From the Desk of the County Judge

County Judge Byron Ryder We are in the hottest part of the summer and I know everyone is looking for a cool place to be. Just hang in there and before you know it, it will be football season.

This time of the year is a very hard time for all, at the county because the budget is being formulated for the next fiscal year. In the past seven (7) years the Commissioners Court has not raised taxes and have tried to formulate a budget that would be conservative, but yet move the county in a direction that would satisfy the needed services. We have accomplished this task by being very conservative in our approach. We do not have any loans and the county is free and clear of any payments. We are going to do our best to continue this trend.

The Leon County Civic & Expo Center is in the planning stages, but much has been done to get it progressing. We have acquired an architect to draw the plans, and have an engineer to make recommendations on water, sewer, and drainage systems; a geosciences group to guide us in obtaining and to develop recommendations for the design and construction of the foundation system, support of slabs, pavement and the general earthwork. The county desires to do as much of the dirt work as possible with our crews. We have talked with the cities and economic development corporations, as well as a grant writer to secure as much funding as possible for the establishment and ongoing maintenance of the center. Donations will be greatly appreciated. The Leon County Civic and Expo Center will be a place where the very young and the very old can enjoy various events that will be hosted, hopefully forty eight (48) to fifty two (52) weekends a year.

The newly renovated Adult Probation building and the bathrooms in the District Courthouse will soon be finished and there will be several offices relocating. We are very excited about these newly renovated facilities that will make our county safer for our employees and visitors. In addition to the renovation mentioned, we have also freed up an office to give our Veteran Service Officers a secure location for their files and interviews. This office will be on the second floor of Annex I, 113 West Main, Centerville, Tx., call Mr. and Mrs. Maples for an appointment and they will do all they can to help our Veterans get their much deserved benefits.

After thirty-three (33) years, Leon County is finally recognizing and honoring the people who were instrumental in securing grant money to build the District Courthouse. There will be a plaque placed in the District Courthouse, so all will know who was responsible for this structure.

As you can see, there has been and still are many things going on in our county and we desire to keep our county moving forward in order to be prepared for what the future may bring our way. If you ever need anything or have a question, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 903-536-2331.