County approves host of purchases for Sheriff’s Office

COLDSPRING — The San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office will sport new tasers and monocular night vision scopes after the County Commissioners Court approved several purchases at its Wednesday meeting.

After first tabling the measure, commissioners approved a request to spend $32,000 for the purchase of seven new tasers. Then, they approved ammunition purchases and stun grenades for $1,477; approved the purchase of five equipment organizers and five night vision scopes for $17,475; and approved the purchase of nine 2.5 Gb hard drives for $3,285.

While not handled at the meeting, the Sheriff’s Office will receive 46 new ballistic vests after the Board of Regents of the 100 Club approved the purchase at a cost of $55,090.76

In related matters, the court approved the rehire of Arena Tapley as a jailer and approved a memorandum of understanding between the Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding ICE retainers. The memorandum need to be approved again as a signed copy was not found.

In other business, commissioners:

• approved a resolution to provide grants to the Cleveland Senior Citizens Program for the coming fiscal year;
• approved contractors for the demolition of three properties through the county’s buyout program;
• heard a presentation on the recent audit of the Emergency Services District;
• approved the audit for the 2024-25 fiscal year;
• adopted the final San Jacinto County Hazard Mitigation Plan;
• approved the fees for the Sheriff’s Office and the county constables;
• approved a variance for a lot split for Kenneth and Gail Cobb;
• approved a record management archive plan; and
• declared county equipment as surplus to be sold at auction.