Members of the Texas County Commission handled several matters, including personnel and purchasing two vehicles during a meeting on Feb. 21.
Presiding Commissioner Fred Stenger informed commissioners about a South Central Council of Governments meeting he attended at Pomona. The group — which handles a variety of grants and funding programs to better the region — is undergoing its first building renovation in 22 years.
In other matters, members:
—Heard the county will host a regional meeting of south central Missouri commissioners March 9 at the justice center.
—Reviewed and acknowledged the hiring of several individuals in the Texas County Sheriff’s Department: Corie Buckner, full-time jailer, $9.50 per hour, effective Feb. 7; Jubee Berry, full-time dispatcher, $9.50 per hour, effective Jan. 25; Kayla M. Barnett, full-time dispatcher, $9.50 per hour, Jan. 25; and Alyssa Hightower, full-time jailer, $9.50 per hour, effective Jan. 25.
—Studied correspondence about legislation that would raise the age of juveniles for crime purposes from 17 to 18. Commissioners were to contact the director of the 25th Circuit juvenile division to determine the financial impact.
—Heard from Sheriff James Sigman that he had purchase two 2018 Ford Explorers from Romines Motor Co. Inc. of Houston for his department. The commission said this will complete a plan to upgrade vehicles to newer vehicles.
—Learned from Sigman he hired Amanda G. Lopez, full-time jailer, $9.50 per hour, effective Feb. 21; and David Jones, part-time jailer at $9.50 per hour, effective Feb. 26. Two persons left their posts, Kenneth Reynolds, deputy, effective Feb. 26; and Stephanie Cooper, jailer, Feb. 16.