Inmate agreement reinked at slightly higher rate

Hays County will continue sending inmates to Walker County under the terms of a new agreement regarding inmate transfers approved in commissioners court on Tuesday.

The Hays County commissioners approved a contract with Walker County that would allow Hays to send inmates to Walker County on occasions when the Hays County Jail is at capacity. Hays would pay Walker $39 per day per prisoner.

Hays County General Counsel Mark Kennedy said the new contract includes an increased per diem rate from the current agreement with Walker County, which expires at the end of the month.

“It’s a $2 increase to the rate, but still less than the typical average we see,” Kennedy said.

In other business, the commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the county health department and the Department of State Health Services for access to the Texas Syndromic Surveillance system. The system is a database that helps track data related to signs and symptoms of a disease in a population. 

Commissioners also approved a $41,000 contract with SWCA Environmental Consultants related to the management of the county’s Regional Habitat Conservation Plan. The firm’s services will include reviewing applications for participation, annual reporting, coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and other activities. 

Hays County resident Dan Lyon objected to the amount of the contract and asked the commissioners if SWCA’s services are necessary.

“Even if we don’t have a choice, can’t we get a local group to do this?” he asked. “... These lawyers and consultants’ fees are going through the roof.”