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Commissioners approve $44,912 interlocal agreement for regional capital defense
Summary
The court approved an FY2026–27 interlocal agreement that contributes $44,912 toward the regional public defender program for capital cases, covering attorneys’ fees and related defense services; commissioners discussed expert fee exposure and the judge said the agreement is an insurance‑type arrangement.
The court considered and approved the FY2026–27 interlocal agreement to participate in the regional public defender program for capital cases. The County Judge described the agreement as an “insurance policy” for capital defense and said Coryell County’s contribution for the biennium would be $44,912.
Discussion focused on what the fee covers and where additional defense‑related costs could arise: county staff said the interlocal covers attorneys’ fees provided by the regional vendor, while district judges typically gatekeep any requests for additional expert fees or investigative funds that may arise in capital cases. Commissioner Matthews moved to approve the interlocal agreement and Commissioner Weddle seconded; the court approved the motion by voice vote.
