By Bill Zeeble
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-897382.mp3
Dallas – The attorney for Dallas County Constable Derick Evans says County Commissioners lack the authority to make Evans pay a higher surety bond, which is the equivalent of more insurance. Today, Commissioners upped the amounts the Constables must pay. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more
A majority of the Commissioners fear Constables Evans and Jaime Cortes have abused their power, and could end up costing the county money. So they've ordered Evans to secure a bond of $125,000, and Cortes, one for a quarter million dollars. Andrew Korn, the attorney for Evans, says they cannot legally do that. The maximum bond is set, by statute, at $1500. Korn says his client has fulfilled his oath of office by serving as court bailiff and delivering court papers.
Korn: There's been no evidence, we've heard nothing, there have been no threats, demands, that Evans has refused to do either of those core functions. Don't go against the reason of law and common sense and lack of evidence and just vote to raise it based on speculation. That's just the mark of clear abuse of discretion.
Korn hopes to stop the order from taking effect and says Evans might sue the County. He added that Evans would turn the bill for his increased surety bond in to the county, since Dallas pays for the bonds. Constable Cortes addressed Commissioners directly.
Cortes: I believe this is a continuation of political grandstanding orchestrated by the County Judge and two Republican Commissioners. I believe what you're showing is a disregard for minority Democrats.
County Judge Jim Foster defended the vote.
Foster: Foster: I'm concerned about preventing the numerous lawsuits that would be coming forward if we didn't take some action. I think it'll cause more prudence in decision making in these departments.
A surety bond for Evans could cost up to an estimated $6,000, and possibly double that for Cortes. Bill Zeeble KERA news.