As part of the county's new budget, constables are prohibited from hiring reserve deputy constables, or volunteers until commissioners and the constables can address specific some specific concerns.

"There's going to need to be some real discussion on reserve deputies in general and where we are going to go in the future with administrating county/constable functions," said Commissioner Dan Haggerty.

The discussion will include two policy issues constables are asking commissioner's court to consider.

Constables want reserve deputies to be able to drive county vehicles when they volunteer and perform duties such as serving civil papers and executing warrants.

"We can's dent them in a bus and do that. So we just want them to be able to drive a car," said Hector Bernal, Constable Precinct 3.

Bernal said because the reserve deputies are peace officers, they have special certification and training to drive police vehicles.

"Should they use county vehicles? I am of the opinion that they should not. You know those are taxpayer-fundedvehicles that are going to go to volunteers? It just does not make sense to me," said Escobar.

"But then you heard from other members of the court, how do you expect the volunteers to get around? If they are there volunteering helping the county, why aren't we supplying them with a vehicle?" Escobar added.

Constables also want reservists to be able to carry their firearms when they are off duty, to protect them in the event they are confronted by someone they might have dealt with while volunteering.

"Because we are out there executing warrants and they might be recognized, that might be a little dangerous if they get recognized Walmart or a convenience store and they are confronted, and they are not carrying anything to defend themselves," said this guy


But the commissioners said both issues create an additional liability for the county and after some past problems, county officials said they need more time to work on policies.

"We are required to know who our reservists are, even if we don't pay them. Even if they don't work for us there is a liability issue and we've had some constables refuse to give us names and information," said Escobar.

Escobar said the issue is very complicated. Having reserve constables gives the constables more manpower and the county gains from that because the constables are able to do more work.

"By having reserves, we don't have to ask the county for paid deputies," said Bernal.

But it there is still a liability issue for the county and a need to address policy issues.


After Monday's commissioner's court meeting, the two parties will have a series of meetings over the next week before taking action at the next commissioners hearing.

"There are all sorts of things to consider -- that is what makes the question kind of a complicated one and that is why we wanted to hear from them one on one," said Escobar