WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE PURCHASE OF MOBILE VIDEO CAMERAS FOR SHERIFF’S OFFICE, EMS

  

Washington County first responders will soon have access to new video cameras.

Washington County Commissioners today (Tuesday) approved the purchase of Watchguard mobile video equipment, including body cameras, in-car camera systems and server software, for the sheriff’s office and EMS.  The county is using $60,370 in American Rescue Plan funds.

Information Technology Director TJ Harris said the new system should remedy some of the county’s difficulties with its existing one, which include data storage, file formatting and having to frequently replace cameras.

 

Harris said one reason the county chose Watchguard is because it is used by the Texas Department of Public Safety.  Sergeant Brad Kuecker with the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office uses Watchguard Solutions cloud software, but Harris said the county is choosing to host the software on-premises because it is less expensive and the county has the capability to do so.

In total, the system includes 17 body-worn cameras, including 12 for the sheriff’s office and five for EMS; seven in-car camera systems, all for the sheriff’s office; two docking stations; and the necessary server software and licensing.  Harris noted that this is Washington County EMS’ first foray into body-worn cameras, adding they are used by other EMS agencies for liability protection.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath commented that it is an “unfortunate consequence” of today’s world of public safety to have to record everything to protect both citizens and the honesty of what happens during emergency calls.  He said he appreciates the county looking into a solution that will provide a better, more accurate and more reliable method of recording.

In other action today, commissioners approved a driveway permit policy amendment to require a fee-based structure for installing or extending proposed driveways within county right-of-way.  County Engineer Wesley Stolz said the county is looking to adopt a method utilized by area counties where the county will make the installation and receive compensation for the materials that taxpayers would fund for it.  The applicant will pay the cost for the culvert and the materials, but the county will still cover the cost for labor, installation and fuel.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

• Approved for Washington County benefits to be under one platform, Heaney Group, LLC, for new hire and open enrollment. The system combines employees’ current benefits into one carrier and offers a platform to the county at no cost.  Commissioner Candice Bullock said through the system, employees can see a total of 30 percent savings depending on what benefits they have.
• Approved a contract between the county and Cheryl Evans for budget preparation assistance as needed by the county auditor’s office.
• Accepted an audit report for Washington County for the year 2021 by Rutledge Crain and Company, PC, and Certified Public Accountants.
• Approved changing next week’s commissioners court meeting from Tuesday to Monday, due to the lack of a quorum.
• Approved a bond for Daniel Gaskamp with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. County Treasurer Peggy Kramer said Gaskamp has returned to working part-time after retiring from the sheriff’s office earlier this year.  Gaskamp served in the Brenham Police Department for 37 years before working for the sheriff’s office for the last nine years.
• Heard monthly reports from the emergency management coordinator, county and district clerks, justices of the peace, auditor, tax assessor-collector, treasurer, constables and elections department.