Paying for the training of Austin County Sheriff’s Department cadets while they’re enrolled at the academy might be one answer to a staffing shortfall, County Commissioners heard this week.

Commissioners during their meeting took no action on the proposal and asked the Sheriff’s Department for more information to be presented at future meetings.

County leaders also got an update on the move to the new Justice Center.

During the session, Austin County commissioners heard the Sheriff’s Department is not immune from the current shortage of peace-officer candidates affecting law enforcement, as well as employees at businesses in general.

A proposal presented to the commissioners provides for a classification of “Deputy Cadet” for incoming peace officers who have not yet received their certification from the state, and therefore, can not yet be classified as a “Deputy 1.”

This new classification would provide for a training pay rate while the candidates obtain their certification and would cover the cost of attending the academy.

Commissioners expressed concern about paying for candidates’ education due to the possibility they might not pass the test afterwards. Sheriff’s officials gave assurances that because there are three chances to pass the test, there is a 100% rate of success by the third attempt.

Requiring a commitment of two years of employment with Austin County from the cadets was also suggested.

In related news, commissioners also assessed the recent move into the new Justice Center.

“We got most of the offices moved into the Justice Center last week a lot smoother than I expected it to go, so I give credit to the movers and the employees here,” said County Judge Tim Lapham. “I didn’t get yelled at nearly as many times as I thought I was going to. I think part of that goes to the internet and phones being out most of the time, but that’s OK.”

He added, “I do want to say our email was out Friday and we’re still having problems on and off. We’ve switched to the internet phone system and that’s causing us a little bit of a hiccup too.”

The commissioners approved an additional cost to add bandwidth for internet service at the Wendt Street Building and the Precinct 1 tower, which they said should address some of the issues..

On increasing the bandwidth, Commissioner Mark Lamp said, “I think it’s a good idea. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Lapham also addressed what he saw as some challenges at the new center.

“One other thing on the Justice Center is we’re having a little issue with the holding cells between the architect and the (Texas Commission on Jail Standards),” he said. “We built the building the way the jail commission told us to build it, and then their inspector came out and failed it. In fairness, I don’t think the inspector knew what we had talked to the chief of the jail commission about. It was just a lack of communication on their part, I believe. So, we’re going to get that sorted out.”

Officials said the last step to complete the transition to the new center is adding computer equipment, which Lapham said shouldn’t be a problem because there is more room.

In other business, the court:

• Discussed the increasing cost of materials for road construction and maintenance, and whether they should hold vendors to the original quotes on bids.

• Awarded a bid for repairing three conference rooms in the Wendt Street building to Shellback. Construction LLC, which was the lower of the two bids received.

• Further discussed changes to the culvert/ driveway permit application.

• Granted a onetime variance from the subdivision regulations for a property on FM 1456.

• Considered allowing a private vendor to set up on county property at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 800 Wendt Street on May 13 to sell shaved ice, which will be discussed again at the next meeting.

• Approved soliciting bids for a building to house communication equipment for Wallis Tower.