Harrison County approves transfer to cover indigent criminal expenses; staff flags disputed Enterprise invoice

County finance staff told the commission on July 15 that the county had expended its budgeted criminal indigent expense allocation of $600,000 and requested approval of a line‑of‑transfer for $177,773.69 to cover remaining obligations for the fiscal year. Staff said five murder trials this year have driven costs above budget, with one trial costing more than $60,000.

Staff also pointed to a questioned Enterprise invoice item relating to a vehicle returned because the back seat lacked air conditioning for a planned K‑9 unit. The finance presenter said Enterprise billed loss‑of‑value and other fees totaling roughly $5,435 and $99.01 on several transactions; after follow‑up the county’s contact at Enterprise acknowledged an error and staff said they will short‑pay or void the disputed amount if it reappears.

The court then moved to approve payment of the record bills and the line‑of‑transfer-related report; the motion to approve payment carried by voice vote and the minutes and bills were approved in subsequent votes recorded as passing 4‑0. Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about who placed vehicle specifications and whether ordering or vendor error caused the charges; staff said documentation suggested the rear‑air option was not checked on the original quote but that county staff would continue to question improper charges if invoiced.

The county will proceed with the transfer and review the Enterprise charges; staff indicated they will escalate and re‑question any future billing for the same loss‑of‑value amount.