Board approves public-safety purchases, jail tracking software and intergovernmental agreements

Murray County commissioners on April 15 approved a mix of public-safety purchases, technology to support jail operations and intergovernmental agreements.

The board approved the 2025 Annual County Boat & Water Safety Grant and authorized the county sheriff to sign the agreement. The board also approved 2025 contracts with the cities of Iona and Chandler and authorized the board chair and sheriff to sign those agreements.

To improve firearms-safety instruction, the board authorized purchasing six inert training firearms from the International Hunter Education Association for $2,900 with an estimated $100 shipping charge; deputies previously used personal firearms for demonstrations. The board also approved buying Guardian RFID jail software—RFID tags and handheld tablets to document well-being checks, head counts, meal service and inmate movement—not to exceed $4,453.00 per year, citing a deficiency identified in a recent jail inspection; the purchase will be paid from account 01201-000-0000-6452.

County Administrator Carolyn McDonald additionally briefed the board on staffing: interviews scheduled for a deputy sheriff, recent interviews for an Environmental Services Specialist, and an open Assessor’s Office position following a resignation. The Personnel Committee authorized working with compensation consultant David Drown Associates, Inc. to develop a job description for a Human Resources Director/Deputy Administrator; the board approved proceeding with the consultant.

All motions to approve grants, contracts and purchases passed during the meeting.