Elected officials work on budget

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County commissioners have met twice in the past two weeks, once on July 8 for a regular session and again on July 15 for a budget workshop in addition to a few items of routine business.

During the July 8 meeting, the resignation of current county extension agent Michaela Bradford was accepted “with regrets.”

Bradford has accepted a teaching position with Albany ISD.

The A&M AgriLife extension service will begin the process of locating a new agent for Shackelford County, with the commissioners making the final selection.

Budget Considerations

Even though final tax valuations are still pending from the Shackelford County Appraisal District, the elected officials have begun working on the 2019-2020 budget.

County judge Robert Skelton listed several items he felt should be considered in the next two budget cycles, including:

•Replacing a couple of the sheriff’s department vehicles,

•Repair of Caldwell Bridge on CR 179;

•Purchasing new election equipment;

•Updating the JP office building with new windows and doors;

•Resurfacing the Courthouse parking lot;

•Ongoing Courthouse maintenance issues;

•Funding mental health mandates for local county jails;

•Possible salary increases for county employees.

During the workshop, a representative of American National Leasing presented the idea of leasing law enforcement vehicles, but no action was taken.

Treasurer Tammy Brown noted that there will be a four percent increase in health care insurance, and the AirMed Assurance program is expected to remain at the same $12,000 annual cost for county coverage.

Other Business

•A county-wide burn ban was enacted, and commissioner Steve Riley was authorized to override the ban for agricultural burns in the possible absence of judge Skelton.

•Judy Patterson was reappointed to fill a full two-year terms on the Betty Hardwick Center board of directors.

•An agreement with the West Central Texas Council of Governments was renewed.