Go Texas efforts receive a boost

The June 8 session of the Leon County Commissioners Court opened on a high note as representatives of Conoco Phillips presented the county with a donation of $2500 to the Go Texas Fund. Go Texas organizer Tommy Davis, the judge and commissioners accepted the check. Representing Conoco Phillips were Todd Scott, Donald Torres, Kathy Coder and Carl Green.

A report by Colonel James Wallace, executive director of the Leon Health Resource Center, dominated much of the brief meeting on Monday, June 8. Col. Wallace's report included the announcement of the resignation of the center's grant coordinator. He encouraged the commissioners to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible "to preclude any degredation in the program," adding, "There are ten months left on the grant and there's a lot of work to be done." The executive director was authorized to proceed with advertising the position and beginning the re-hire process.

The LHRC director also reported on plans to purchase a new van and he stressed the need for additional volunteer drivers to keep the free ride program operating optimally. Drivers put about 4000 miles per month on the road through this program which helps residents get to doctors' appointments and other needs.

Colonel Wallace also spoke glowingly of the success of the new Telehealth Counseling program which is offered twice weeklly. Participation is growing quickly.

Brother Tony Taylor of Hilltop Lakes Chapel led a prayer during the opening ceremonies.

The court authorized the use of the Courthouse Square on June 20th for a crawfish boil benefittingthe Junior/Senior Prom project. The Veterans Services report was approved as presented.

Tax Accessor/Collector Louise Wilson was appointed to calculate the effective and rollback tax rates for Tax Year 2009.

In a follow-up to a previous action on May 11th, the court gave post-approval for Judge Byron Ryder to submit a grant application to the governor's office for the Sheriff's Office equipment grant.

Auditor Susan Pugh had no budget amendments did receive court approval of line item transfers totalling $27,000

Commissioner Dean Player presented the lone item for purchase and/or selling requests. Precinct 4 received approval to sell a backhoe and Case loader to the solid waste dump site.