ORANGE —
Orange County Commissioners Court recognized local school board members as strong advocates for public education and for being responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public’s expectations to the district.
The court proclaimed January 2013 as School Board Appreciation Month during the 2 p.m. Monday meeting.
Commissioner pct. 4, Jody Crump thanked the superintendents for the public forum held December 13, 2012.
“It was very informative,” Crump said.
Dr. Pauline Hargrove of LC-M CISD said they greatly appreciate the support of the court.
Hargrove also said they are the resource to provide information about the upcoming legislative session concerning education funding and how it could affect residents.
The court also approved the transfer of $23,102 from the Contingency Capital Outlay budget for the purchase of the Sheriff’s Department van.
The previous van was totaled by the insurance company after a wreck on May 31, 2012 in Lufkin. The van is used for the transportation of prisoners.
The original amount approved to be moved from the budget was $7,852 and did not include the $15,250 received in the previous fiscal year from the insurance.
Director of Orange Country Association for Retarded Citizens John Thomas was appointed to serve as the non-profit representative on the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. The position was vacated by John Duose.
Jeff Kelley, director of emergency management told the court the Orange County Convention and Expo Center remains on schedule.
“They were purging the natural gas lines this morning,” Kelley said. “I believe we should have gas today [Monday].”
The court received and accepted the budgets for the expenditure of funds obtained pursuant to chapters 18 and 59. The funds were forfeited by persons engaging in criminal conduct and would be used instead of taxpayer funds.
Mosquito Control Director Patrick Beebe asked the court to approve filling the mechanic III positioned vacated by James Burch after 20 years and 10 months of service.
John Banken, commissioner pct. 3 asked who sets the qualifications for the position.
“The person would need to have a strong background in electrical as well as be a mechanic,” Beebe said. “It is learnable but a having a background would be better.”
Beebe said the position also is responsible for grounds maintenance and light carpentry.
“It is more than just turning a wrench,” Beebe said.
Beebe said having a mechanic readily available would expedite repairs.
“Callers are not strong on patience when you tell them the truck broke down last night,” Beebe said.
The court approved refilling the position and a position for a caseworker in the Social Services Department.
Social Services has two people in the office, the director and a caseworker.
“The office cannot operate with just one person,” Jennifer Haney of Social Services said. “The office had to be closed so I could attend the meeting.”
Government
Related Photos
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Orange County Commissioners court proclaimed January 2013 as School Board Appreciation Month. Superintendents James Colbert of West Orange-Cove CISD, Dr. Pauline Hargrove of LC-M CISD, Burton Owens, commissioner pct. 2, County Judge Carl Thibodeaux, Superintendent Mike King of Bridge City ISD, Dr. Stephen Patterson of Orangefield ISD, and Jody Crump, commissioner pct. 4 are pictured. Dr. Jay Killgo of Vidor ISD was unable to attend. Leader photo by Dawn Burleigh
Discussion
Commissioners approve filling vacated positions
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