The Tom Green County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved new juvenile detention agreements, recognized a county employee for a rare statewide certification, and set a 50 mile-per-hour speed limit on Schwartz Road in Precinct 2.
Juvenile Detention Services Contracts
The court approved contracts with the Young and Stephens counties Juvenile Probation Departments:
- Juvenile Detention Services Contract: The Juvenile Detention Services Contract between Tom Green County and the Young & Stephens County Juvenile Probation Department formalizes an interlocal agreement to house juvenile detainees from Young and Stephens counties at the Tom Green County Juvenile Justice Center. This arrangement allows for juvenile services for counties that do not operate their own detention facilities.
- Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Juvenile Detention Expansion Project Services: This agreement outlines the collaborative efforts between the two counties for the expansion of juvenile detention facilities.
Both items passed unanimously.
Employee Recognition
Tom Green County Court-at-Law 2 Judge Andrew Graves recognized Jana Rincones for obtaining the Certified Court Manager certification from the Texas Association for Court Administration.
Judge Graves noted that Rincones has been with the court for 10 years, starting as an assistant, and is the only court manager in Tom Green County to have completed this course. He described the certification process as a “major undertaking,” emphasizing that only 250 individuals statewide have achieved this status.
According to Graves, Rincones invested a significant amount of personal time to complete the course, which required 16 hours of virtual classes each month, and several trips out of town over a 10-month period.
Elder Abuse Awareness Proclamation
The court proclaimed June as Elder Abuse Month, highlighting the 123,852 reports of elder abuse, and abuse of individuals with disabilities, during 2024 in Texas.
The proclamation noted that factors such as social stigma, fear, and embarrassment contribute to the public underreporting these incidents.
According to information from authorities, elder abuse can take many forms including:
- Causing any type of physical pain
- Deprivation and neglect
- Exploitation
- Harassment
- Humiliation
- Intimidation
- Involuntary seclusion
- Threats of punishment
- Sexual assault, coercion or harassment
- Verbal abuse
According to Texas law, ANYONE who is aware of a specific act of abuse, neglect or exploitation, is required by law to report it.
To learn more about reporting abuse, follow this link.
Speed Limit Adjustment on Schwartz Road
A public hearing was held regarding the speed limit on Schwartz Road in Precinct 2. Following the hearing, the court approved posting a 50-mph speed limit owing to public concerns.
Surplus Property Auction
The court declared 54 vehicles and other pieces of equipment as surplus, to be sold at the county auction scheduled for June 21.
Judge Lane Carter inquired whether the vehicles could be transferred to other departments in need, but it was determined selling the items was the most appropriate course of action.
Library Hospitality Purchases Exemption
The court authorized an exemption from the county’s purchasing policy, allowing the library to purchase hospitality items such as food and beverages for volunteers and special programs. At the previous court meeting, commissioners also approved the purchase of new furniture for the Stephens Central Library, and the North Branch Library.
Election Runoff and Early Voting
Early voting for the San Angelo City Council’s District 2 runoff election began Tuesday, and will continue through May 31.
Early voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 2 and 3. The runoff election is scheduled for June 7. Dudra Butler and Joe Self are the candidates vying for the position.
The next regular meeting of the Tom Green County Commissioners Court is scheduled for June 3 at 8:30 a.m. in the Keyes Building. Meetings are open to the public.
