Census folks go to pick up forms–be sure they have proper ID

The Leon County Commissioners’ Court met in its regular meeting on May 10, 2010 at the Leon County Annex I.

Ken Leonard and Rebecca Robinson with the U.S. Census Bureau stopped by to advise the Court that the workers are moving into the next phase—that is, going to the homes of those who did not return their forms. The state average for returned census forms was over 70% in the previous campaign, but Leon County returned only 49%. So far this drive 50% have been returned and the number is expected to increase when the “door to door” operation is complete.

Leonard wanted Leon County residents to be aware that Census takers will be out in the communities and to be sure they have a legitimate identification badge and bag. If not, he asks that the citizen being approached call the Leon County Sheriff’s Department (903-536-2749).

Leon County Judge By- ron Ryder said “The Census is very important to the County. It means money to us.”

Leon County Veteran Services Officer Gary Maples thanked the Court for its assistance with the first annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day held on May 1 at the Champion Ranch. Leon County Commissioner Dean Player was the Master of Ceremonies and two generals were guest speakers. Maples said 421 people were fed and there was plenty of food left over.

Commissioner Player said “We want to thank all the sponsors that helped make this possible. Nucor, Encana, Westmoreland Coal, NRG, Champion Ranch and others who were generous with their donations.”

The Court approved sponsorship of Leon County on behalf of Flo Community Water Supply Corporation to proceed with the 2011-2012 Texas Community Development Block Grant application. Flo Water Manager Jim Martin said funds from the grant would be used to drill a well on FM 1618.

According to Mirenda Harris with Kerbow & Associates, every government entity that lost power as a result of Hurricane Ike is entitled to a grant to purchase a backup generator. The Court agreed to adopt resolutions regarding Hurricane Ike Contract DRS010097.

Judge Ryder stated that all constables in the County use their private vehicles for performance of county business and law enforcement duties. The Court voted to add a rider to the County’s insurance policy to include the constables.

The proposed Millican Reservoir was discussed and the Court elected to adopt a resolution opposing the Region H Water Plan for the proposed reservoir. The plans include a “unique” reservoir which will be used to supply water to the Gulf Coast. This lake will not be used for recreation and the county fathers fear it will drive down the value of property around it. The resolution will be sent to the Texas Legislation to be considered in the next session. Judge Ryder will contact Region H to see about getting getting a representative from Leon County in a position to reflect the County’s concerns.

Susan Pugh, Leon County Auditor, reported that she had audited the offices of Justice of the Peace 1 and 4 with no significant infractions. She did note that JP4 needs a better way of reporting monies collected and improve on completing monthly reports. According to Pugh “Overall, good reports.”

The auditor had no budget amendments.

The Court went into Executive Session at 10:40 to discuss the Donahoe Vs Leon County case with the attorneys, and returned to Open Session at 11:18. No action was taken.

The Court approved: The Leon County Cowboy Church to use the courthouse square parking lot on May 22 for a fish fry fund raiser; Trails End, Smith Crossing Crew, and Pleasant Springs Farm to adopt a county road; and closing the re-routed portion of CR 440 and admittance of the new portion to county road maintenance.