Mark Ivey joins Commissioners Court

The new face of the Leon County Commissioners Court was evident at the first regular session of the 2009 on Monday, January 12 when Commissioner Mark Ivey took his seat at the table. He will be responsible for Precinct 3, an area stretching from Marquez, through Jewett and half of Buffalo.

Change continued with the announcement that Judge Terry Green submitted his resignation, to be effective on or before February 1. The Commissioners regretfully accepted it, with Judge Byron Ryder stating, "You've done an excellent job for us and we appreciate it. You will be missed." Later, in an executive session, the commissioners appointed Doug Preston of Hilltop Lakes to fill Judge Green's unexpired term until the next election. Preston has previously served in the office and Judge Green stated, "I look for a very smooth transition. He's very experienced." Preston will be given the oath of office on January 16.

The court celebrated the 100th birthday of a Normangee resident by naming January 4th, 2009 as Erma Hall Day. Her daughter Hilda Harrell was present for the recognition ceremony.

Judge Byron Ryder recognized local Boy Scouts and the American Legion for putting up and taking down the Christmas decorations on the county square.

The court authorized the District Attorney Whitney Smith to donate an older patrol car to the City of Oakwood. The donation will help beef up Oakwood as they are getting started with a police department, and Sheriff Wakefield stated it will benefit Leon County as a whole, and take calls off of the Sheriff's Office.

Seven members were re-appointed to the Leon County Historical Commission: Emma Bass, Billy Walters, Joey Sullivan, Earl Hill Moore, Patricia Sherbrook, Beverly Kymes, Vera Barnett. The commission is headed by Buffalo's Charlcie Casey.

Colonel James Wallace presented his monthly report on the Leon Health Resource Center. Details included: The Telehealth counseling should be available soon -- the line is being laid this week; the center may replace the LHRC van; and work continues on plans for the addition to the clinic.

Tommy Neyland submitted a list for a steering committee for the Leon County Civic and Exposition Center. The suggested committee includes representation from the entire county in order to gives the views of each community. It will report to the Commissioners Court. Members include: Dr. Russell Jonas, John Bass, Jeff Beshears,

K Jimm y Hill , Glend a Osborn , Jennife r McGill , Susa n Pugh, Scott Serafin, Janie Richmond, Ernie Moore, George Holleman, Brian Hill, Dan Courmier, Jimmy Hill and Tommy and Wendy Neyland. "We're going to need all resources to get this project off the ground," Neyland concluded. The court approved the committee list.

Gary Maples reported on the first year of the Adopt-AUnit program. They have successfully paired ten units with organizations. The county donated a lot of toys for children of troops, and these were distributed at a Christmas party in December. Next, a "baby shower" is being planned to give formula, diapers, baby wipes, etc. to the families of military personnel. The shower will be at Fort Hood on January 31st and donations may be taken to Judge Ryder's office. There are 186 babies ages 0-2.

The Veteran's Services Officers announced that they will no longer be going to Buffalo and Jewett on a regular basis due to lack of response. Veterans are welcome to set up appointments and the Maples will be glad to meet with them. Call them at 903-536-2331, 903-536-1251 or 979-450-8891. "We are not abandoning the veterans in the far ends of the county, but we don't know your needs unless you contact us," Maples concluded.

In other routine business, a "Sick Leave Pool Committee" was created, consisting of Joey Sullivan, Carla McEachern, Karen Broach and Judge Byron Ryder. Also, a parking agreement was approved between Leon County and the ESD #1.

Auditor Susan Pugh presented line item transfers totalling $50,470 and was authorized to put surplus equipment inventory out for internet auction. Any money from the sales will go back into general funds. She was also authorized to go out for bids on track hoe and bull dozer services.

At the recommendation of Treasurer Phil Skelton, the commissioners released two pledged securities from Citizens State Bank.