Yoakum County Commissioners Court Meets April 4

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The Yoakum County Commissioners Court met in regular session on Monday, April 4, where they addressed their weekly agenda.

After reviewing the minutes from October, November, and December of 2015, Denver City Economic Development Corporation Executive Director David Mitchell addressed the court concerning sharing the expense toward the purchase of a Brushshark tree and underbrush shedder.

Mitchell noted the EDC board of directors had set several goals for the year and included in those goals was a beautification plan to keep the roads leading into Denver City cleaned up. He went on to say there are areas, especially on the north side of town, where underbrush and small trees have taken over. The shedder can be attached to the front of a skid steer or tractor.

He was asking the county and the city of Denver City to contribute 25 percent each toward the purchase of the device with the EDC paying the other 50 percent. With the total cost being $5,070, including shipment, the cost for each entity would be just under $1,300. After a motion was made to accept the proposal the Commissioners unanimously approved their share toward the purchase.

Sharla Valentine with the Yoakum County Connection was also in attendance to give her annual report and to also request funds for the 2016 Watermelon Roundup. The 2015 Roundup drew 8,000 to 10,000 visitors that led to an approximate $8,000 profit. Those funds were then distributed to the libraries and to the summer arts show.

After some discussion the Commissioners unanimously approved $5,000 to be used for the 2016 show.

In their next item the Commissioners unanimously approved a petition submitted by Windstream Communications for the right and authority to bore, lay, construct, install, occupy, use, operate, maintain, repair, replace and remove copper cable under County Road 375 and County Road 390, which is located in Precinct 1.

They also approved a motion for the disposal of computer related items from various departments within the courthouse.

There was one line item transfer of $7,500 in the CDA office to cover expenses of a part time employee.

There were no Soil and Conservation request.

Commissioners Woody Lindsey invited the Court to a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Senior Citizen building later that day. And Commissioner Ray Marion told the court two bids had been submitted for the proposed new Community Building. One bid totaled $4,335,752 and a second bid came in at $3,223,435. Since this item was not on the agenda the Court will act on this item at a later meeting. Occidental Petroleum has committed $1 million toward the new facility.

In auditing and settling all accounts against the County the court approved to pay all bills from the General Fund which totaled $254,389.94, Precinct 1 bills totaled $4,027.83, Precinct 2 bills totaled $4,286.32, Precinct 3 bills totaled $3,865.15, Precinct 4 bills totaled $8,554.87, and $454.22 for Yoakum County Landfill for a grand total of $275,578.33.

In medical bills $61,661.68 was paid from the hospital funds, $12,587.39 from West Texas Medical Center, and $1,575.56 from the Plains Clinic for a grand total of $75,824.63 of hospital bills.

In other medically related bills $1,093.04 from Home Health, $12,279.83 was paid from Dialysis and $29,691.39 from Dispro for a grand total of $118,888.89 in medically related bills.

Commissioners Woody Lindsey, Ray Marion, Ty Earl Powell, and Tim Addison along with County Judge Jim Barron were in attendance.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 11 in the county courthouse at 10 am.

 

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