Grayson County approves co‑responder expansion, jail reentry coordinator match, tollway fee increase and multiple routine contracts and plats

Grayson County Commissioners Court approved a series of agreements and routine items at its Oct. 7 meeting, including expansion of a co‑responder crisis‑response program, creation of a jail reentry coordinator position funded in part by an existing county position, an amendment increasing the per‑block payment from the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), and multiple short plats and vendor payments.

The court approved an interlocal agreement to expand a co‑responder program with Texoma Community Center so that one center employee can ride with deputies to behavioral‑health emergencies and provide on‑scene care. A representative of the sheriff’s office said there is no cost to the county and that the program is fully grant funded through the Texoma Community Foundation and a local behavioral‑health leadership team. The court voted to authorize the agreement and provide space at the sheriff’s office so the co‑responder can monitor radio traffic and deploy countywide when appropriate.

The court also approved creating a reentry coordinator position at the jail to fulfill a grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A sheriff’s office representative said the federal grant requires a 50% county cash match; the court approved funding the match by reallocating budgeted funds from an existing, unfilled part‑time jail position. Commissioners said the reallocation is already budgeted and will revert to the prior position if the reentry program does not proceed as planned.

County staff asked the court to approve an amendment to a 2016 interlocal agreement with the North Texas Tollway Authority that raises the county’s payment for refused registrations from $5.24 per block to $6.50. The presenter…