Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bee County commissioners approve temporary third bailiff, clear courthouse use and community event requests
Summary
The court unanimously approved allowing the sheriff to use unused current-year salaries to fund a third interim bailiff and agreed to include a permanent bailiff position in the next fiscal-year budget; commissioners also approved opening the courthouse for a judge's investiture and several event and facility requests.
The Bee County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a measure allowing the sheriff to use unused current-year salaries to fund a temporary third bailiff and directed that a permanent position be considered in the next fiscal-year budget.
District Judge Barker told the court the county's busy docket often leaves only two bailiffs on duty and that high-tension family-law matters make additional courthouse security necessary. "We are stretched too far with just the 2 bailiffs," the judge said, urging the court to approve a third position for security purposes.
Sheriff Randy Aguirre told the court that an interim bailiff, Caitlin Jones, is already working in the role and that the sheriff's office planned to use unused salary funds in the current budget to support that post until the new budget can formally include it. "We're using unused salaries right now to pay for that position," Aguirre said, adding the office would seek to add the position in the next budget cycle.
A county official who identified themself as the chief cautioned commissioners that hiring certified peace officers is difficult and that approving funding does not guarantee an immediate hire. "Hiring peace officers right now is extremely difficult," the official said.
The court amended and approved the motion to let the sheriff use available, unused funds in the current fiscal year and to add the position in the coming budget; the measure passed with all members voting aye.
Votes at a glance - Approve use of courthouse on May 30, 2026, for the investiture of the newly appointed 156th district court judge (requested by the district judge): motion made and seconded; approved unanimously. - Create one additional bailiff position for courthouse security: motion made, amended to allow use of unused current-year salary funds and to include the position in the next fiscal-year budget; approved unanimously. - Approve Serenity Counseling Services' request to use courthouse grounds for "Chalking for Mental Health" on Oct. 17, 2026, with electricity, water and porta-potty hookups: approved unanimously. - Approve arena fee waiver for BB Little League closing ceremonies on May 25, 2026: approved unanimously. - Approve mutual aid agreement for inter-county law enforcement cooperation: approved unanimously.
The court recorded no recorded dissent on the measures. Commissioners and staff noted implementation steps (security and maintenance coordination) and warned of hiring and budget timing constraints for the new bailiff position.
The court moved on to consent items and then adjourned.
