Court Bonds With Crooks

The Commissioners Court set the bond for newly appointed County Judge Dean Crooks at $1,000 on Tuesday.  The bond was executed before the conclusion of the meeting which officially makes Crooks the new county judge.

The approved bond was the same amount that was done for Brint Carlton when he became county judge over three years ago.  As possibly his first act as the county judge, Crooks read from a prepared statement saying that he is voluntarily waiving any increase in his salary that has been approved since the Fiscal Year 2016-17.  He wants to discuss the salaries of the Commissioners Court as part of the budget talks coming up.  Crooks said he believes his salary should remain $85,500 until at least January 1, 2019.

The Commissioners approved several line item transfers and authorized Constable Precinct 3 Mark Philpott to purchase two radios and have them programmed.  The cost will be $9,920.40.

Executive Director Jessica Hill of the Orange County Economic Development Corporation presented a video she had produced to promote Orange County.  Later in the meeting Hill met in a closed session with the Commissioners Court to discuss a possible business prospect for the county.  No action was taken afterwards.

May was proclaimed Elder Abuse Prevention Awareness month.  Representatives with Adult Protective Services thanked the Commissioners and accepted the proclamation.

This week is also Soil and Water Stewardship Week.  Les Daigle with the Lower Sabine Neches Soil and Water Conservation District received a proclamation from the Court.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-