Members of the Texas County Commission handled several matters, according to recently released minutes.
Members:
•Reviewed correspondence from attorney Kimberly Lowe about a class action lawsuit that has been joined by Texas County related to the opioid epidemic.
•Received an inventory update from the county coroner that included a new radio.
•Reviewed a Sunshine Law request from Mary Ellen Higashi and the University Extension office budget.
•Received and approved contracts from Burdine, Carroll, Pierce and Roudidoux townships.
•Heard from the Missouri Department of Revenue’s taxation division about a $20,790 private car tax distribution to the county. The money for counties is based on railroad mileage.
•Will distribute $840 to Agape House for 2018 and $1,260 for 2017.
•Met with Cody Dalton of the South Central Council of Governments.
•Heard from Glenn McKinney, Houston emergency management director, who requested a copy of the county emergency management plan.
•Heard from a CenturyLink representative about a new telephone system.
•Heard from Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey concerning issues with an automated telephone system and the need to sell a Chevrolet Tahoe as surplus property. Several personnel matters were discussed: Taylor Lee, a full-time corrections officer, was terminated Feb. 8, Karen Stewart resigned as a part-time cook on Jan. 28 and Clifford Shane Jones resigned as a full-time deputy on Feb. 5. The purchase of a prisoner transport van was discussed for later in the year. The county’s sick leave policy also was discussed.
•Heard from Surveyor Chuck Manier regarding payment for a land survey project.
•Discussed fees for direct deposit with Collector Tammy Cantrell. A county credit card will not be renewed.
•Heard Assessor Debbie James seek reimbursement for picture frames for the elected officials display.
•Wrote a letter of support for Sweetwater Network organized by Rita Foster.
•Heard from Lynn Long concerning the Stubbs Cemetery, Stan Duncan on Samoa Road and George Sholtz on a hospital CID.
•Adjourned into a closed session to meet with Jason MacPherson, interim county prosecutor.