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Commissioners authorize district attorney’s office to use county credit card for victim-witness travel and meals
Summary
The court authorized the district attorney’s office to use a county credit card for victim-witness airfare, lodging and meals within Texas to allow last-minute bookings and refunds, with staff noting most in-state costs are state-reimbursed.
Midland County Commissioners on Dec. 2 approved expanded use of a county credit card by the district attorney’s office for victim-witness travel and meal expenses.
DA-office representatives asked the court to allow use of the county card beyond airfare — specifically for hotel accommodations and meals — to avoid repeated return trips to county offices for emergency purchases and to enable refundable bookings. A DA representative said most in-state hotel and meal expenses for victim witnesses are reimbursed by the state "so it's a pass through." (speaker 15)
Court discussion clarified that the card would cover travel, housing and meals related to victim-witness needs and that staff currently held a card limited to airfare. The DA's office said using refundable bookings saves county funds when hearings are canceled or rescheduled.
The county judge made the motion to allow the DA's office to use a credit card for travel and meals for victim-witness expenses; the motion passed by voice vote.
On the record, staff reiterated that the requested use is intended for travel and meal costs within the state and to preserve flexibility and refunds that reduce net county expenditures.
