July 29, 2020 - Outgoing Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 Margie Anderson was recognized during Commissioners' Court July 29, 2020, for her years service to the community.
Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge, read aloud, "I would like to recognize Judge Margie Anderson for her selfless service to her community and county. She has had many titles during her life but I’ve always called her Miss Margie. When her husband, Billy Anderson began his tenure as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 on January 1, 1987, his right hand man was Miss Margie. They worked side by side for years administrating justice in Precinct 3. When Judge Billy Anderson passed away in August of 2004, the most natural transition for that office was to have Miss Margie continue as the judge. Judge Margie Anderson assumed the office of Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 on September 3, 2004 and has worked tirelessly up until her retirement on Friday, July 31, 2020.
Judge Anderson’s respect for the law and the citizens of Shelby County is an example that we should all strive to follow. The contributions that she made to Shelby County will be hard to match.Her dedication to her job is beyond words. When you mention a Judge in the Joaquin area, people automatically assume you mean Judge Anderson. She has been a most conscientious, fair and impartial judge for the citizens of Precinct #3. She has a heart of gold and a gavel of righteous equality. If you did wrong, you were subject to the law. But if you just messed up, she definitely knew the difference.
She has spent countless hours working out of her home to conduct the duties of JP, calls in the middle of the night to go out and see the unthinkable; as well as years of weekend mornings spent at the City and County jails for arraignments. She never hesitated to step up and take on extra duties when other precincts had no JP or had a JP out for illness or other reasons. And she did a large portion of this when she was well into her 70s and 80s. How many of us would be willing to learn how to use a computer and a complicated reporting program in our golden years? This strong, amazing lady has never shied away from anything!
I think she would be the first to tell you that she could not have been such an effective magistrate without the help of her loving son, Charles Ray. He has certainly been her sidekick for many years. She will be sorely missed around the county offices where Judge Anderson has been a mentor and role model to all. So it is with joyful tears that I say Happy Retirement Miss Margie! Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and your public service. Your integrity, work ethic, and legacy of excellence will forever be remembered and treasured by the citizens of Shelby County."
The commissioners discussed what action the county should take regarding the former Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office. Several suggestions were heard such as tearing the structure down with a trackhoe and hauling the debris away, or burning the structure where it is located.
Charles Barr volunteered to speak with the Center Fire Department about the possibility of burning the structure and Judge Harbison said she would contact the city about their requirements for the removal of the building.
The commissioners tabled the hiring of a security officer for the courthouse pending further consideration.
"Officer [Jim Ed] Matthews is going to be here, the Sheriff said that we could have him as long as we need him," said Judge Harbison.
A motion carried by the commissioners to approve the bond for Melba Rodgers, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3.
"We'll be swearing her in at 11am on Friday to take office the next day," said Judge Harbison.
Judge Harbison said this would follow the Prayer on the Square ay 9:30am on the Center square.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:46am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Bond for Melba Rodgers Justice of the Peace Pct. 3. 3. Resolution and Agreement accepting the grant awarded to the County by the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation pursuant to Chapter 256 of the Texas Transportation Code. 4. Adjourn. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Appoint a Courthouse Security Officer. 2. How to dispose of the old JP building located behind the County Jail.
