WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE RETIRING SHERIFF’S OFFICER TO PURCHASE FIREARM
Washington County Commissioners approved a longtime member of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to purchase his duty-issued firearm at today’s (Tuesday) meeting.
Commissioners will allow Sergeant Investigator Damon Wegner to buy his firearm for $469, equal to the county’s purchase price. Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak said this practice is common among law enforcement agencies.
Hanak, along with Commissioner Joy Fuchs, clarified that it is illegal for a government entity to gift anything of value to an individual. Therefore, it would break state law for them to gift Sgt. Wegner the firearm. Fuchs said anyone who wants to contribute to Sgt. Wegner’s purchase is more than welcome to.
Sgt. Wegner will be retiring from the Sheriff’s Office effective March 31st. He has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 28 years.
Also at the meeting, commissioners viewed a series of monthly reports. Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke said in his office’s report that the county received over $116,000 in funding from FEMA in December, concerning Hurricane Harvey. The county has received over $137,000 total, as of December 31, 2018.
When asked if Faith Mission and Help Center would receive any of the funding, Ruemke stated that since Faith Mission was included in emergency work, they would get some of the funding. He said he would need to discuss with County Judge John Durrenberger how much Faith Mission would receive.
Commissioners also approved a pay raise for Jail Sergeant Eric Crosby, after his initial 90-day employment period. The step increase in pay is for an extra 39-cents an hour.
The court also approved a lease amendment for Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace. The lease is for land that was purchased in Burton, nearby the county’s EMS substation. The lease is still for $450 a month, but the length of the contract has been cut to two years, from four.