Comanche County covers $23,242 juvenile detention shortfall; juvenile bureau to pursue ACA re‑accreditation

The Comanche County Board of County Commissioners voted April 13 to cover an estimated operating deficit of $23,242.41 at the Comanche County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Brenda Morales, director of the county juvenile bureau and regional detention center, told the board the shortfall resulted from several lower‑than‑expected disbursements: the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) payment for the month was $117,983.39 compared with a typical monthly amount of about $129,936.50, area‑county disbursements totaled $9,540.00 versus a usual $24,600.00, and an anticipated school nutrition payment of $4,908.27 was missed because the facility’s DUNS number was not renewed in time. The board approved covering the deficit from the general contingency fund; Commissioners Kinder, John and Owens voted aye.

In related action on the consent agenda, the board approved an American Correctional Association re‑accreditation contract for the juvenile bureau with a fee of $16,000. The contract will remain in force until three years after re‑accreditation is granted or until terminated, whichever comes first. Chairman Johnny Owens praised Morales’ work in presenting the budget shortfall; County Clerk Carrie Tubbs confirmed the missed school nutrition disbursement was tied to the DUNS renewal delay. The board took no further disciplinary or staffing actions at the meeting.