LAW ENFORCEMENT MEETING MINUTES
7 August 2026
Chair Commissioner Matthew Hopkins opened the meeting with Commissioner Roger Reedy offering a prayer and leading the pledge. The minutes of 13 April 2026 were moved for approval by Commissioner Gayle Jones, seconded by Commissioner Joyce Woodard, and were approved unanimously. The Chair asked if there were any announcements and there were none.
Controller for door locks – The Chair gave an overview of the jail’s controllers used for the door locks. He stated the controllers were more than 30 years old, and while not dead, you couldn’t buy new or used parts to repair the controllers if they were to fail. He said they currently have two quotes from an RFP, one being from Chrome Logic (330K) and another from South Western Communications (400K+). The Chair noted the locks can be manually opened but given potential opening during a fire that would not be sufficient to ensure no lives lost. South Western Communications would also charge $17,400 (currently budgeted), with increase to 31,729 for the following years. Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Joyce Woodard, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby to send the request to the budget committee. Commissioner Rickie Carpenter asked if all were included in the bid with the Chair saying all controllers would be replaced along with other associated hardware such as touch screens. Commissioner Shelly Goolsby asked about the wiring and who would do that with Officer Perkins saying all wiring and all hardware that can be used will be, with some of the wiring being done by himself. Commissioner Gayle Jones asked about expected life of the controllers, with Officer Perkins saying potentially 15 years but also commenting on how swiftly this technology can change. He said they had chosen Chrome Logic because they had experience with the company and they can use the current mainframe. Officer Perkins referenced some former repairs of hardware but commented that was not sustainable. He mentioned if lost the server, the whole department could be locked down (had happened before), if don’t have Chrome Logic’s. The Chair mentioned that you can actually see who’s at the door which is another good security reason for Chrome Logic. Member of the public Mike Cesarini asked if knew about this situation why not already in the budget. The County Executive (CE) Graham Stowe said on the annual budgeting only the recuring is in the budget and the capital projects must be identified as needed. Financial Manager (FM) Beth Moore-Sumners mentioned the county’s litigation fund which can be used only for the courthouse or the jail as a source for this requirement. Commissioner Evan Baddour asked if there are any grants that could be pursued at this time, and without that, how much does the litigation tax grow each year. The FM noted that with current litigation fund balance you would need to bring in $200K this year to cover cost of the controllers. Motion was approved.
Grant Opportunities – Sheriff Purvis discussed a possible $400K grant that could fund 1 position for 2 years and also be used for purchase of a new vehicle. This officer would deal with sex offenders and domestic battery generally which needs a special office to be trained and know how to handle those types of offenses. Sheriff Purvis said the grant input is due late this month and afterward the end of the grant period, the cost would be the county’s expense. Further he said grants help get you on your feet and also, they do not have to come to the commission for approval but for transparency wanted to provide the information. He said he gets on average 17 calls a month. The FM also reiterated the Sheriff’s office has a MoE on number of employees and it is up to him in how he controls that number. The Chair noted in this case the officer would not be limited to this type work but could do other areas as well. A motion to approve was made by Commissioner David Wamble, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby. Commissioner Goolsby asked since the county does fund some for Kid’s Place, could this grant also help, with Sheriff Purvis saying possibly for the Shelter and Kid’s Place. Commissioner Evan Baddour asked re the $400K to cover 2 years for an office, could you set aside any excess for the 3rd year, with the Chair saying probably have to spend within the stated time period. Commissioner Caleb Savage asked if you could get two vehicles with Sheriff Purvis saying they cost around $60K a piece so he would have to use for allowable costs first. Motion approved.
Unfinished Business – Sheriff Purvis mentioned another grant and provided a handout for that grant. The grant would be to edit a base program with no match required. Contractual services bill after services have occurred and only then are the funds expended. Motion to approve by Commissioner David Wamble, seconded by Commissioner Rickie Carpenter, and was approved unanimously.
Work Release Program – Sheriff Purvis gave an update on the program where 2 inmates have been working, 3 – 4 weeks to date. During that time $460 collected (for the jail’s travel costs, e.g.,) $230 to GPS company, $2194 paid to courts (goes partially into litigation funds) $798 toward child support, and $3K into personal accounts. He said 4 more will be starting the next Monday and their starting salary will be from $19 to $24 an hour.
HVAC – Another unit is currently being “bandaid” repaired and the replacement cost is $105K – $55K. The $55 K is for a Trane model and per Office Woodard they would not want to restrict to the current model which is not a Trane. A motion by Rickie Carpenter, seconded by Commissioner David Wanble, to send to the budget committee was made with the FM saying this too can be funded from the Litigation funds and noted the paper has already been notified of the need. Motion approved.
The Chair asked if there were any public comments and there were none. Motion by Commissioner David Wamble to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, and was approved unanimously.
ATTENDEES: Members of the committee Chair Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, Other Commissioners Shelly Goolsby, Gayle Jones, Matthew Hopkins, Rick Carpenter, David Wamble, Joyce Woodard Other Commissioners in Attendance Judy Pruett, James Lathrop, Tracy Wilburn, Caleb Savage, Terry Jones, David Adams, Carman Brown, Evan Baddour, Pike Gentry, Rose Brown, Roger Reedy, Annelle Guthrie Other in attendance County Executive Graham Stowe, Financial Manager Beth Moore-Sumners, Shana Woodard, Sheriff Joe Purvis, Chief Deputy Michael Woodard, Officer Perkins, School Director Vickie Beard, School Board Director Knox Vanderpool and members of the public