County commissioners approve indigent defense grant program

The Stephens County Commissioner’s Court approved a resolution continuing its participation in the Texas Indigent Defense Grant Program for 2018 during its meeting last Tuesday.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission administrates the grant annually to support counties’ indigent defense programs, which help citizens who lack sufficient income to afford a defense attorney.

“It’s to help us cover expenses we have to pay for court-appointed attorneys and for their expenses and their defense,” Stephens County Assistant Treasurer Mary O’Dell said.

Odell said nearly every county in the state of Texas participates, and that Stephens County has participated for at least 15 years. 

This year’s grant for Stephens County is $14,907.

Commissioners also:

Approved continuing the ongoing burn ban.

Approved a plan assessment for TCDRS retirement plans for 2018.

Approved signing bills.