County Commissioners Approve Changes For Law Enforcement
The Roosevelt County Commissioners approved a change for the county’s law enforcement during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
With the current jail administrator leaving the position, the change consists of Jason Baker now taking over the duties of running the jail while also remaining a patrol staff lieutenant.
Under Sheriff John Summers explained a benefit of the change is that the jail wouldn’t need to call a deputy when an incident occurs because Baker will still be certified.
In addition, it is preferred that a certified officer be transporting inmates when the county needs to send inmates to different jails in the state.
With Baker running the jail, the county will advertise to hire another deputy.
During the meeting, commissioners also approved a salary increase of $1,000 for the sheriff/coroner to $75,162. The funds became available after conversations with Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel officials led to a decrease of $22,000 in the coroner’s budget.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a Bobcat skidsteer loader for $52,257.56 for the county’s maintenance department.
Approval was given to the health department for using $4,290.05 from the COVID Health Equity Grant to purchase an automated vital signs tower. The technology of the unit allows an average blood pressure reading and comes with temperature, pulse oximetry and heart rate as well.
Commissioners approved $26,700 for a security fence at the sheriff office’s new storage building.
Commissioners agreed to request extended assistance of up to 90 days from the attorney general’s office for the county attorney office.
Annual pay raises were approved for sheriff office employee Karla Williams and detention center employee James Magnan.
John Bach of Interstate Engineering reported that the Road 2051 bridge is open for traffic. Guard rails will still be added and grading will be improved.
