The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court on Dec. 22 approved a memorandum of understanding that will assign a sheriff's deputy to Ben Bolt–Palito Blanco Independent School District for the school year, with the district reimbursing the sheriff’s office quarterly.

Sheriff Joseph Godbaker told the court the district contacted his office after budget deadlines and that the proposed MOU would not change the county’s approved budget because the school district will cover the deputy’s costs. Sheriff Godbaker said the position — budgeted at $71,233 for salary and fringe for the school year — will be a full-time deputy during school hours and will be available for patrol when school is not in session.

The sheriff said the sheriff's office would perform background checks and other pre-employment screening, and that the county would provide a vehicle. Commissioners asked whether constables could perform the role; the sheriff said the sheriff’s office is better suited to provide a full-time officer because constables typically lack capacity to cover a full school assignment. The sheriff described the arrangement as a county-managed position funded by the school district and subject to annual renewal.

A motion to approve the MOU authorizing the county judge to sign the agreement passed by voice vote. The MOU will require signatures by the county judge and the school superintendent before taking effect.

Next steps: finalize the written MOU with signatures and coordinate hiring/onboarding in time for the 2026 school calendar year.