Denton County approves $199,843 budget transfer to cover jail overtime

Denton County Commissioners Court on May 19 approved budget amendment request 2026-279, transferring $199,843 to cover jail overtime incurred during two pay periods in April.

County budget staff said funds are needed to cover overtime costs and described an improving staffing picture. The jail administrator, speaking to the court, said detention-officer hires have increased staffing levels and that operational changes—such as a rotation he called the “4334” on one shift—should reduce overtime pressure.

“Those numbers are going to come down drastically coming down,” the jail administrator said, citing recent hires and shift adjustments. Budget office staff said overtime is decreasing compared with prior years but remains above target until staffing fully stabilizes.

The court moved, seconded and approved the transfer. Commissioners said they expect to monitor overtime trends and asked the sheriff’s office to continue reporting on staffing and overtime metrics.