Commission hears request for sheriff’s evidence custodian; resolution placed on next week’s agenda

Cleburne County commissioners reviewed a sheriff’s office staffing request during a continued budget work session, focusing on appointing an employee responsible for evidence custody and management.

Speaker 5 outlined the request and Speaker 3 said he had contacted comparable counties that assign a single person to handle evidence, noting that without that oversight "it just piles up." Speaker 3 argued the county needs to address the evidence backlog and said, "I'm for it." Speaker 5 told the panel "there is a resolution on the agenda for next week" to address the position.

Why it matters: managing evidence requires chain-of-custody controls and storage oversight; commissioners discussed workload and whether existing staff can absorb the duties. Speaker 3 gave a planning estimate, describing comparable counties of similar size and indicating budgets for the role in peer counties.

Commissioners expressed support for addressing the situation but did not record a formal vote in this transcript. Speaker 3 and others noted the item will appear as a resolution at the next meeting for formal consideration.

Next steps: the resolution will be considered in next week’s meeting; staff and the sheriff’s office will supply detail for formal action on the agenda.