With the approval from the Hockley County Commissioners’ Court Monday, the Hockley County Jail will be getting a new sally port and the district courtroom will be receiving upgrades.
The Court considered and took necessary action to approve the full and final release to Phoenix Insurance Company, as known as the Travelers Insurance, for replacement of the damaged sally ports at the Hockley County Jail.
A sally port in a jail is a secure, controlled entryway, often a garage or enclosed area, designed to facilitate the safe transfer of inmates, staff, and visitors in and out of the facility. It acts as a secure transitional space, preventing direct access between the exterior and the jail’s interior and minimizing risks associated with escape or intrusion.
It was noted that a delivery driver backed into the sally port a few months back and was deemed unrepairable, resulting in the needed replacement. The Court approved the item with no issue.
The 286th District Court Judge, Pat Phelan presented a proposal for AGD Audio. The district courtroom audio and video processor would be upgraded and would be used for hearings so the public can hear and watch outside of the courtroom.
Currently, the judge does have that privilege. The group approved it with no issue.
The Court approved a request from County Attorney Anna Hord to employ a nonattorney intern that is to be paid out of pretrial funds. The intern will assist in reading and organizing cases.
Moving forward, the Court considered the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between South Plains Community Action and Hockley County for the 2025 Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).
The agreement refers to SPCAA going about their responsibilities and Hockley County doing the same in helping each other with problems and concerns. The agreement was passed with little discussion.
The Commissioners approved the Hockley County Memorial Library’s participation in TSLAC’S ILL Lending Reimbursement Grant for 2025. The grant will help the library with shipping products like envelops, supplies for shipping, and any labor used.
The group approved an application to request the use of the courthouse lawn on October 4 as submitted by the Wallace Theater and Levelland Main Street for their annual Fall Festival.
Housekeeping items approved by the Commissioners included: Minutes for the regular meeting held on May 5; All monthly bills and claims submitted to the Court dated through May 19; and The monthly Public Assistance Report which is tabled item three from the agenda dated May 5.