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Taylor County renews interlocal to fund two jail navigator positions for mental‑health services
Summary
The commissioners authorized an interlocal agreement with the City of Abilene and Betty Hardwick Center to continue funding two jail navigator positions that provide in‑jail mental‑health services, describing the program as a diversion strategy that can reduce unnecessary incarceration.
Taylor County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Abilene and the Betty Hardwick Center to continue funding two jail‑navigator positions that provide mental‑health services at the county jail.
Sheriff Bishop described the agreement as a renewal of a program that began several years ago: “This is something that started several years ago, and it’s just a renewal of that agreement to be able to keep the jail navigator positions funded,” he said. County officials and commissioners emphasized the program’s role in diverting people with mental‑health crises away from secure detention when appropriate.
Commissioners noted the program’s cost‑saving potential for the county. One commissioner said the nighttime navigator position “saved a lot of people sitting in jail that didn’t need to be there,” and that the arrangement also helped the county avoid years of additional incarceration costs.
Commissioner Kendrick moved to approve the interlocal; Commissioner Williams seconded. The motion passed 5‑0. The approved interlocal continues the county’s contribution toward the two positions and authorizes the county judge to sign the agreement.
County staff said the program is a multi‑party collaboration and that funding levels for this renewal remained consistent with prior years. The court recorded no public opposition during the vote.
