Commissioners authorize maximum reserve deputies by precinct and accept donated vehicle for Precinct 6

The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court voted June 12 to authorize up to 12 reserve (non‑paid) deputy constables per precinct. Constable Albert Martinez had requested specific numbers per precinct to support events, patrols and transports; commissioners discussed making a single uniform maximum to avoid repeated return requests. "My reserve deputies are required to work 20 hours per month," Martinez said while outlining duties and certifications. The court approved the motion to set the maximum at 12 per precinct.

Separately, the court accepted a donation of a 2014 Ford Expedition from Wyatt Ranches for use by Constable Precinct 6. The court authorized the county judge to execute title, registration and transfer documents and directed the vehicle be added to county inventory.

Why it matters: Increasing the authorized reserve pool provides constables flexibility for event coverage and limited patrol support. Accepting a donated vehicle helps precinct operations but requires standard vehicle preparation (radios, inventory updates).

What’s next: The constable will outfit the vehicle for reserve use. The court recorded the donation and directed county staff to process title and inventory updates.