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Sheriff making aggressive patrol of County Roads

Cindy Roller
/
Cooper Review

Following several discussions at Delta County Commissioners Court the Delta County Sheriff’s law enforcement will be cracking down on “muddin” of County Roads.

Delta County Sheriff Ricky Smith informed the Court and the public they will be patrolling county roads especially following rains for culprits mudding and “destroying the roads.”

“We will step up our patrols and be more aggressive,” said Delta County Sheriff Ricky Smith, Monday morning to Precinct 1 Commissioner Rip Templeton on the destruction of property. He encouraged citizens to help with this process by filing complaints. He said he will handle the calls. Contact him by calling 903-395-2146.

County Attorney Jay Garrett was not present to comment on the legality of issuing a county ordinance. According to research for the State of Texas under local government, Counties in fact do not have the power to pass ordinances (local laws with penalties for violations) like cities can. Counties have limited zoning powers around reservoirs, historic sites etc.

Commissioner Templeton just would like those traveling those roads when muddy to be those with legitimate reasons.

“It has been a problem and continues to be a problem,” said Commissioner Rip Templeton. Precinct 4 Commissioner Mark Brantley agreed he learned the same inability to solve this problem multiple times while attending continuing education. Commissioner Templeton suggested Sheriff Smith “lock somebody up one time that should do it.”

This destruction of property is a Class C Misdemeanor.