The Commissioners Court approved Tuesday a 6.4 million dollar energy efficiency program for the county that will be paid for by the approximately 7.1 million dollars it will save the county. Way Service of Vidor will perform the improvements. Ken Morris with Way said much of the savings will be in utilities to help pay for the program. Morris added that Way will use 95 percent of the savings to pay for the improvement projects while the county will be keeping five percent of the savings.
County Judge Brint Carlton stated the project will begin shortly, but the savings will be received over a 15-year period. Carlton pointed out the improvements are mainly focused on the Orange County Jail, the Courthouse building including the marble façade over the main entrance, and the Administration Building. He said other county building concerns will also be addressed. The savings are estimated to be $7,115,163 over 15 years and the cost of the improvements will also paid out over 15 years.
Real Engineering was approved by Commissioners to be the third party engineering firm to review the work being done by Way Service. Larry Jones with Way indicated the improvement projects could be completed by the end of October of this year.
Commissioners viewed a five-minute video from the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation Tuesday. Jessica Hill the Vice President for Economic Development with the foundation spoke afterwards about the efforts of the Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) to assist the Orange County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) during the interim before a new executive director for the EDC is hired. Commissioner Barry Burton who also serves on the board of directors for the EDC said they are getting closer to hiring a new executive director. Burton reported that applications for the executive director’s position were received through last Friday evening. Burton reminded that REDI has partnered with Orange County and has been recruited at an additional fee to serve in the place of an executive director until the county can hire someone new.
Commissioners approved Constable Precinct 2 David Cagle adding a 20-foot by 60-foot carport to his office building with the construction to be paid through drug forfeiture funds. Mosquito Control Director Patrick Beebe was given permission to hire a highly qualified mechanic at a pay that would include his 14 years of service with the Jefferson County Mosquito Control Department.
In a closed meeting with Director of Transportation Valli Lott the Commissioners discussed her job duties and no action was taken when they reconvened in open session. The Court received a somewhat unexpected present Tuesday. Mark Viator with Jefferson Entergy gave a check for $125,000 to Commissioners as his company’s yearly payment in lieu of taxes. Viator said Jefferson Entergy greatly appreciated being granted tax abatement by the Commissioners Court.
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