Members of the Texas County Commission handled personnel issues and several facility issues during a meeting on Aug. 28.
Sheriff Scott Lindsey said Mike Wheling will move from full-time bailiff to part-time jailer to allow him to attend a sheriff’s academy. He said Isaiah Buse resigned as part-time jailer on Aug. 16. Bennie Cook was hired as a court deputy on Aug. 21. He also discussed internet issues, available overtime grants for traffic enforcement and camera upgrades or changes.
In other matters, commissioners:
•Approved request for quotes for insurance.
•Discussed several accounts payable checks of concern and held discussions with individual offices.
•Reviewed correspondence for its insurance carrier, Trident, regarding a lightning strike at the justice center that affected keypads on doors.
•Discussed the condition of U.S. 63 and concerns about the number of accidents. A recent study showed it to be the deadliest stretch of highway in the state.
•Discussed county telephone vendors and charges and will seek bids.
•Wrote letters of support for the Texas County Food Pantry and the South Central Council of Governments.
•Reviewed an inventory policy and will send letters to elected officials as a reminder.
•Will hire an engineer to study the county justice center’s roof and its ability to handle a new HVAC unit. The cost is $3,000.
•Held discussions related to rural fire protection boundaries.
•Visited with Lee Smith, maintenance supervisor, regarding parking improvements, irrigation for a high tunnel greenhouse, camera improvements, the HVAC rooftop unit and concrete work for a propane tank.
•Held a telephone conversation with its attorney, Ivan Schraeder.
•Reviewed an invoice from Barker Phillips Jackson of Springfield.
•Conducted an inspection of the Texas County museum on Grand Avenue in Houston and found it to be in good condition. A veterans representative accompanied them on the tour.
•Discussed assessment information submitted by PepsiCo. More research and information will be sought from state agencies.
•Heard from Collector-Treasurer Tammy Cantrell about payment of mileage for an employee.