Published: October 26, 2009 03:07 pm      

Sheriff’s department accepts donation

Sara Ortega

sortega@weatherforddemocrat.com

Parker County Sheriff’s Department received a $100,000 donation and a 2009 Chevy Tahoe from a foundation that wishes to remain anonymous.

In Monday’s commissioners court, Sheriff Larry Fowler presented the donation, which was accepted by Judge Mark Riley and other members of the court.

Riley said this foundation has made similar donations in the past.

“It’s a group that recognized the need due to the budget restraints,” he said. “We’re very grateful.”

Sheriff Fowler also reported Community Education Centers, who oversees the jail, agreed to lower the cost of inmates per day. Originally, cost was $39 per day per inmate and increased to $41. After Fowler approached CEC, he was able to negotiate the cost down to $40.

“Based on the number of inmates we have right now, it will save the county approximately $125,000,” he said.

Representatives from Freese and Nichols presented a transportation update and Morgan McIlwain, assistant manager, said all current projects are trending to be $140,000 under budget.

Chris Bosco, design manager, presented more information on the new design for FM 1187 in downtown Aledo, and asked the court to support further investigations into acquiring more funding for the new design. The original plan was covered by the $1 million allotted from the transportation bond, but the new one-way couplet design is projected at $4.3 million.

Riley approved to investigations to determine whether Parker County or the City of Aledo would be the best candidate to make a funding request to the Texas Department of Transportation Enhancement Project.