Leon County receives communications trailer from Encana

The Leon County Commissioners’ Court held its regular meeting on March 8th in the Leon County Annex I Courtroom. All commissioners were present.

Mac Robinson and Rickey Woody, both with Encana Corporation presented Leon County with a trailer which will be used as a First Re- sponder’s Unit and will be equipped with emergency equipment and communication gear. Judge Byron Ryder said Encana contacted the County and said they had a grant available which could purchase the trailer. Ryder thanked the two gentlemen and acknowledged the gratitude of the community.

The Court voted to ac- a donation of three paintings from Judge Ken Keeling to be displayed in the District Court Jury Room. The paintings were valued at $1,250.00

Leon County Auditor Susan Pugh provided results of four audits performed in February. In the District Clerk’s office there were no findings. In the Sheriff’s Office

and Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 there were only minor issues which are easily corrected. But in the County Tax Office there were 16 major findings. Pugh said she believes the office is short staffed and needs another full time employee and possibly a part time employee during the busy season. In her opinion some issues can be corrected quickly but others will take additional training of the current staff. Judge Ryder will call the elected official and ask her to attend the next Commissioners’ Court.

Commissioner Dean Play responded to Pugh “We appreciate the depth and scope of these audits that were performed. It is up to us to follow up on these issues.”

James Wallace gave his monthly update on the operations of the Health Resource Center. Wallace was particularly excited about response from Dr. Vickey Camp, OD, and Dr. Robert McFarlane, Cardiologist, both of whom have shown interest in expanding their practices to the Centerville area.

Plans are underway for this year’s health fair which will be held at Normangee High School on May 5.

Gary Maples gave the Veteran’s Service Officer’s report. He apprised the Court of a Veteran’s Appreciation Day which will be on May 1. A meal will begin at 12:00 and will be catered by Country Cousins from an old fashioned chuck wagon. At 1:00 p.m. the U.S. Cavalry will arrive to save the day and do authentic reenactment drills. Maples is about 98% sure that Governor Perry will be at the event but isn’t sure what time the governor will arrive. All veteran’s, active military and spouses will be honored and will be fed at no charge. Since this will be a large expense Maples requested $1,000 from the County which will offset some of the food expense. The Court voted to provide the $1,000. Meals will be available to others for $10.00 each.

The Court approved an Addressing Resolution which will allow the County to fine Leon County residents $500 if they do not display their 911 addresses. Pat Bell advised that signs are available for a cost of $10.00.

The County has approximately $64 thousand dollars from a grant to be used to purchase emergency generators. The Court approved purchase of three generators from W. A. Electric to be installed at Centerville, Buffalo and Hilltop Lakes.

Judy Harris, volunteer coordinator for Leon County Emergency Services will take a leave of absence due to health issues. Larry Bass was appointed as her replacement.

In other business the Court approved minutes of the last meeting; approved an Interlocal Cooperative contract between the Texas Department of Public Safety and Leon County, which give DPS permission to use County offices; approved a resolution for a Brazos Valley Regional Fiber Optics Network and Funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; approved road use agreement for CR 317, Showhorn Holding Co; Approved road use agreement for CR 148 and 149, Fann Logging, both are in Precinct #1.