The Delta County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with local law enforcement Tuesday, reviewed a big water bill from the jail, and heard a report on the results of a recent emergency drill.
A Law Enforcement Agreement was finally met in a meeting Tuesday morning, Nov. 13 of the Delta County Commissioners Court between the City of Cooper and the County. The City is offering $50,000 for the supplement of the Sheriff’s Department with the approval of the agreement as written. Upon hearing the statements of Judge Herb Brookshire, County/City Attorney Jay Garrett, Sheriff Gerald Teague, Sheriff-elect Ricky Smith and Mayor Scotty Stegall, Commissioner Max Moody moved to approve the contract as written stating the Sheriff’s Department “will provide a deputy on duty 24 hours 7 days a week inside the City,” with Commissioner Wayne Poole seconded the motion (as the only Commissioners present) the item passed 3-0.
Another issue at the Sheriff’s Department was the $6,974.74 water bill for the usage of 1 million gallons of water. The meter was inspected by the State according to Mayor Stegall. Judge Brookshire was told a broken toilet running was in part the problem, but was baffled how the Jail could be running out 30,000 gallons a day for the month of October. The County had only budgeted $6,000 for the Jail for the entire year. A redistribution of funds will be needed to help pay for the costs.
Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Kiley reported back from the Emergency drill held Monday afternoon.
“It went well. We dispersed medicines during the drill to 156 homes in an hour,” said Kiley. There was a bit of a change of plans due to the downed power line far West Dallas Avenue near the Dollar General. It sparked a small grass fire near but was quickly under control and traffic was rerouted until TXU could repair the line accidently hit by a semi truck traveling through the area.
Judge Chuck Reed gave his Justice of the Peace report saying he had 31 new cases involving minors with alcohol or tobacco. He said he is looking into more alcohol awareness programs to address the issue and not ignore it.
The Court will meet again on Monday, Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.