Letter to the Editor I grew up in a small community of approximately 11,000 people, where everyone knew one another and looked out for one another, much like the friendships and relationships that exist in Roby and Rotan. We took pride in our community, fighting for what was right and just. My greatgreat- grandfather was the first white male born in Texas, and our family was part of the Original 300 that settled in this area, which was then known as the Republic of Texas. Given this history, my family has been a part of this community for many generations, long before any of you. My great-grandfather was a farmer who grew corn, and our family worked the land until my great-grandparents could no longer do so. Unfortunately, the homestead was sold, and our family migrated to other areas within the State. However, one value passed down through the generations and continues to be a part of my family's values is the importance of doing what is right and helping one's neighbor.
While I understand the importance of loyalty to friends and family, there are times when that loyalty can become harmful. I'm referring to the situation with the jail and the County Judge, who never wanted it and has been trying to find a way to close it. He doesn't seem to care about the impact on the employees who will lose their jobs and the families who will suffer due to the lack of income. The personnel who have dedicated themselves to their work and are doing an excellent job are now left to wonder if they can find another job due to no fault of their own. Meanwhile, the Judge and Commissioners are paying over $27,000 to house prisoners in other counties rather than utilizing the jail that is already in place. They are also paying deputies to drive to other counties to pick up prisoners who need to be seen in our County before the Judge. Furthermore, they have approved a budget that still includes insurance and building payments for a building they want to close. Does this sound like it's saving the county money? The salary for the four employees who are losing their jobs is less than the money spent to house prisoners elsewhere. Does that make sense? Additionally, they must now include unemployment benefits for the four employees due to their layoff. Does that make sense?
Judge Holt has repeatedly stated that he no longer wants to be doing his job. He said this in front of me the day my husband, Sheriff Pohlmann, was sworn in. If he cannot continue to serve the County in the best way possible, maybe it is time for him to step down and allow someone else to fill the position who cares about their neighbors and the good of the County.
The jail and the Sheriff's Department are not meant to be money-making operations. These are services that Fisher County residents pay for, and according to the latest budget available on the county website, there is a significant amount of revenue. Additionally, residents have been paying the City of Rotan for several years for a marshal that does not exist. Your tax dollars could be used to hire and train an animal control officer. The Rotan Mayor is the one who needs to discuss this matter; that is her responsibility, not the Sheriff's Department's.
Regarding budgets, why is the County Attorney still being paid when he moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico? Does that make sense? The entire Commissioners Court has yet to abide by the laws of their positions but expects others to do so. Why did Joy Dennis receive a 10% raise if the budget was so tight? That is 5% above any other office staff who do the same, if not more, work than she does. Does that make sense? Give Joy Dennis 5% more of the County's money and lay four people off because they can't afford them.
I have lived in other countries and large cities in the U.S., and I have never seen a corrupt bunch of money-hiding, reckless spending, lying, and irresponsible people like those I have come to see in Fisher County's Commissioners Court and staff. As I mentioned, we were blessed to have been taught the importance of honesty, working hard, doing what is right, and helping one's neighbor. Folks, your County Commissioners, who were elected to represent you, have failed you. They have failed your neighbors and friends. We may not always agree on everything, but I ask you to imagine that you are the one who is losing your job because someone who does not care about your community has decided that you are no longer necessary. Someone who has decided that favoritism trumps honesty. Someone who does not care that 75% of the County voted for a jail so that the Sheriff's Department could house career criminals, domestic violence offenders, and drug traffickers (and the list goes on)? Someone who complains about the county budget but spends recklessly like a child throwing a temper tantrum to show everyone he's in control - at your expense. Your expense is the money you're paying out in taxes that he believes is his to do as he wishes.
The Commissioner's Court has become very negligent in its duties. Remember this in the next election. You elected them. Take your voice back. Don't just accept things because you don't know what to do or how to do it. I'm always available, neighbor.
Susan Pohlman
Community Chaplain Founder, Whispering Winds Animal Sanctuary
Editor’s Note: After receiving the above letter, the DMC staff determined the need for two factual clarifications.
1. It was reported in the letter that the county spent $27,000 this year for out-of-county inmate housing.
• As of Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Fisher County has spent $54,085 housing inmates out of the county during FY 2024. 2. The letter also states that Fisher County Judge Ken Holt’s assistant, Joy Dennis, received an additional 5% salary increase above other county employees.
• While a 10% salary increase for Dennis was proposed in Holt’s July budget, the commissioners court declined the increase. According to September’s officially adopted budget, Dennis received the same 5% salary increase as other employees.