Extension Office to Get Campus, Parking Lot Lighting

January 23, 2018 - The Shelby County Extension Office parking lot will get lighting now that the Shelby County Commissioners approved its installation during their meeting held Monday, January 22, 2018. 

Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison informed the commissioners, with all of the use the new County Extension office location is getting, a lot of events occur at night and there isn't sufficient lighting. This puts students traveling in the dark between buildings, especially during the winter time of year, and that could prove dangerous.

"When we took down half of that sidewalk, and the lighting was above it, and it is just a safety hazard. Especially for the kids," said Judge Harbison.

According to Judge Harbison, County Extension Agent Lane Dunn procured a bid from Scooter Clark with 4C Electric to add sufficient lighting to the campus at a cost of $4,238.40.

Harbison said she has been assured the plan for the lighting will provide lighting around the gymnasium, Extension office, surrounding buildings, and restrooms.

A motion carried to approve installation of the lighting with the funds to be taken out of the courthouse repair fund.

Changing the current meeting schedule for Commissioners' Court was up for discussion; however, it was determined the proposed change wasn't going to make enough of a difference at this time.

A motion carried to leave the schedule as is at this time.

The commissioners discussed an interlocal agreement with the City of Center for the purchase, and placement of a communications building that houses radio equipment for emergency services within Shelby County. This includes, but is not limited to, the Center Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department and Center Fire Department radio equipment.

"The city will not pay their portion without an interlocal agreement," said Judge Harbison. "Hopefully they will get this passed at their meeting tonight."

According to Judge Harbison, the county has already paid their percentage of the building and now it is up to the city for their part.

"We have paid that electric bill and we will continue to pay that electric bill. It's just on paper what we have already agreed to do," said Judge Harbison.

According to Harbison, the county has already paid $2,690.04 and the City of Center is left to pay an equal figure.

A motion carried to move forward with the agreement.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50am.

Agenda items approved during the meeting:
1. Pay weekly expenses.
2. Keep the two Regular meeting days for Commissioners’ Court as the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
3. In-Kind Match Commitment with DETCOG and the Deep East Texas Economic Development District for office space within the Courthouse to assist DETCOG and the District in obtaining an EDA Grant to fund a Disaster Recovery Coordinator for the 12-County Region.
4. Interlocal Agreement between Shelby County and the City of Center regarding the purchase, placement, and utilities for a Communication Building to house radio equipment for Emergency Service Agencies located within Shelby County.
5. Record the filing of the Vehicle Inventory Tax Fund Audit for January 2018.
6. Lighting for the County Extension parking lot at a cost of $4,238.40.
7. Record the Racial Profiling Report for the Shelby County District Attorney’s office.
8. Adjourn