Parmer County OKs $250,000 in SB22 spending for sheriff stipends, vehicle and equipment; Firetrol contract approved

Parmer County commissioners voted Dec. 23 to approve spending $250,000 in SB22 funds largely for stipends to sheriff’s office employees and to buy a new vehicle, WatchGuard equipment and other items.

Sheriff Eric Geske told the court the jail held 19 inmates, seven of whom were housed for Lamb County. Geske presented a Firetrol contract that had been tabled at the Nov. 12 meeting; Judge Isabel "Izzy" Carrasco moved to approve the contract while asking the sheriff to return with an amended agreement that adds additional fire extinguishers in county barns. Commissioner Kenny White seconded and the motion passed by majority vote.

Sheriff Geske described the SB22 expenditure plan: the majority of the $250,000 would be used for stipends for sheriff’s office employees, with remaining funds allocated for a vehicle, WatchGuard (in-car/booking camera) equipment and other necessary items. Commissioner Kirk Frye moved to approve spending the SB22 funds as proposed; Commissioner Casey Russell seconded and the motion passed by majority vote.