Five months after voting to cut funding to the Orange County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Commissioners Court Tuesday voted to fund the economic corporation through the remainder of the fiscal year. County Judge Brint Carlton reversed his vote from back in July and made the motion to fund the EDC adding he believes there is a future for a revised Economic Development Corporation in Orange County.
Commissioners Barry Burton and David Dubose expressed strong support for keeping the EDC alive emphasizing the importance it has for economic development in the county. Commissioner John Banken said he would support it through at least the remainder of the fiscal year. Commissioner Jody Crump cast the lone dissenting vote saying he would like to see some restructuring of the Economic Development Corporation implemented before putting more money into it. Crump did explain he too wanted to keep the EDC, but desired to see some changes before committing the county to funding it. Carlton showed his support for the Orange County Economic Development Corporation by speaking in favor of it to both city council meetings in West Orange and Pinehurst on Tuesday.
The Commissioners Court interviewed ten applicants Tuesday morning for the Human Resources Director’s position. During the Court’s Tuesday afternoon meeting Lori Ardoin was unanimously voted to be the new director. Needless to say Ardoin was very happy with the appointment. Ardoin has worked 20 years with the county and is obviously very excited about being appointed to the new position. Ardoin said she looks forward to working with the Commissioners and Judge Carlton to make things better not just for the county employees, but also the citizens in the county. Ardoin has worked in the personnel department of Sheriff’s Office from where she will transfer to her duties as the head of the Human Resources Department in January.
The controversy over the display of nativity scenes moved to the county level Tuesday. Opposing sides spoke to the Commissioners Court during the time for public comment. Speaking first was Dana Hodges the associate director with Concerned Women for America of Texas. Hodges voiced support in favor of keeping the nativity scene at the Orange County House. Hodges mentioned recent comments by the Texas governor and the attorney general supporting the display of religious symbols around public buildings. She asked that the county would keep their nativity scene.
Second to speak was Joshua Hammers with Orange County Atheists. Hammers spoke on the controversy that has arisen over keeping local nativity scenes up on public property. Hammers expressed that it was not the desire of the atheists to have any nativity scenes taken down. He said their only desire was also to have their banner hung as well wishing happy holidays to everybody. The Commissioners Court spoke before the comments on the nativity scene by the citizens. Each Court member wished a Merry Christmas to all of Orange County.
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