Commissioners Approve Request To Utilize Salary Savings For Essential Equipment For Constable Pct. 4

Grace Larner | Corridor News Reporter

On July 21, 2020, the Hays Commissioners Court discussed the possible action to authorize the Constable Pct. 4 Office to utilize salary savings to purchase essential equipment for Motor Officers and Fleet Maintenance.

Constable Ron Hood requested to utilize these salary savings needed for vehicle maintenance and repairs.

“Currently, my operating equipment and repairs from my vehicle maintenance is at zero,” Hood said. “We have several months to go within this year and I do anticipate having oil changes, maybe replacing tires and I would love to have these funds available so I don’t have to come back to the commissioners’ court to request the moving of the funds.”

Additionally, funds are needed for an increased cost of Communication Equipment to finalize the purchase of the following essential equipment for its Motor Officer positions:

• Two PVP-Freedom Communication Kits for about $456.

Originally, the court approved funds budgeted for the purchase of communication equipment; however, after it was purchased and received, this particular equipment was not compatible with the office’s current radio system.

Hood explained, “It actually conflicted with it. It seemed to work initially and then as time moved on, it became apparent that it was not going to work. The company was gracious and said: ‘return it and then we’ll give you a complete refund.’”

The Sherriff’s Office communicated with a second vendor who ensured their product of communication equipment would work with the current radio system.

“I am requesting that this fund will also be moved over from salary savings, so we can continue on with the purchase of the communication equipment,” said Hood.

The additional funds will be used to offset the purchase of the increased cost of the approved motorcycle unit.

Funds are available due to the delayed start date of the new Deputy Constable. The breakdown for the budget amendment is:

• Increase Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: $3,544
• Increase Communication Equipment Operations: $456
• Decrease Staff Salaries: $4,000

Commissioner Walt Smith explained they were unable to hire an added motor officer for precinct this year until 2 months after it was scheduled due to COVID.

“We did a split year for that position in order to purchase the motorcycle unit. We were actually able to hire him, so all these small things we’re finding out with the other motor unit we replaced are a little problematic,” said Smith. “We’re going to get it all settled, hopefully.”

County Judge, Ruben Becerra, expressed his support for Motor Officers and encouraged each precinct to have a new deputy to support the front lines.

Becerra said he hopes Hood will share information and anything he learned with the other constables so the Commissioners Court will continue to be as useful to them as possible.