Lavaca County adds three jailers and one investigator, to be paid with SB 22 funds

Lavaca County commissioners on June 9 authorized the Sheriff's Office to add three jailer positions and one investigator, with salaries funded from existing Senate Bill 22 (SB 22) allocations.

Sheriff's office leaders and jail management told the court the county jail has been operating consistently near 41 inmates and that staffing levels -- typically two jailers on duty, one in a control room and one on the floor -- were creating safety and liability concerns. "Having 1 jailer on the floor for 40 inmates is not prudent," the Lavaca County judge said during the discussion.

Matthew Keller, jail administrator for the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office, described the request as a move from 14 to 17 jailer positions to provide safer coverage. Chief Deputy Paul Hertz and jail leadership said an additional investigator position would bring specialized investigative contacts and capacity to work with federal partners. Hertz said the investigator opportunity was "exceptional" and would enhance major-crime investigations.

The court voted to approve the four positions and allow the hires to begin immediately, using SB 22 funds to cover salaries through the current fiscal period. Commissioners asked staff to review October 1 budget implications during upcoming budget workshops.

Motion and implementation: Motion to approve the staffing changes was made by Precinct 4 and seconded by Precinct 3 and passed by voice vote. County staff said applicants for the jailer openings have already been vetted and recommended immediate hiring to improve safety.

Context: Commissioners and staff said the county has seen a rise in indictments and felony cases this year, creating sustained demand on jail operations and investigation resources. The court said it will re-evaluate funding and staffing needs during the regular budget process for the next fiscal year.