Commissioners approve $40,000 to fund additional courthouse security during peak hours

The Commissioners Court approved a $40,000 budget amendment to fund a contract security detail at the courthouse during peak hours. Deputy County Administrator Russell Schauffner said the contract would provide three contract security officers to work at the courthouse between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on selected peak days to help manage increased trial dockets and courthouse entry/exit flow. He said the expense will be paid from the courthouse security fund and not from the general fund.

A commissioner asked whether contract officers would be supervised by the sheriff’s office and staff confirmed that contract security would work under full‑time security staff and the sheriff’s supervision. The court approved the contract and budget amendment on a 5–0 vote.

Next steps: staff will finalize contract details through the sheriff’s office and implement the contract security schedule.