The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court on Oct. 10 approved two related items for the upcoming county fair: (1) allowing the sheriff’s office to staff security at the fair using overtime that will be reimbursed by the Jim Wells County Fair Association and (2) a set of rental price changes for fairground facilities.

Sheriff Joseph Guy Baker told the court the sheriff’s office and fair association have met multiple times to coordinate security, equipment and schedules. The sheriff said the plan will rely on personnel already on duty where possible, constables and reserve deputies to minimize overtime, and additional deputies working overtime when necessary; overtime costs will be forwarded to the fair association for reimbursement. The sheriff said night coverage will require more deputies and estimated about five to six deputies on the night shift at peak fair hours, plus participating constables and reserves. He said reserves will assist without overtime pay when they are fulfilling required reserve hours.

Commissioners discussed whether private security or other agencies could provide coverage and noted the fair association historically contributes to security costs; one commissioner said the association has covered roughly $10,000 in prior years. The court ultimately approved the sheriff’s plan to provide security at the fair with overtime reimbursement from the fair association.

Separately, Commissioner Ventura Garcia Jr. proposed increases to fairground rental rates and the court approved the proposal as presented. Major changes approved included raising the women’s building (listed in the packet as the Hooma Economics/“women’s building”) from $250 to $300; charging $50 for an additional early‑access day for decorating at that building; raising the Merchant’s Building from $800 to $950 with a $300 fee for an available prior day for setup or decorating; raising the pavilion rental to $300; and raising the show arena to $480. The court approved the increases “as presented” and retained staff discretion on employee discounts and other administrative details.

Outcomes and next steps: The sheriff will finalize scheduling and forward estimated overtime costs to the fair association for reimbursement. County staff will update rental contracts and notify potential renters of the new rates.