The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a brief special session Wednesday, January 21 to approve a new lieutenant position at the sheriff’s office.
The court previously approved the creation of a new criminal investigations unit after Sheriff Hunter Barnes presented the idea during last summer’s budget hearings. The sheriff intends to use Senate Bill 22 funds, which the state provided as grants for rural law enforcement and prosecutors to increase salaries and support operations.
The special unit will focus on high-crime areas and significant cases involving narcotics, internet and sex crimes, crimes against children and other issues.
Approval of the lieutenant position was tabled at the court’s previous January meeting to allow Auditor Susan Swilling to investigate whether the use of SB 22 funds was appropriate to fund the position. Sheriff Barnes told the court that it was determined this is an appropriate use of the grant funds.
The sheriff said that he has an employee on staff who is fully qualified and highly trained to supervise the unit.
Commissioners unanimously approved the sheriff’s request.
The court’s next regular meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, January 27.
The Lakelander 