Brazos County commissioners approved an agreement with the Texas A&M Psychology Clinic on May 19 to provide clinical psychology services for the county’s RESTART Court through the end of 2026.
In a nutshell
During discussion of the item, commissioners asked about language in the agreement allowing equipment purchased through the grant-funded program to remain with Texas A&M University after the contract period ends.
361st District Court Judge David Hilburn said the agreement is tied to a one-year grant intended to help establish the program, and any purchased equipment would continue being used for future operations rather than requiring repeated startup costs.
The discussion
Commissioners discussed how veterans fit into the RESTART Court system and whether Brazos County should revisit the possibility of creating a dedicated veterans treatment court.
Judge Hilburn said the current RESTART Court does not exclude veterans and noted officials previously explored a veterans court model but found too few qualifying participants at the time to support a standalone program. However, under its current status, two veterans are being considered for the specialty court.
Commissioner Fred Brown said he would like to see additional conversations about a possible regional veterans treatment court involving surrounding counties.
Veterans already receive consideration within the existing system, according to Judge Hilburn. He credited probation staff, prosecutors and judicial partners for helping connect eligible applicants with treatment and support services.
The agreement was approved unanimously.
Also on the agenda
The court approved a temporary contract with Trevino-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory for the transport of deceased individuals while the county prepares to open its medical examiner’s office soon.Commissioners approved advertising for a construction contract for the Brazos County Emergency Communications District Dispatch Center project.The court approved $38 million in certificates of obligation to help fund the county courthouse annex building and county administrative building renovations.Get involved
The Brazos County Commissioners Court will next meet May 26 at the county administration building.