DeWitt Commissioners inmate health service agreement, Phelps submits resignation

The DeWitt County Commissioners Court approved an inmate health services agreement and heard a letter of resignation at the Oct. 28 meeting.

“This is a contract for Southern Health Partners,” DeWitt County Sheriff Carl Bowen said. “It is a change to our existing contract. We had to sign an existing contract in order to maintain health services until after the budget year. The contract is one that was budgeted for in the budget workshop. All this is doing is changing us (inmate services) from one full time nurse and one part time nurse to two full time nurses. They are LPN nurses.”

Precinct 1 Constable Kelly Phelps also submitted his resignation. This comes after commissioners discussed the statute that allows an officeholder to reduce the amount of compensation set for that office in the county budget.

Phelps was unable to perform his duties due to an automobile injury.

“After careful consideration, I have made the decision to resign, due to what I believe is a hostile political work environment and medical issues that do not allow me to perform my duties at 100%,” Phelps said in his letter of resignation. “I will do all in my power to fulfill the duties as Constable Precinct 1 as required by State Statute and will put forth every effort to facilitate a smooth transition with the incoming Constable.”

His resignation will be effective Dec. 30 while his term expires on Dec. 31.