County receives federal funds for jail housing assistance

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Gregg County commissioners on Monday accepted a nearly $25,000 federal payment for housing criminal illegal aliens.

The $24,918 payment is from the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program for medical services, vehicle transport and mental health services of such Gregg County Jail inmates, Sheriff Maxey Cerliano said. Under an agreement, the county paid about $7,000 for those services.

The program provides federal assistance to pay for costs incurred while incarcerating undocumented immigrants held on state or local charges or convictions.

"It won't be much," Cerliano said, "but it's more than what we've been getting, which is zero."

Commissioners also reaffirmed David Kidder to another two-year term as county fire marshal.

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