Judicial district to fund courthouse deputy; commissioners approve $75,000 reimbursement agreement

The Ninth Judicial District Court will reimburse Roosevelt County up to $75,000 to fund a courthouse deputy who will provide dedicated court security and make rounds in the courthouse, Judge Drew Tatum told commissioners May 19.

"The courts are funding up to $75,000 for this security officer," Tatum said, explaining the position would provide full-time court security and make rounds to provide security for county offices housed in the courthouse. He noted prior similar agreements and said the funding is intended to cover salary and benefit costs; staff told the board the amount is close to full cost.

The commission moved and approved the agreement after confirming the $75,000 figure and that the arrangement mirrors previous fiscal-year agreements for courthouse security.

What happens next: The county will process the FY27 agreement with the court and the sheriff's office will assign the deputy to courthouse duties consistent with the contract terms.