The Rockwall County Commissioners Court Workshop Meeting held on June 9, 2025, focused on several key budgetary discussions, particularly regarding the detention division and its operational needs. The meeting began with a review of the Guardian RFID software and its annual maintenance costs, which had not been included in the previous year's budget due to timing issues with Tyler Technologies. The county opted for Guardian as a solution after the budget was largely finalized.

A significant topic of discussion was the adjustment of the budget for conveying and guarding inmates, which was reduced from $75,000 to $50,000. This reduction was attributed to projected lower transport and housing needs, as the county has opened its own jail, decreasing reliance on external housing contracts.

Commissioners also addressed the absence of travel and training allocations in the jail budget, clarifying that these expenses are now managed through operations for efficiency. The sheriff's office has shifted to more in-house training through the Veil Academy, reducing the need for external training.

A question was raised regarding the potential for the county to rent out jail cells to generate revenue, a concept discussed during the jail's construction. It was noted that while the average daily population is around 260 inmates, staffing shortages have limited the county's ability to accept outside inmates. Previous federal contracts for housing inmates have also become less viable due to increased costs.

The meeting concluded with a proposal for a step-based compensation program for detention personnel, aimed at establishing a stable salary structure while maintaining performance evaluations. The sheriff's office reported an estimated $500,000 in savings from unfilled positions this year, which was highlighted as a significant budgetary consideration.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's ongoing efforts to manage its detention operations effectively while addressing budgetary constraints and staffing challenges. Further discussions and decisions regarding these matters are anticipated in future meetings.