Jim Wells County sheriff asks court to rescind fair overtime reimbursement; commissioners approve

Joseph Godbaker, who identified himself during the meeting as the sheriff of Jim Wells County, asked the Morris County Commissioner—s Court on Nov. 7 to rescind a previous authorization that would have allowed the fair association to reimburse the county for deputy overtime at the county fair. Godbaker said providing security at the fair is a constitutional duty and that charging for that duty raised an "ethical, or moral" concern.

The sheriff told the court that security staffing levels would remain the same and could increase, and that the overtime for fair duty would be paid from asset-forfeiture funds so the sheriff—s existing budget would not be affected. County staff confirmed the prior payroll had already been paid from the general fund and that any later reimbursement from the fair association would be credited back to the sheriff—s budget line within the general fund.

Commissioners raised questions about fairness, noting fair attendees pay fees to enter the fairgrounds; the sheriff said some of those fees could be applied by the fair association to upkeep of the fairgrounds if the parties wished to pursue that option. Staff provided an estimate that about 22 deputies worked this year—s fair and estimated salary plus fringe for those shifts at roughly $14,700; staff said that amount was paid from the county—s payroll and any reimbursement would be posted to revenue and credited accordingly.

A motion to rescind the prior authorization was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Several commissioners voiced support for keeping security levels unchanged. The presiding officer thanked the sheriff after the vote.