Discussion and possible action to submit an initial multi-year 2022, Grant Resolution to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission for the possibility to secure funding to further improve of our indigent defense program and to authorize the county judge to act as the Authorized Representative.
Issue: Webb County has implemented a weekend magistrate process at our jail. The Pre-Trial Services Department has been delegated to take charge of the manpower needed to support the operators at the front-end of the magistrate process during the weekend. This has hindered our office to provide adequate services to indigent clients and the Courts during normal business operations.
Solution: Securing this grant will offset the Webb County personnel expenses for a possible 4 years.
Result: Securing this grant will allow Webb County to be in compliance with all local and state legislative mandates concerning indigent defense in order to continue to receive the Formula Grant Funding.