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COLUMBUS — Several Colorado County departments addressed budget needs including reallocation of funds as well as increases across the board for county clerks during the Sept. 25 Commissioners Court meeting.
In other business, the commissioners voted to approve two funding proposals requested by the undermanned Colorado County Sheriff’s Office to bolster pay and training.
Justice of the Peace offices are among the entities requesting an increase in funding as judges attempt to keep their clerk positions filled while providing a competitive salary, the court heard.
Precinct 4 Justice Stan Warfield said he requires a bilingual clerk because half of the visitors to his court do not speak English as a first language and are more comfortable with other languages, primarily Spanish.
While the commissioners did not move to increase funding for the position, they did implore Warfield to organize with the other peace justices to create a final proposal that incorporates their needs.
In the meantime, the court moved to allow Warfield to advertise his clerk position for two more weeks.
The Colorado County Sheriff’s Office also proposed changes to its budget.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Justin Lindemann called on the commissioners to rescind an exemption that limits the amount of overtime funds officers were able to earn.
Current deputies could see an increase of $4,000 to $5,000 as the undermanned force relies heavily on personnel working longer hours to make up for limited numbers.
Lindemann said as the force increases its numbers in the future, deputies will not require as much overtime funding.
The Sheriff’s Office also asked that $10,000 sitting unused for document imaging be reallocated to training for jailers and telecommunications personnel.
Lindemann said increasing the funding for training would be another strategy to help with the recruiting process, as well as provide necessary additional resources.
The commissioners moved to approve both proposals presented by Lindemann.
In other business, commissioners:
• Considered advertising for construction bids to build a bridge on Zimmerscheidt Road at a low-water crossing at Paasch Creek.
• Moved to renew and support the Indigent Defense Grant program that helps fund defense attorneys for those who cannot afford legal representation.
