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Judge asks for county-funded transport to reduce missed hearings; commissioners approve grant funding
Summary
Chief Judge Mark Sanchez asked the commission to approve grant funds to provide transportation for defendants and probationers to court and jail, citing safety and lower bench-warrant costs; commissioners voted to approve the request and staff said up to $20,000 in grant funds would be available if adopted.
Chief Judge Mark Sanchez told the Lee County Commission the county needs a dedicated transportation option for defendants and probationers who otherwise walk long distances between Lovington and Hobbs to attend hearings. He said providing transport would improve safety and reduce county costs tied to bench warrants and deputy time spent executing warrants when people fail to appear.
Sanchez described an existing contract with provider PRN used for noncustodial medical transport and said staff modified a proposed agreement to accommodate county concerns; he stated he agreed with the staff edits. Assistant county manager Kelly Livingston clarified the funding mechanism: if approved, the program would be funded in grant form of up to $20,000 for the county to support transportation to hearings and returns from custody.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about vehicle safety and operator protections; Sanchez said PRN drivers are authorized to refuse transport when there is obstreperous behavior and that the firm is experienced in medical transport. After discussion, a commissioner moved and a second was recorded, and the commission approved the item by unanimous roll call.
Next steps: staff will finalize contract language consistent with changes already agreed with the judge and move forward with administering the grant funds and the transport arrangement.
