Court deputizes sheriff’s deputy, reviews jail staffing and applies for Hazard Mitigation Grant

Burleson County Commissioners on Aug. 14 approved deputation of Stephanie Smith as a deputy sheriff and reviewed public-safety staffing and grant opportunities. The deputation motion, moved by Commissioner David Hildebrand and seconded by Commissioner Faust, passed unanimously.

Chief Rios reported the jail held 47 inmates (44 males, 3 females) and cited staffing vacancies: two patrol positions, three jailer positions, two school-resource-officer positions and three dispatch positions remain open. Constable Gaas reported increased activity and evictions in the Snook area. Elections Administrator D. J. Oliver also briefed the court, saying she attended a seminar and that 40 new election-related bills were passed at the state level.

During a workshop, the court reviewed Texas Senate Bill 22 grant programs aimed at providing financial assistance to qualified sheriff, constable and prosecutor offices in rural counties. Commissioners then approved a resolution to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program related to the 2023 Severe Winter Storm (DR #4705); Commissioner Robert (Bobby) Urbanosky moved the resolution, Commissioner Dwayne Faust seconded, and the court voted unanimously to authorize application for mitigation funding.

The court also approved the reappointment of Clarence Wayne Grays to the BVCOG Board of Directors and accepted a $2,000 donation to the Burleson Health Resource Center as part of consent items. Members said staff will proceed with application paperwork for the Hazard Mitigation Grant and continue recruiting to fill public-safety vacancies.