Starbase proposes to pay for new Cameron County deputy hires

STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A proposed inter-local agreement between the City of Starbase and Cameron County is being negotiated to create eight new deputy positions to be assigned specifically to the newly incorporated city.

In addition, they would be new hires, not a reassignment of current deputies, and candidates would be sourced through traditional county hiring channels, according to Daniel N. Lopez with the Cameron County Commissioners Court.

If the agreement were to be terminated and Starbase created its own police department, these deputies would receive priority in employment.

Thus, Starbase has proposed to fully reimburse Cameron County for the salaries, fringe benefits, uniforms, equipment, and vehicles for these eight deputies.

While the funding would come from Starbase, the deputies would be under the direct command of the Cameron County Sheriff.

Starbase personnel would have no authority to direct or influence law enforcement actions; each deputy would retain full discretion to enforce all state statutes, according to the county.

This interlocal agreement would last for five years, unless terminated early.

A start date is not yet determined as the agreement is still being negotiated. Once finalized and approved, the hiring process will start.