Commissioner Ferguson reports on Expo status

The Leon County commissioners are staying busy. They met on Friday, March 6 -- a little earlier than scheduled -- in order to be free to attend mandatory State training on Monday. During the meeting another schedule change was approved, moving the March 25th meeting Friday, March 27 so that they could attend a Homeland Security conference and judicial education.

Commissioner David Ferguson reported on the status of the land deal for the proposed Expo Center. Survey work is not yet completed, but the commissioners, apparently anxious to move the project along as quickly as possible, authorized Judge Ryder to sign off on the paperwork as soon as the survey comes in.

Youth Minister Preston Cave of Centerville's First Baptist Church led the group in prayer during Friday's opening ceremonies, and Judge Byron Ryder presided over the meeting.

Colonel James Wallace, Executive Director of the Leon Health Resources Center, presented the LHRC quarterly update, boasting that the Telehealth counseling program is finally operating on a regular schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays). The colonel also reported that a repeat of last year's very successful Health Fair is slated for Wednesday, April 22, at Leon High School (9:00 - 2:00).

Veterans' Service Officer Gary Maples' report focused on the county's next Veterans Appreciation Day, which will be May 16th (10:00-4:00) at the old CHS gym. The event will include special ceremonies, guest speakers, a meal and there will be a lot of new information for veterans regarding better benefits.

Maples later reported that, in this downturned economy, local radio stations have some air time available for 30-minute blocks for public service announcements, and the Texas Veterans Commission has suggested a program to get the word out to vets. The commissioners authorized Maples to check into that.

Leon County's Workforce Commission Office is relocating to the old county clerk's office. A state inspection required that one bathroom be made ADA compliant. After discussing the economic feasibility of making the improvements in the rented property which will soon be renovated, the commissioners voted instead to direct guests to the ADAcompliant restrooms in Annex II just across the street.

The commissioners officially ordered the election for May 9th in which voters will (1) decide on the sale of beer and wine in licensed stores and mixed drinks in restaurants in the Buffalo area, and (2) determine the outcome of the proposed ESD for the northeast portion of the county.

Auditor Susan Pugh took the floor for financial matters. She presented a corrected version of the contract with Freedom Quality Air Conditioning for the service of units in all county buildings, explaining that her office had mis-interpreted the costs to include providing and changing the filters monthly. The commissioners rescinded the previous agreement then approved a contract for twiceyearly maintenance at $6700/ year.

Pugh presented six line item transfers totalling $41,200 and they were approved. There were no budget amendments suggested.

Commissioner Ferguson reported on the sale of an old motor grader, but no other purchase/selling requests were discussed.

During the opportunity for open forum, Commissioner Dean Player reported that there are "some projects we'd like to do", but explained that the current contracts with rock haulers were set when fuel was much higher and include fuel surcharges that are making the projects cost-prohibitive. He asked the purchasing department to check into the possibility of renegotiating some contracts. "We could spend some money if they would reduce the costs, and we'd like to spend our money locally -- we've got to do our own stimulus right here at home," Player concluded.