County's pay schedule will not change

Jay Winn The Leon County commissioners made short work of their agenda at Monday's regular meeting of the Commissioners Court. The main decision which will affect county employees was made during executive session at the end of the meeting. Judge Byron Ryder and the Commissioners rescinded a motion made earlier in the spring which would have changed payroll periods, weekend and holiday pay. Monday's decision converts things back to the way county employees are currently paid.

During the opening cer- emonies, the opening prayer was led by Bro. Clay Thornton from the Centerville Church of Christ.

Col. James Wallace, Executive Director of the Leon Health Resource Center, offered his quarterly report, pointing out: - Ernestine Bisor replaced Emma Bass on the LHRC Commission Board. - A new STAR counselor will be replacing Diane Black. - The center has lost the services of the cardiologist.

Col. Wallace also asked the county to commit $76,000 (in-kind and actual funds) in order to receive favorable consideration on a grant request to The Meadows Foundation to fund a construction project to expand the center. "This is something we need to do," stated Commissioner Dean Player, who made the motion to commit the funds, which the commissioners unanimously approved.

Jay Winn, superintendent of Leon ISD, presented photos and affidavits of notices required for vacating and relocatinga portion of CR 350 in order for the district to make way for construction the new high school, gym and field house. "We have the (new) road completed at this time -- an excellent road worked under the supervision of Commissioner Ivey -- so we are ready to shut down the old road and begin the construction project," Winn summed up. The Court approved the action.

Veterans Service Officer Gary Maples' monthly report included an update on the plans for Saturday's celebration of Leon County's veterans. Veteran's Appreciation Day will be held at Centerville High School's old gym from 10:00 - 4:00, and will include a meal for veterans.

County Treasurer Phil Skelton presented a request to release two old pledged securities and accept a new pledge from Citizens State Bank. Skelton verified that the county would still be 110%+ covered under the new pledged securities and the action passed. In a related decision the court also authorized Skelton to go out for bids on the county's depository because the current contract with CSB is about to expire.

Commissioner Joey Sullivan recommended transferring Liberty Cemetery Road (CR 302) from Precinct #1 to Precinct #3.

In other business, the Commissioners: - Appointed Tammy Coulter to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee at the BVCOG. - Post-approved the resolution requesting action by the legislature to correct the issue of under-valuation of oil and gas properties. - Accepted a bid from Robert and Cheryl Pate in the amount of $2500 for Suite #T-08-51. Normangee ISD had already approved the bid. - Approved a pipeline agreement with Encana Oil and Gas, Inc. for CR 482 in Precinct #4.

The commissioners were introduced to Mike Brooks and Darla Dear, auditors with Belt, Harris and Associates of Houston. That firm is currently conducting the countyís annual audit.

Purchasing Agent Susan Pugh explained that the annual inspection and maintenance agreement on the elevator in Annex II is up for renewal. At Pughís recommendation the Commissioners authorized that she add that elevator to the contract which services Annex I, at an additional cost of $540/quarter.