Commissioners ratify Homeland Security agreements for Precinct 1 and 4 constables

The court ratified agreements that permit Precinct 1 and Precinct 4 constables to participate in certain Department of Homeland Security programs and to receive startup and follow-on funding routed to the county. A commissioner said both precincts applied and were approved to work with the federal department and that a startup amount will be paid to each constable’s office; the sheriff’s office is already listed on the federal site.

The auditor said the county will need to set up a budget line and treat receipts like grant or other revenue when they come in. Legal staff reviewed the standard federal forms and indicated little flexibility in the templates; the court ratified the agreements by motion to enable the constables to receive the funds and begin the related work.