Orange County got some good news Tuesday.  Mark Viator with Jefferson Energy appeared at the Commissioners Court with checks in hand to pay the county.  Viator thanked the Commissioners Court and the county Economic Development Corporation for granting Jefferson Energy tax abatement. Speaking during the time for citizen’s comments, Viator said he had four checks for the county including payment in lieu of taxes and for Jefferson Energy’s yearly taxes.  “When people talk about economic development, tax abatement and tax incentives are very important to the companies.  I want to thank you for … [Read more...] about County Receives Checks

The Orange Zoning Board of Adjustments will now have five citizen members instead of seven. City Council Tuesday approved on final reading changes for the board that hears requests for exceptions on zoning rules. The changes were made at the request of the city staff. City Council appoints citizens to the board. Planning Director Kelvin Knauf, who oversees zoning and adjustments, said the Texas Local Government Code requires 75 percent of a board of adjustments be present to hear a variance request. With a seven-member board, the percentage means six members must attend a variance … [Read more...] about City Names Members, Appointments

The Commissioners Court approved unanimously Tuesday making an emergency expenditure as an amendment to its budget in order to pay over three million dollars in the Montano lawsuit against Orange County. County Judge Brint Carlton said this action will take the county one step closer to putting the whole matter behind it. The actual payment of $3,175,674.79 to Joshua Montano the plaintiff in the case will be done on or before February 15. Robert Montano died while in the Orange County Jail back in 2011. Judge Carlton promised after the release of judgment which will immediately follow the … [Read more...] about County Tries Moving Past Montano Case

The Orange City Council approved a resolution supporting the creation of a hospital district, but the vote was not unanimous. Single-member District 3 Councilor Essie Bellfield opposed the district. Bellfield is retired and worked years in the housekeeping department at the old Orange Memorial Hospital, which later became Baptist Hospital-Orange. Bellfield said no one knows hospitals like she. Baptist closed the hospital in-patient services two years ago and earlier this month closed the emergency room. Orange County and cities across the county are trying to get a special hospital … [Read more...] about Orange Discusses Hospital District