Commissioners Proclaim May as Elder Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

May 6, 2020 - The Shelby County Commissioners' Court met May 6, 2020 in the Community Room of the courthouse and declared May as Elder Abuse Awareness month.

Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison read the proclamation aloud for the commissioners.

According to Texas Department of Family and Protective Services there were 135 cases investigated in 2019 in Shelby County and of those cases there were 97 validated victims. Of those victims 68 were 65 and older, 29 were 18-64 years old with disability, 50 were female, 46 were male, 33 were African-American, 58 Anglo, two Hispanic and four were listed as other.

Discussion continued on the parking lot for the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 and Constable office, and the project has begun, according to Commissioner Charles Barr. The commissioners suggested the possibility of adding drainage gutters to the building.

One item brought up for discussion regarding the weekly expenses was a bill from Lynda K. Russell for legal fees. The bill was for $7,500 and it was determined the expenses were for the Randa and Matthew McMahon civil case. 

Judge Harbison said she spoke with Leann Rafferty, 123rd District Judge, who said the amount was a deal and could easily have been double the amount.

The question came up in court as to whether the criminal case has yet been prosecuted, and it has not as it was most recently scheduled for March 2020.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25am.