Discussed for the second time by Freestone County Commissioners at their July 16 meeting was a Cost of Living Raise for Retirees.

Currently there are 137 past employees receiving retirement benefits from the County, being paid at approximately 12%. To provide a 1% increase would cost more than $600,000 if paid in one lump sum. However, Commissioners are considering paying it over a 15-year period, which would cost the County about $20,000 per year for that time period.

They also discussed the possibility of paying a large sum up front and then lessening the yearly amount paid. Ultimately, no decision was made.

“We will continue to discuss our options and will have our decision before the December 1st deadline,” said Judge Linda Grant.

Also at this meeting, Commissioners approved:

–Minutes from July 2 Reg Mtg and July 8 Special Mtg

–Budget Transfers & Amendments

–Bill Pay

–Payroll

–Reports from Tax Office, District Clerk’s Office

–Special Road Use Agreements

–Bonds & Education Certificates of County Officials & Employees

–Renewal of LexisNexis legal research contract for Freestone County Attorney’s Office

–Background Checks for Election Workers to look for felonies and certain types of offences to determine if they would be a good candidate to work an election.

–Wilderness Phase 1 Final Plat of Lot 84-A 1.748 acres, Abstract No. 603

–Interlocal Agreement between Freestone County and Regional Public Defender Office Local Corporation in the amount of $14,299. This office is utilized by the County/District Attorney’s Office.

–Select Salary Grievance Committee to consist of 6 officials and 3 members of the public. Twelve previous Grand Jury members were randomly selected, and letters will be sent to ask them to volunteer for the position.

–TexSTAR investment policy which is a high-yield savings account, only offered to governmental entities where 100% of assets are liquid and easily moved around as needed.

–Money counting machine purchase for the Tax Office with a yearly contract of $315.

–Appointment of Steve Black for the Scope of Work Database Maintenance for E911 (911 addresses)

No Action was taken on the following agenda items:

–Burn Ban

–Paid Time Off (PTO)

–Air Med Care

Training Reimbursement was tabled to a future meeting.

Following the regular agenda items, Commissioners convened into a Budget Workshop. Once the budget is approved, probably sometime in September, it will be public record and available upon request.

Freestone County Commissioners regularly meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the 2nd Floor .