The Polk County Commissioners Court approved 10 additional corrections officer positions for the Polk County Jail during its regular meeting Tuesday.
“During development of the FY2026 budget, the sheriff requested 10 additional corrections officer positions. At that time, the jail was experiencing significant, long-term staffing shortages that hindered the sheriff’s ability to maintain compliance with state jail standards. It was understood that this request stemmed from those shortages. Rather than create new positions, the Court chose to focus on addressing the underlying issues contributing to recruitment and retention challenges,” County Judge Sydney Murphy said, adding, however, that if all positions were later filled and the need for additional staff still existed, the Court could revisit the request.
“All previously vacant positions have been filled, but with inmate populations at record highs and portions of the old jail reopened to expand usable capacity, current staffing levels are insufficient. Existing personnel levels are appropriate for the facility’s original capacity of 248 beds but inadequate for the current capacity of 311 beds. Although the restoration of the old portion of the jail was approved alongside the budget process, it was not anticipated that the county would experience such a rapid and significant rise in inmate population,” Murphy said.
“The sheriff’s current request seeks authorization for five new corrections officer positions at an estimated annual cost of $285,815. However, to achieve full compliance at the jail’s expanded capacity of 311 beds, a total of 10 new positions would be required, at an estimated annual cost of $571,630. My recommendation is we go ahead and do all 10,” Murphy said.
“We’re going to have to start looking at expanding our space. We have a compounded problem that only space and staff can fix,” Sheriff Byron Lyons said.
“Construction costs since the jail was built have increased 65% … so we’ll have to look at a bond,” Murphy said.
The Court approved Change Order No. 010 for the courthouse restoration project in the amount of $18,063.86 for roofing adjustment at skylights, to be paid from the restoration projects fund.
“As determined by the construction manager as constructor (CMAC), select demolition findings of previously concealed conditions have revealed that the existing four skylights were originally constructed as permanent cast in place concrete curbed roof openings; thusly the skylight curbs are an integral part of the building’s structure and as such could not be safely removed. Therefore, CMAC, KA Design team, the roofer and roofing manufacturer determined that additional roofing with detailing would be necessitated to build up and create a watertight assembly around the permanent roof curbs. The proposed added roofing with detailing ensures that the roofing manufacturer’s 20-year warranty can be maintained,” Murphy said.
“The Texas Historical Commission has confirmed that funding for all change orders required due to previously unknown issues are eligible for supplemental funding by the state, and this change order will be submitted by December for their review and consideration in January,” Murphy said.
The Court approved moving forward with the appointment of a committee to review county landscaping and assist with the preparation of specifications for a request for proposals. It will be a twofold process – the actual landscaping of the courthouse itself and maintenance moving forward. Precinct 4 Commissioner Jerry Cassity abstained from the vote as he is related to one of the local landscaping companies.
As for the construction bids received on the General Land Office (GLO) Community Development Block Grant Housing and Urban Development most impacted and distressed road infrastructure projects for Precincts 2 and 4 for GLO Contract No. 24-065-044-E536, the Court approved the recommendation of GLS.
The Court approved Change Order No. 1 for the GLO Community Development Block Grant Regional Mitigation Program projects in Precinct 3, GLO Contract No. 24-065-045-E537.
Change Order Request No. 1 to contract with Garland DBS Inc. for the replacement of the roof at the adult probation center was also approved.
A regional mutual aid agreement for Deep East Texas Council of Governments’ jurisdictions was approved.
The Court approved casting its ballot for the election of the five nominees to the Polk Central Appraisal District Board of Directors’ 2026-2027 term. These include: Tom Curran, Dan Ellis, Mike Nettles, Leslie Kilgore and Steve Hullihen.
The Court approved moving forward with the application for the Deep East Texas Council of Governments solid waste grant for fiscal year 2026.
Renewal of the agreement with Dr. Raymond J. Luna for medical services at the Polk County Jail was also approved.
In personnel matters, the Court approved personnel action form requests submitted by department heads since the last meeting.
Fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026 budget revisions and amendments, as presented by the county auditor’s office, were approved.
During informational reports, Jennifer Moffett presented the delinquent tax collections annual report and Tammy Plattenburg presented the social services annual report. Additionally, a TxDOT representative presented findings from the off-system bridge inspections in Polk County.
Items on the consent agenda included:
Methodist Minister Ernie Turney opened the meeting with prayer.
