The Hockley County Commissioners’ Court met Monday to discuss the purchase of a new ambulance, new software for the district attorney’s office, and a Title VI plan.
The ambulance will be purchased from Professional Ambulance Sales & Service LLC through the BuyBoard purchasing cooperative. The purchase will be funded through the state’s Rural Ambulance Service Grant Program, established under House Bill 3000. County officials said the purchase price was brought below the $350,000 available for the ambulance.
Commissioners tabled a roofing proposal from Duro-Last after questions arose about the contract’s pricing. The updated proposal was discussed at approximately $291,912, but the written contract still listed $304,000. Commissioners requested a corrected proposal before reconsidering the project at their Oct. 26 meeting.
The court also approved a 2027 contract with TechShare for software used by the District Attorney’s Office. Commissioners raised concerns about increasing prosecutor licensing and digital storage costs.
The district attorney explained that the software improves efficiency and reduces the need for physical case files. The district attorney said the system could save money as the county attorney’s office transitions onto the same platform.
Commissioners ap- COMMISSIONERS cont. on page 2 proved a Title VI plan required for the county to continue receiving federal funding through road grant reimbursements. The plan prohibits discrimination in county services and requires employee training, a complaint process, and oversight.
The court approved transferring $7,500 in matching funds for the Smyer Volunteer Fire Department from a future truck purchase to parts and supplies for repairs to an existing tanker truck.
Commissioners also approved a $3,000 lineitem transfer for Juvenile Probation to help purchase equipment, including televisions and a laptop.
In other business, the court approved minutes from its Oct. 5 regular meeting, along with monthly bills and claims through Oct. 19.