Commissioners in support of regional fiber optic network

Monday's meeting of the Commissioners Court opened with a presentation by the BVCOG to get Leon County on board to support a resolution for a regional fiber optic network. Representative Michael Parks explained that the COG is applying for $35M of the $4.2 Billion in stimulus funds earmarked for such projects. Parks offered a concept map showing locations which would be provided with the service, with the goal of bringing broadband internet to rural areas with a combination of fiberoptic and wireless technology. The network could save area school districts and other entities in the COG considerable money off of the costs of T-1 lines. Parks was optimistic about BVCOG's changes of getting the funds, claiming "only a handful of regions are applying, and we are about eight months ahead of most others." The money, if awarded, would be available as early as November. Commissioner Dean Player suggested that Hilltop Lakes be added to the locations to be serviced. The commissioners signed the resolution to show support of the concept, and were not asked to commit any county money.

LHRC Executive Director James Wallace offered an update of the health center. He reported that clinic operations are going well, but stressed the need to fill the position of grant coordinator, a position paid by grant funds and necessary to ensure that HRSA funding continues. In an executive session later in the meeting, the commissioners offered the position to one of the six applicants for the job, but were awaiting a return call before announcing the name. The position, titled Grant Coordinator/Assistant to the Executive Director, will pay an annual salary of $27,500 and benefits, but is only guaranteed until April 2010, dependent upon continuing grant funds.

Good news for the LHRC was the announcement that the health center's Financial Status Report and Carryover Report were approved by HRSA and the county will be funded for the third year of the grant. ($179,914 plus $88,918 left over from last year). A strategy session is planned for 9:00 on August 17 to come up with alternatives on how to best use those funds. Colonel Wallace recommended the purchase of a new van to provide reliable transportation to various appointments.

9-1-1 Coordinator Pat Bell was authorized to certify funds collected in the sale of 9-1-1 house number signs, and to add the money to her budget. The aluminum, pre-drilled, reflective background signs are available to residents at cost ($10) -- "a good deal for residents and for emergency management." Contact your city office to place an order.

In other matters: - The court approved a tax resale bid raised from $800 to $1000 in Suite #T-06-271. It was pre-approved by Normangee ISD. - The Veterans Service Officers' report was approved. - The ESD #2 financial report was accepted as presented. - A list of LCHRC Commission members were reappointed. - The court post-approved last week's order rescinding the county-wide burn ban, but then ordered a new burn ban, effective immediately. There is rain in the county's forecast, but the commissioners hoped to "err on the side of caution". - A pipeline agreement for Precinct 3 (CR 351) was approved with Enbridge Pipeline.

Several other agenda items were tabled for clarification or further review.

Auditor Susan Pugh presented line item transfers totalling $8792. They were approved. She also submitted a formal request that all county purchases cease as of Friday, September 11 in order to close out the books for FY 2009. The commissioners agreed "except for emergencies".

The Commissioners adjourned at 11:00 and went directly in a budget meeting.