Central Air for Courthouse Probable
County Judge Wilburn Bednar on Aug. 9 gave the commissioners’ court an estimate in excess of $27,000 to have central air conditioning and heating installed in the county courthouse. His figures, from a company that would do the mechanical work ($23,000) and one that would handle the electrical work ($4,000), did not include putting the drop ceiling back in place after the system’s installation. Commissioner Hugh Schafer suggested the court wait until that charge could be included, and allow for the work in the next fiscal year’s budget, which will begin Oct. 1. Commissioner Jimmy Strube said he would also like a bid from a company in Greenwood before a decision is made. The county is not legally required to take competitive bids for amounts under $25,000.
County May Reduce Number of Maintainers
The court discussed buying and selling maintainers, because the guaranteed buy-back agreement for the machine in Precinct Four is near expiration. Precinct Four Commissioner Michael Hoch said to keep options open, the court should get bids to determine what the maintainer would bring if sold outright. He said selling the machine might bring more money than exercising the buy-back on it. He indicated that the commissioners are considering a move to only one maintainer for two precincts, rather than one in each precinct.
Commissioners approved Sheriff Royce Pruit’s request for an increase in the fees his office charges for serving various papers. The increases will be effective Jan. 1. The fees range from $50 for subpoenas, summons, etc. to $100 for all writs.
Hollingsworth Hired as Secretary
The court hired Tracy Hollingsworth as the part-time secretary to the two county extension agents, and authorized the agents to investigate cell phone plans to find the one which best meets their need for two phones. The court also approved purchase of coated wire, adjustable shelving for office closets in the community center.
Judge Bednar told the court he had received al letter from Andrew “Guy” Bonnette, requesting $200. According to Bednar, Bonnette, 46, who is serving time in prison, said he needs the money to buy supplies for a leather-working course. No one at the meeting knew why he is in prison. Bednar said Bonnette lived in Glasscock County and attended school here for some time. Commissioners said the county is not allowed to contribute money to individuals, but were willing to see if the local Lion’s Club and/or churches might be willing to provide some assistance. Hoch asked for a copy of Bonnette’s letter to use in that regard.
In other action, the court: voted to leave the county’s vehicle registration fees unchanged, with no added optional fees; agreed to contribute $200 to the Howard-Glasscock Old Settlers Reunion; approved an audit contract with the same San Angelo accounting firm; decided to continue membership in the Texas Civil Justice League at a cost of $200 per year, and in a 30-minute closed session, discussed problems with some county personnel not observing working hours.
The court will meet Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. to begin work on its 2004-2005 budget.