Lightning strike causes LEC damage
Two major issues, both concerning the Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center, were covered during Monday’s meeting of the county commissioners, with elected officials deciding on a change in how jailers and dispatchers are paid and also hearing a report about lightning damage to the LEC.
During the session, longtime county employee Jeannie Balliew was honored for her 21 years of service to the county by judge Bob Skelton.
Lightning Damage
IT consultant Sam Goldsmith and sheriff Ed Miller reported on significant damage to LEC electronics caused by a lightning strike at 1:30 a.m. on May 8.
Because it was a “critical issue” affecting public safety, Goldsmith began working on the problems remotely at 2:50 a.m. and was onsite by 3:40 a.m.
The critical systems such as phones and internet were restored by 7:00 a.m.
A long list of equipment that was affected by the strike was presented, with insurance expected to pay for repairs and replacement.
Goldsmith also recorded electronics that could potentially have issues in the near future because of the storm’s effects.
Repairs to both indoor and outdoor lighting, melted motors in vent fans, the radio systems, and damage caused by roof leaks were ongoing throughout this week, said Miller.
“It’s not all fixed; it’s just functioning so they can conduct business,” said Goldsmith. “There will definitely be a substantial insurance claim, and documenting all this will make the path smoother.”
Salary Changes
Continuing a discussion from the previous meeting, Skelton reported that he had talked with Department of Labor and TAC representatives, as well as county attorney Colton Johnson, to find the best way to better compensate local jailers and dispatchers for overtime hours without violating federal law.
As a result of the information, commissioners voted to change payment from a salary basis to an hourly rate, emphasizing that accurate documentation is key.
Tax Office Report
County tax assessor-collector chief deputy and longtime employee Gayala Askew gave a quarterly report and also announced her upcoming retirement at the end of June.
