Jail Standards Forcing Change

The tables in the Van Zandt County Jail’s two inmate dorm areas — where inmates take their daily meals — were good enough to pass a state jail inspection twice.

On the most recent inspections, though, the rules had changed, Van Zandt County Sheriff R.P. "Pat" Burnett told county commissioners on Tuesday.

It led to a rather reluctant decision by the commissioners’ court to approve a low bid of $8,400 for sets of picnic-style steel tables to replace the four-seat "pod" tables currently in the jail.

Burnett explained the problem with the current tables was in seating capacity.

"We have four four-man tables in each dorm now, and we have to switch to three eight-man tables," he said.

Burnett added that the picnic-style tables will also address handicapped access with the seatless ends of each table.

However, the frustration with the apparent fickleness of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation could be seen around the table. It prompted Precinct 4 Commissioner Ron Carroll to say, "We had those tables built to specifications and it passed twice. Sometimes I don’t know which is worse, state or federal government."

Also Tuesday, 294th District Court Judge Teresa Drum spoke briefly to the commissioners’ court about courthouse security measures.

Drum complimented the court on moving forward in efforts to improve courthouse security.

"I believe there are two types of governing philosophies, proactive and reactive. This court has been proactive in forming a security committee to look at what is needed," she said.

Burnett and Precinct 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. updated Judge Drum on several changes and additions being made, including the replacement of a door on the south side of the courthouse, a shading film for window and intercom functions on the phone system.

They also mentioned extra courthouse cameras, which have not yet been ordered, and the installation of software for their operation. Bulletproof glass for courtroom windows, judges’ offices and entryways is also under consideration.

Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches said she would like to see the county seek bids from private security firms for staffing at the courthouse.

"We could at least get some idea what it will cost," Carroll added.

Burnett said he was doubtful the county would be able to find an affordable private service.

"If I were a betting man, I’d bet that it will not be cheaper," he said in comparing the idea to using county deputies.

In another matter regarding the sheriff’s office, the commissioners’ court approved a mileage reimbursement for members of the sheriff’s posse called out to capture escaped livestock.

In addition to the $25 estray pickup fee, the county will now pay 40 cents per mile standard and 60 cents per mile for those hauling a trailer.

The court also approved a call for proposals for repair and/or construction work on the foundation leveling for the county jail building. That action comes on an issue that has been discussed numerous times in court sessions this year.

In other matters during Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners’ court took the following action:

— Tabled a consideration to rename Wills Point Municipal Airport as Van Zandt County Airport. No one from the Wills Point Municipal Airport Advisory Board was present at the meeting.

— Approved a renewal of a contract with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Data Distributions System (TCLEDDS) for a 2009 subscription for the sheriff’s department.

— Issued a request for proposals for comprehensive inmate medical services for the Van Zandt County Jail.

— Authorized advertising for proposals for county on-site sewage facilities designated representative services. The motion carried 3-1, with Precinct 1 Commissioner Ricky LaPrade opposing, stating he felt it should be a county employee in that position and should not be someone who is also licensed for home inspections.

— Approved a child welfare services agreement with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and approved a Title IV-E Legal Services Contract Renewal, commissioners’ court resolution and contract budget.

— Approved a legal services agreement with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and approved a Title IV-E Legal Services Contract Renewal, commissioners’ court resolution, contract budget and Form 2047e Certification regarding federal lobbying.

— Accepted a petition to accept four-tenths of a mile at the end of Van Zandt County Road 4117 as a county maintained road.

— Approved a lease agreement between Xerox and the office of Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace for a copy machine.

— Approved the retaining of the law firm of Anderson and Elliott PC regarding Road and Bridge Department matters.

— Approved the setting and installation of speed limit signs on the following county roads: VZ 3508, VZ 3837, VZ 4203, VZ 4807, VZ 4701, VZ 4120 and VZ 4122. A public hearing on this matter has been set for Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. in the county courtroom.

— Approved the hiring of outside audit firm Pattillo, Brown and Hill LLP for an audit for the year ending Sept. 30, 2008.

— Directed county treasurer Detra Janzen to survey employees and speak with other county offices about sick leave policy provisions for county employees. Koches said the issue recently came up regarding the current policy of not paying sick leave to employees who have given two-weeks notice.

— Approved budget amendments for county librarian Judy Morris, all four precinct commissioner offices and the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office.