County renews health insurance

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County dispatcher Dee Balliew was recognized near the beginning of a regular meeting of commissioners on Monday, July 22.

Balliew, who has been with the local sheriff’s office for almost 14 years, is retiring at the end of this month. She was presented with plaques by county judge Robert Skelton and sheriff Ed Miller.

A reception for the retiree was held Monday afternoon at the Law Enforcement Center.

Health Insurance

Employee health insurance was renewed for another year on a recommendation by county treasurer Tammy Brown.

Brown reported that there would be a four percent increase in the coverage, which is provided through the Texas Association of Counties.

The renewal rate of about $938 per individual employee, effective Oct. 1, was approved, along a “grandfathered” medical plan with the same benefits as the current year.

JP Office Break-in

Justice of the peace James Breeden reported that the investigation is ongoing into a break-in at his office building the previous week.

Breeden found the front door of the office kicked in on Monday morning, July 15, as well as an inside door that was locked.

There didn’t appear to be anything missing, and there was no substantial damage, although the front office was ransacked.

Other Business

•The commissioners did not take action on the county-wide burn ban, opting to leave it active as conditions get drier.

•Sheriff and constable’s fees were adopted for the upcoming year, with increases in many cate-gories.

•The treasurer’s report for June was approved.

•A budget workshop will be held after the next regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 12.