The Commissioners Court got some great news Tuesday. Jennifer Haney with the Orange County Social Services Department applied for a Center for Disease Control grant. She shared the good news the county has been approved for the $1 million grant to expand the county’s health work force.
Commissioners also reviewed the candidates for the position of County Engineer during its meeting Tuesday. Action will be taken in the near future in naming the next head of the county’s Road and Bridge Department.
Human Resources Director Lori Ardoin said there were seven applicants before a closed-door session of the Commissioners Court. After the 15-minute discussion behind closed doors the Commissioners took no action.
County Judge John Gothia confirmed the Court did narrow down the number of applicants from seven, but would not give a specific number of candidates left. Gothia added the Commissioners will have more conversation about applicants for the position during the next week before the new County Engineer is announced.
The Court did approve a renewal of the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) Health Group policy. The monthly fee for county employees will go up by about $40 to $923 per employee.
Orlando Espinoza with TAC said the county employees are doing much better in the county’s wellness plan. The 7.3 percent increase in the health plan was caused by statewide issues not because of poor health issues for the county employees as had been the case two years ago.
Emergency Management Coordinator Joel Ardoin had some good news as far as reimbursement from FEMA for cleanup in Orange County following Hurricane Laura. He said FEMA will finish its review of the county’s paperwork in 30 to 60 days which at least gives a general timeframe of when Orange County might expect some FEMA reimbursement funds.
Maintenance Director Kurt Guidry reported repair work is continuing on buildings at the Orange County Airport. He added that 42 buildings sustained damage during Hurricane Laura, and 19 of those structures have been completed as far as repairs.
The Commissioners approved pending legal review of documents for the elevation program and the buyout program. Judge Gothia said this is a preliminary step to getting these programs started.
The Mosquito Control District was approved the purchase of a new pickup truck. The cost will be $25,642.
The Sheriff’s Office was approved to utilize a PRN/Contract Labor Nurse to fill two temporary, part-time nurse positions during absences in the infirmary at the Orange County Jail. The nurses will be paid $25 an hour.
The Commissioners began the meeting by proclaiming June as Elder Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. Alicia Jinckerson and Rochella Lamb of the Department of Family and Protective Services accepted the proclamation.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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