Multiple Jim Wells County constables told the commissioners court on Sept. 3 that state salary-assistance grants and recent administrative rules require county attention and staff action.

Geraldadis Mendez, constable for Precinct 5, said the legislature passed companion measures he described as House Bill 3253 and Senate Bill 1471 (as cited in court) to create a rural constable salary-assistance program; Mendez said the bills would make state funds available to raise constable and deputy salaries. He asked the County Judge to "take that under advisement" and "look to see what it is that we have to do as a county to partake in those grant monies," noting the program is "state monies" and would not cost county taxpayers, as presented by Mendez.

Another constable, who identified himself as Albert Martinez (Precinct 1), told the court he had no requests but acknowledged operational needs. Precinct 3 Constable (unnamed in transcript) and others asked for the county's help in submitting applications. The court and staff discussed the application process: county staff explained that constables typically provide application information to the county judge's office, which uses a judge login to submit an application; the constables were advised to initiate and provide required documentation to the judge's office.

Constables also relayed a recent Texas Commission on Law Enforcement advisory citing Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 7, Section 211.16 (as read aloud in the meeting), effective Sept. 1, 2025. The advisory, the constables said, lists items counties must furnish to peace officers such as one firearm, communications equipment, at least one uniform, one ballistic vest with panels and liability insurance for agency vehicles. One speaker told the court he had highlighted those items in a handout and said the county may be deficient in some areas.

Constables requested county staff confirm whether the county needs to submit applications by the Jan. 31 deadline and asked auditors and staff to research whether applying now would allow a January 2026 effective date or require later implementation depending on budget posting rules for elected officials.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to research application logistics, effective dates, and whether the county judge needs to be the applicant; staff agreed to report back by Friday. No formal grant application or commitment was recorded on Sept. 3.