Commissioners back proposed eco-alliance

The focus of the December 14th meeting of the Leon County Commissioners Court was a presentation on the creation of an ecoalliance of three new companies interested in this area as a site for their state-of-theart agricultural plants. (SEE Eco-Alliance, page 7A). After presentations from representatives of Mustang Creek Bio-Gas, Color Star Growers and Premier Organic Farms, the commissioners were very supportive of the initiative and gladly promised to draft a letter of invitation to show Leon County's interest in the project, which could bring hundreds of new, fulltime jobs to the area. They also agreed to move forward on an application for a CDE (Commercial Development Enterprise) for a juridictional zone change from the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Another of the county's good neighbors, EnCana Oil & Gas, presented Leon County with a check for the purchase of a communications trailer. The county's ability to respond to large emergencies will be enhanced by being able to set up an on-site Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the EMS and fire department volunteers. Emergency Management Coordinator Pat Bell was on hand to accept the check on behalf of the county. "We're proud to be part of the community and will continue to be part of the community," explained EnCana representative Eddie Carpenter.

Camilla Viator, services coordinator for Leon Health Resources Center, described how she helps residents access the resources available to them. LHRC Executive Director Col. James Wallace elaborated, "She has brought to Leon County benefits far beyond my imagination." The LHRC is now averaging 300 patients per month and puts 4000 miles per month on their service van.

Moving to financial matters, Auditor Susan Pugh presented budget amendments which were approved, as were line item transfers totalling $77,400. Pugh also presented a donation from John and Sydna Bass for $5000 to go toward the county's Expo Center.

Pugh announced the lone bid responses of $200 for an '85 GMC and $2,295 on a Dodge pickup, and those were accepted. Commissioner Player announced intent to purchase a used drum roller for Precinct 4. A request for additional elevator maintenance contracts was tabled, and a contract for a postage machine approved.

In other business: - The Commissioners approved the Veterans Services report. - At the request of Ed Houck, they authorized various churches to sing Christmas carols at the Courthouse square and gazebo. - They approved an agreement for Leon County to assess and collect taxes for Normangee ISD. - They signed a certificate of approval for all taxing entities. - Approved two tax resale bids in Normange ISD. - Entered into a road use agreement on CR 131 and 132 with Scull Timber. - Moved their December 30 meeting to December 23. - Amended the wording on the sick leave pool policy. - Held a brief executive session and approved an addition 154.7 hours of sick leave for Employee #347, from the sick leave pool.