July 7, 2020 Edition
The Paper Of Record for Fannin County Texas
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tion Center Warden Stacy King,
By Gabrielle DeMay The Fannin County Commissioners Court convened for a special meeting Monday, June
29, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. to discuss rising detention center expenses and new ways to reduce costs. County Judge Randy Moore assembled representatives from
Tax Assessor/Collector, District Clerk, County Clerk, Justice of the Peace Precincts 1 and 2, and the Sheriff’s Office, to join in the search for a solution. County Auditor Alicia Whipple
several criminal and justice departments, including County Court at Law Judge Charles Butler, Municipal Court Judge John Skotnik, Fannin County Deten-
read projected costs for the detention center for the remaining year, comparing budgeted costs with actual spending trends seen in Fannin County. The expectation of an average of 110 County inmates every month has been far exceeded by the current total count of over 160, forcing the County thousands of dollars over budget. This overcrowding
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is fairly recent, and Judge Blake expected some correlation to Covid-19, which has likely led to an increase in family violence and activity from drug users or other repeat offenders who have become bored at home. Covid-19 has also affected the bottom line, as Judge Moore pointed out. In the past few months of the shutdown, the County has seen decreases in revenue from department fines and fees, including a loss of $150,000 in tax and auto, $72,000 in medical and transport, and $60,000 in other office fees. The Court discussed possible methods of reducing costs and increasing revenue to offset the balance, including options such as reducing inmates in the detention center, decreasing personnel, or increasing the tax rate. Judge Skotnik believed reducing inmates could be the most effective route, by monitoring time spent in the jail, and releasing more perpetrators of minor infractions with the restrictions of Personal Recognizance (PR) Bonds. Judge Skotnik noted there is a possibility this route could lead to increased spending on ankle monitors with GPS locators for the inmates who cannot afford the cost themselves. District Attorney Glaser suggested tightening up the intake process to ensure perpetrators are in contact with attorneys as quickly as possible. Judge Moore intends to continue this conversation in 7 to 10 days. The Meeting adjourned at 2:28 p.m.
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