalle on Risk Management Pool-Risk Control Services regarding training options.
- Heard from AgriLife agent Zach Schaefer regarding recent programs.
- Approved a proclamation for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
- Approved updating DPS Contract for Omnibase Services/WebFTA Services for Justice Courts and approved new Ricoh Copier upgrade and contract renewal for Justice Court PCT-ONE.
- Approved letter of agreement from El Paso Electric Company for the overhead cost in the amount of $7,179.57 to provide power to City Park at Austin St. and 3rd St.
- Approved authorization for Cummings Westlake to run Notices of Public Hearings for the possible creation of Reinvestment Zones for the Algonquin Power Projects in The Van Horn Advocate.
- Approved monthly reports as presented.
- Approved County Treasurer’s monthly report as presented.
- Approved payment of bills as presented.
- Had discussions regarding various county projects and updates.
