Precinct 4 Constable Office adding officer

In the new Hays County Budget, Dripping Springs Pct. 4 Constable’s Office will be receiving additional funds to add a full time officer, an additional motorcycle (with radar and associated equipment) and motor vehicle (car) for that officer, as well as a new motorcycle to replace the existing 13-year-old motorcycle.

“Our initial request was submitted on May 17. In the August 13 workshop I explained my needs to the county, and the request for funding was approved on September 17, with the final changes to the county budget,” Pct. 4 Constable Ron Hood explained. “The car vehicle is needed for the officer to patrol in during inclement weather when it’s not safe to drive a motorcycle. The second motorcycle will replace our existing 13 year old motorcycle, which has aged. The new motorcycles will also have the advantages of newer safety equipment for my officers.”

The new motorcycles are estimated to cost $23,000 each, and the new patrol vehicle will be a lease, with an estimated cost of $695 per month. “The rental agreements are with Enterprise, and they’re negotiated by the county,” Constable Hood said.

Constable Hood said that approval for the new position and resources were helped by Pct. 4 residents voicing their support for additional law enforcement resources on Hwy 290. “People’s letters and emails to Commissioners Court helped convince the court of the need for additional resources,” Hood said.