Commissioners note sheriff staffing shortages, approve jail system change order and deputations

County officials on Nov. 10 heard staffing and operational reports from the Sheriff’s Department and took several related actions.

Chief Deputy Simmons reported openings for two jailers, two dispatchers and one medic and said the county jail held 67 inmates (54 male, 13 female). Sgt. Stohler said DPS patrol vacancies remain. Jody Tillery said he has issued 13 burn‑violation citations and responded to 39 illegal‑burning calls.

Following the report, the court approved Change Order No. 1 with Homeland Safety Systems (Shreveport, La.) for an increase of $3,261.35 to the jail system contract; the motion was moved by Commissioner Robert "Bobby" Urbanosky and seconded by Commissioner Vincent Svec and recorded as unanimous. The court also approved deputations for four named individuals: Jack Nickell (Patrol Deputy), Lindsey Kindt (CIT Deputy), Thomas Mack Jr. (Reserve Deputy) and Jill Catchings (Reserve Deputy).

Those personnel actions and contract adjustments were recorded as approved without recorded dissent. The minutes do not provide job descriptions for the new deputations or dates for when deputies will assume duties.

The court took no separate action on detention staffing beyond recording vacancies and approving the modest contract change and deputations; the minutes provide no additional operational plan for filling the remaining openings.