Shelby County Today

July 30, 2020 - Crews will begin an overlay project Monday, August 3 in Shelby County on SH 87 and motorists are urged to stay alert for traffic control that will be in place.

The work will begin just south of SL 500 in Center and will continue southbound on SH 87 throughout the week, weather permitting. As work moves along the 1.5 mile work zone, there will be moving equipment and workers throughout the project.

Motorists should expect delays and expect traffic to be shifted from lane to lane as work progresses. Obey all traffic control in place and reduce speed. Stay alert for workers and equipment near the lane of traffic.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

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.

July 29, 2020 - Site lease agreements between EIP Holdings II, LLC and Shelby County for radio communications were approved during Commissioners Court on July 22, 2020. 

The agreement facilitates the use of a tower owned by EIP Holdings II, LLC for the communications of the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Road and Bridge Department, Adult Probation Department and the Volunteer fire departments of the county. 

A motion carried to approve the total payment of $17,700 a year to EIP Holdings II, LLC for this lease. 

The contract requires the county to pay $3,300 each month and should the rent be late, it will require an additional 10%. Each anniversary of the commencement date requires a 3% increase of the rent.

Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison stated the agreement has been in the making for the past six months. She further explained the initial agreement is for two years and after that will renew for five additional two-year terms, making it a potential 12-year agreement. 

Following the 12-year rental period, the contract inidicates holdover rent to the county would be 125% of the rate at that time, which would be around $4,643.75.

Commissioner Tom Bellmyer asked if the amount for the lease is budgeted.

"We've consolidated this lease into one account in non-departmental, so we're not going to be covering it out of splitting it up for each precinct, or the sheriff," said Clint Porterfield, County Auditor. "We're just going to pay it out of one account  and let the General Fund cover the whole cost of that."

The commissioners heard from Debora Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector, on local optional fees collected via Chapter 502 of the Transportation Code. These include fees for Road and Bridge and the Child Safety Fee which through the county serves to benefit organizations such as the Children's Advocacy Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates. 

"We're at the max level on both the Road and Bridge is set at $10 and then the Child Safety fee is set at $1.50," said Debora Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector.

By law, the Road and Bridge fee may not exceed $10 and the fees must go into the county Road and Bridge fund. 

The Child Safety fee may not exceed $1.50, by law, and the revenue must be used for school crossing guard services, while remaining funds must be used for programs to enhance child safety, health, or nutrition, including child abuse intervention and prevention, as well as drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

A motion carried by the commissioners to keep the fees as they are.

The commissioners entered an executive session during which time they interviewed Scotty Burkhalter for the Courthouse Security position. 

Following executive session, no action was taken and Judge Harbison informed the public there is another candidate for the position whom two of the commissioners would be interviewing.

Agenda items approved during the meeting include:

1. Pay weekly expenses.
2. Current payroll.
3. FY2020 Budget line item transfers
4. Site Lease Agreements with EIP Holdings II, LLC for radio communications for Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Road and Bridge Department, Adult Probation Department, and all Volunteer Fire Departments starting at $17,700 per year for the first two years.
5. Optional fees from Chapter 502 of the Transportation Code for the Calendar year 2021.
6. Adjourn.

July 28, 2020 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is seeking the whereabouts of David LaBoy, 35, of Center. LaBoy is described as a 6’00” black male and weighs approximately 170 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. LaBoy has two active felony warrants for Invasive Visual Recording (SJF) and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (SJF).

The SCSO is seeking the assistance of the public with locating LaBoy. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the SCSO (936) 598-5601.

If anyone is found to be hindering the apprehension, harboring or concealing, providing or aiding with any means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warns LaBoy of impending discovery or apprehension, will be arrested and charged in accordance to Penal Code 38.05 Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, a Felony 3 offense.

Leah Chase, Media Relations