Ellis County approves $9,600 trial of Repath supervision app for bond clients

Ellis County commissioners voted 3–0 on Jan. 6 to approve a one‑year, $9,600 purchase of Repath supervision software for court services to monitor people released on bond.

Mike Smith, the district court administrator, said the application would extend supervision tools already used in the recovery/drug court to a broader set of bond‑supervision clients. "The 1st year is $9,600," Smith said, adding the product provides location verification, photo check‑ins and exclusion zones to help enforce court‑ordered curfews and reduce jail recidivism.

Teresa Greenwood, chief court services officer, told the board there are 43 individuals currently on bond supervision in Ellis County and that the app would not replace ankle monitors for the highest‑risk clients but would provide better enforcement for curfews and proximity restrictions. "Some are definitely person felonies. Many are drug felonies where jail isn't where these individuals need to be," Greenwood said, arguing that earlier intervention could prevent violations that otherwise result in incarceration.

Smith and Greenwood said the first year is offered at a discounted rate; Smith warned the annual renewal cost would rise to an estimated $14,002.34 and that continuing the service beyond the trial year could require inclusion in a future budget cycle. Commissioner discussion focused on receiving a mid‑trial status update; Smith agreed to provide a mid‑year report if commissioners wanted progress data before any continued funding decision.

The motion to transfer $9,600 from the indicated opioid funds for purchase of the Repath application passed unanimously.