“I want to thank the Commissioners for approving the refunding of these monies. It’s money for much needed vehicle repairs; and will be a big help so we can continue to provide proper services to the community. We really appreciate it,” says Freestone County Sheriff Jeremy Shipley.
This statement is in regard to monies totaling just over $8,000 being taken from the Sheriff’s 2017 budget to pay for bills that should have come out of the 2015 and 2016 budgets.
According to Shipley, the invoices for these bills were given to the previous administration, but were never submitted to the County for payment until Shipley took office.
Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of returning $8,000 to the Sheriff’s budget so it can be used for vehicle repair on the Sheriff’s fleet.
Chief Deputy Devin Mowrey was able to acquire 1,500 rounds of ammo, a $750 value, for the Sheriff’s department to be used in the yearly shooting qualifications/fire arm proficiency for the County’s deputies.
Commissioners voted to approve acceptance of this donation.
Also at this meeting, Sheriff Shipley presented a request to enter into an interlocal agreement with Falls County to house extra inmates as a backup plan only.
“About three weeks ago, Limestone County’s facility only had two beds left,” explains Sheriff Shipley. “It got me to thinking, we need a backup plan. What if we were full here and had inmates we needed housed and Limestone County was full. What would we do? So I ask ya’ll to consider entering this agreement as a backup plan only. The contract is almost identical to the one we have with Limestone County.”
Following a small discussion, Commissioners voted unanimously to approve this contract.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Mike Daniels submitted a request for approval to sell a ZD326S Zero Turn Lawnmower, an Alamo Industrial Boom Ax Tractor, a 5083E John Deere Tractor, and a 2615 Legend Shredder.
“These items are not being used and are just sitting there,” explains Commissioner Daniels. “I’d like for us to find out what the fair market value on them are and see about selling them or putting out for bids.”
Precinct 2 Commissioner Craig Oakes states that he may be interested in purchasing the equipment for his crew, depending on what the selling price will be.
Clyde Ridge, Commissioner for Precinct 4 made the motion to approve this process. Commissioner Andy Bonner, Precinct 1, seconded the motion; and all approved.
Reports accepted at this meeting include Senior Services, County Clerk, Personnel Status, and a quarterly report on Vacation/Sick/Comp/Holiday time used by County employees.
Other items approved by the court are minutes from the April 5, 2017 meeting, budget transfers and amendments, and payment of bills. The burn ban remains off for the time being.
No special road use agreements, contracts, permits, etc were presented, nor were any bonds or education certificates presented for approval at this meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of Commissioners Court is set for Wednesday, May 3, 2017 beginning at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
