SO vehicle to be marked

Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller explained details of several issues on the commissioners court agenda Monday morning, with county attorney Colton Johnson giving an opinion on one of the matters.

Miller stated that the sheriff’s office has the authority to declare a vehicle as exempt from bearing official markings, but Johnson does not share that belief.

“It remains my position that without putting Shackelford County markings on the vehicle, use of that vehicle would be in violation if the commissioners court does not grant an exemption,” said Johnson.

Commissioner Lanham Martin said that, in addition, any use of the vehicle other than what the exemption is for is in violation of the law and is considered a misdemeanor offense.

Since obtaining it last year, the sheriff’s department has been using one  of its cars as an unmarked vehicle, but Miller said that a magnetic sign is now attached to the car while a permanent emblem is being prepared.

On another matter, Miller said that he is working with county treasurer Tammy Brown to be able to generate statements for non-utilized beds at the jail, which he said his billing system can’t do.

Callahan County currently has a contract to pay Shackelford County for housing 10 inmates each day, whether the beds are used or not.

Also, Martin stated that only the commissioners have the authority to declare county-owned equipment as surplus, noting that the sheriff’s office had recently sold equipment at auction.

Miller agreed that in the future he would obtain permission from the commissioners court before selling surplus equipment.

Other Business

•The commissioners were unable to grant a request to put a sign for a ResourceCare event on the Courthouse lawn because of a policy already in place.

•The annual payment to the Betty Hardwick Center for “services rendered” was approved.