Halls Creek resident warns Humphreys County commissioners a drone purchase will be abused and 'fill the jail'

During the public-comment period at the Humphreys County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 23, resident Dan Cox urged the commission to reject a proposed drug-drone program and expressed strong opposition to a new jail project, saying the efforts are intended to generate revenue rather than respond to crime.

"This drone program is not needed," Cox said, and added the broader jail project was "a whole boondoggle." He warned the jail would be full within six months of construction, arguing county departments and officials measure success by budget size rather than effectiveness: "The jail will be full in 6 months. And it is a tool that's been used by counties across the country because they can bring in revenue." Cox also said additional officers, office space and vehicles typically follow such programs, and he predicted the drone would be used for property and neighborhood enforcement rather than serious drug investigations.

Commission discussion that followed focused on budgetary technicalities rather than operational rules for the drone. Commissioner Justin Curtis questioned whether the $10,000 donation from OxyChem had specified restrictions and warned that donated and new funds can effectively expand county spending: "This money could be applied to anything ... I'm gonna do my best to not have taxes go up ... If it's not making us money or if it's not absolutely 100% a necessity, it's gonna be a no." Despite the public comment and the commissioner's caution, the budget amendment that included $10,000 in donated funds and $10,000 of new money to increase the drug enforcement account by $20,000 (for law enforcement equipment) passed 10-3.

No staff presentation specifying how the drone would be used or what oversight would govern its operations was recorded in the meeting transcript. The board proceeded to approve the budget amendment; procurement and policy details would be handled in subsequent administrative steps if the sheriff's office moves forward with purchase.