Freestone County Commissioners had a low key meeting this week as they covered mostly basic housekeeping issues.
In addition to paying bills in the amount of $72,292.00 and approving budget amendments, Commissioners also signed a resolution for the Indigent Defense Grant Program.
This program gives partial reimbursement for court appointed attorneys used in trials held in Freestone County Court, so long as funds are used appropriately. This is the same resolution used each year, but it must be updated on an annual basis.
Another contract renewal made during the meeting was for the Freestone County Tax Office’s web hosting agreement with Pritchard & Abbot, Inc. The contract itself did not change, nor the cost, but a simple renewal was needed.
Next, Commissioners voted to extend early voting hours at the Fairfield Conference Center on October 28th and 29th. Hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This change stems from the fact that the County entered into contract for a joint election with the City of Streetman and they are required to have two 12-hour long voting days.
Last on their list was to figure out where to get money to cover the cost of outstanding invoices in the Road and Bridge budget for Precinct 3. The current account balance is $2,795. The outstanding invoices total $15,750.
The shortage comes from the fact that the County has not received as much tax revenue as initially anticipated due to Luminant being in bankruptcy.
Commissioners Craig Oakes (Pct 2) and Clyde Ridge (Pct 4) agreed to split the total and offer the money as a loan to Bodie Emmons (Pct 3) to cover these expenses and to keep the line item from going into the negative.
It is expected that now Luminant is out of bankruptcy, the money will be forthcoming in the future.
The next regularly scheduled meeting for Commissioners Court is set for Wednesday, October 26, 2016.
