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August 27, 2015 - The Poultry Festival Open Photography Show sponsored by Vieux Carre’ Photography, in conjunction with the 39th East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank, will be held at the office of Dr. Charles R. Collard, O.D. located next to the Rio Theatre on the downtown Center Square, October 1, 2 and 3, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
According to event Chairman and coordinator, Billie Jones, photography entries will be accepted at First United Methodist Church (basement), 211 Porter Street, Saturday, September 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information Mrs. Jones may be reached at 936-591-2426 or 936-598-3311.
Photography Show entry forms and rules may be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office located in the old jail inside the Historic Courthouse Square from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Mon. - Fri. or Farmers State Bank or may be found at www.shelbycountychamber.com. Please have all forms completed before entering.
Photography Show Categories include Fine Art, Scenic, Urban, People, Animals, Digital Manipulation, Flowers and Poultry. The age groups are, Children, 12 & under / Youth, 13-18 / Adults, 19 & over. The rule packets give additional information regarding the categories and classes.
Entry fees are $2.00 per entry. There will be a panel of three judges choosing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention in each category, and Best of Show for adults, youth and children and People’s Choice Award.
Entries may be picked-up on the final day of the Poultry Festival, Saturday, Oct. 3, between 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the exhibit location.
Gold Sponsors for the Festival are City of Center, Drewery Construction and Tyson Foods.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote and advance economic enrichment and development, tourism, and the social and civic interest of Shelby County and adjoining areas. For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.
August 26, 2015 - The boil water notice has been cancelled for customers of the McClelland Water Supply who were without water on August 19, 2015. It is no longer necessary to boil your water for consumption or use in cooking.
August 24, 2015 AUSTIN, Texas - If you are among the thousands of Texans who filed insurance claims for damage related to the May 4 to June 22 storms, you may be eligible for additional state-federal assistance. The key is to register with FEMA before the Aug. 27 deadline. Filing a claim under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is different than registering for a FEMA disaster assistance grant.
FEMA may be able to help you with uninsured or underinsured losses or if your insurance settlement is delayed. Be sure to document your situation and gather insurance company documents that can be included when you talk with FEMA after registering.
Have you received the maximum settlement from your insurance and still have unmet disaster- related needs? You may be eligible for a grant.
For example, if you have exhausted the maximum settlement from your insurance for Additional Living Expenses (ALE for loss of use) and still need help from FEMA with temporary housing, you should document your need and assemble paperwork that shows use of ALE from insurance.
While FEMA cannot duplicate benefits covered by your insurance or other sources, you may also be eligible for emergency home repairs, disaster-related medical, dental and funeral costs and other disaster-related expenses.
Has a decision on your insurance settlement been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed your claim? Be sure to let FEMA know and have ready any documents from your insurance company to show that you filed a claim. If the claim was filed over the telephone, include the claim number, date applied, and an estimate of how long it will take for you to receive your settlement. Any help from FEMA would be considered an advance and would have to be repaid to FEMA when your insurance settlement is received.
You can apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.
Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
Applying for an SBA low-interest disaster loan is part of federal disaster assistance. Many people who apply to FEMA are automatically referred for a low-interest disaster assistance loan. Survivors should complete SBA loan applications so they can be considered for all available disaster assistance.
For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem
August 24, 2015 - The Shelby County Commissioners approved a savings of $160,000 through a new office system contract approved during their meeting held on Monday, August 24, 2015, as well as a new vehicle for the Precinct 2 Constable office.
Judge Harbison contacted Innovative Office Systems, the company which provides printer and copier equipment for the county about the current contract and renegotiated with the company. According to Judge Harbison the county uses 50 pieces of equipment provided by the company.
"I think it's a really good contract. We had two years and three months, we had 27 months left on our current contract. If we were not to renegotiate the contract, over that amount of time we would be paying $270,297," said Judge Harbison.
With the newly negotiated cost of $101,250 the county would see a savings of $160,000 over the 27 months. The new contract is for three years and the new annual cost is comparable to what the county used to pay, according to Clint Porterfield, County Auditor. With the new contract the county will be saving an additional $45,000 a year.
A motion was carried and the new contract was approved.
Jamie Hagler, Precinct 2 Constable, approached Judge Harbison recently about the 2007 Dodge pickup truck he uses to patrol as it was in need of substantial repair. Judge Harbison requested Constable Hagler procure estimates on repairs and quotes on new vehicles.
San Augustine Motor Company quoted $20,495.92 for a 2015 vehicle and an allowance of $7,500 with a trade-in of the current truck. Center Motor Company quoted $24,875.10 for a 2014 model vehicle.
"When did the county start buying constable vehicles?," asked Travis Rodgers, Commissioner Precinct 3.
Judge Harbison stated during 2007 there were ample forfeiture funds allowing the Precinct 4 Constable's office to purchase all of the constable vehicles, "I would hate to see us go backwards. I would hate to see us go back to previous before 2007 where they have to drive their own vehicles and they have to keep up with their mileage."
Clint Porterfield informed the commissioners the county is $150,000 exceeding budget in revenue and under budget by approximately $500,000 this year.
Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, stated a constable can't be expected to provide the same service when they're making $35,000 a year and have to provide their own vehicle. Sheriff Willis Blackwell stated Constable Hagler is active in his job and responds to a lot of calls in Precinct 2.
A motion was carried to approve the purchase of the lower priced vehicle with funds being paid from the Contingency fund.
The commissioners once again discussed the acquisition of new software for the Sheriff's Department. Judge Harbison expressed concern over Spillman Technologies, Inc. possibly not being the most economical software available and would like to see a proposal from Tyler Technologies. She stated Center City Manager Chad Nehring and Assistant City Manager Jim Gibson have expressed interest in partnering with the county in whatever software is chosen.
Shelby County Republican Party Election Judges: 1N - Mrs. Lenora Walton 1W - Mrs. Laura Simmons 1S - Mrs. Rose Specter 1SW - Mr. Scott Samford 1SE - Ms. Connie Spann 2 - Mr. L.D. Eddins 3 - Ms. Sherryl McGown 4 - Mrs. Etola Jones 5 - Dr. Debrah Worsham 6 - Mrs. Shirley Brittain 7 - Mrs. Marie Miller 8 - Mr. Ronald Barker 9N - Mrs. Sandra Brownlow 9S - Mr. Shannon Ramsey Early Ballot Board Judge - Lenora Walton |
A motion was carried to table the purchase of Spillman Technologies, Inc. software until Tyler Technologies can make a presentation.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:07am. The commissioners took a break for a few minutes and then returned for a scheduled budget hearing to discuss the Proposed Budget for 2015-2016.
Judge Harbison opened by addressing the proposed effective tax rate of .6078, which she said is a 7/10 of a cent increase per $100; 7 cents per $1,000; 70 cents per $10,000; and 7 dollars per $100,000. Meaning, if a property owners property evaluation is $200,000 then their tax will increase $14 for the county.
"Your homestead exemption for your school tax is going to go up $10,000. So, I don't look for anybody's tax bill to go up because of the county tax," said Judge Harbison.
Porterfield reported on the effective tax rate "The effective tax rate is only used to bring us to the same revenue that we would have collected last year, so we're not proposing a tax increase to have surplus revenue above and beyond what we did last year. We're proposing the effective rate to bring in the same amount of money."
$101,000 is the amount collected through the tax, according to Porterfield and this is split between the General fund and Road and Bridge. This breaks down $12,500 per precinct which is $6,000 less than last year.
Judge Harbison remarked Margie Anderson, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, runs her office out of her home for years. It has been proposed in the budget for Anderson to receive $200 as compensation for the use of her home.
Toward the end of the hearing Judge Harbison commended elected officials for staying within their budgets, "Our cash balance is going to be healthy, I believe it's going to be around $3.7million that we're going to have in the bank, October 1 cash."
Agenda items receiving approval include:
Pay monthly expenses.
County Auditor to conduct audit of District Attorney Forfeiture/Seizure funds per Code of Criminal Procedure 59.06 (g).
Renew renegotiated contract with Innovative Office Systems for copiers and printers at a saving to the county of $45,000 a year.
Purchase of lower priced vehicle proposed for Precinct 2 Constable office with funds being paid from the Contingency fund.
Resolution Designating “Regional Fall Prevention Awareness Day.”
Appoint Election Judges for County Election Precincts for a two year term.
Adjournment.
Tabled agenda items:
Contract from Spillman Technologies, Inc. to purchase a software system for the Sheriff’s Department.
August 24, 2015 - In drizzling rain a two-vehicle crash on San Augustine Street resulted in minor injuries Saturday afternoon, at 3:30pm near the intersection of Southview Circle.
According to the Center Police Department, a GMC Sierra pickup driven by Charles Burrows, age 57 of Center was traveling west on San Augustine Street and failed to yield right of way striking a Ford Escape driven by David Eubank, age 55 of Center, with passenger Cindy Eubank. The Ford was turning east onto San Augustine Street turning from Hurst Street just before the accident occurred.
Burrows, the driver of the GMC, attempted to apply his brakes when they locked up and the vehicle began to slide. Eubank was unable to avoid the collision and the front of the GMC hit the drivers side front quarter panel of the Escape causing extensive damage to both vehicles.
The crash was investigated by Center PD Officer John Welch. No citations were issued.
August 22, 2015 - Arcadia Road was the scene of a single-vehicle crash just outside of Center on Saturday afternoon, August 22, 2015.
Emergency personnel was dispatched at 1:10pm when it was reported a vehicle was located in the ditch alongside of the road. The Center Fire Department, Center Police Department and ACE EMS all responded to the crash at the intersection of Ellington Street.
Trayvon Osby, 21, of Tenaha was traveling east in a blue Hyundai Santa Fe on Arcadia Road (FM 138) when he failed to control speed. The Hyundai left the roadway to the right and traveled over a culvert as it crossed Ellington Street before it rolled onto its right side and came to rest in a ditch.
Osby was transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for possible injuries. No citations have been given at this time. The crash was investigated by Center Police Officer John Welch, assisted by Sgt. Duane Gordon.
August 21, 2015 - Sheriff Willis Blackwell would like to announce that the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will have two vehicles for auction. The two vehicles are a 2008 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor and a 2003 Chevy Tahoe with third row seating. Bids will be taken online through Public Surplus.
Go to www.publicsurplus.com then browse auctions within area click Texas then to select agency, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. There are photos of the vehicles that you can look at or feel free to come by the Sheriff’s Office and you can look at the vehicles in person.
If you have any questions call 936-598-5600 ask for the Sheriff or Chief Deputy Shad Sparks for more information.
August 21, 2015 - Notice is hereby given that a Budget Hearing of the Governing body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on Monday the 24th day of August, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:
1. Hearing to discuss Proposed Budget for 2015-2016.
2. Adjourn.
August 19, 2015 - The Timpson City Council voted to approve the reduction in force to a four-man police force at their meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2015 by way of an unexpected vote from councilman George Grace.
Following an in-depth meeting filled with input from citizens, and business owners for and against the reduction in force of the police department, with the majority against the reduction, Councilman Grace threw the RIF (Reduction in Force) train off its tracks by voting for the four-man department.
A five-man police force was no longer being considered as, according to Mayor Debra Pate Smith, the city could not afford to cover a fifth officer; however, it could afford a four-man police force with the proposed budget reflecting a positive balance for the city.
The initial four-man motion made by Councilman Kyle Allen and seconded by Councilwoman Yvonne Ramsey failed. Council members Ronnie Wolfe, Janell Baker and Grace have all expressed their preference in the past to reduce the police force to a three-man department. Two three-man budgets were presented to the council for approval at the Tuesday meeting and Janell Baker made a motion to approve a three-man department which removed Chief Kent Graham from scheduling the officers and putting the responsibility on the shoulders of the council; however, her motion received no second and it failed as well.
Grace put forth a motion to keep a four-man department and allow the council to interview whomever would be hired on the police department. The totality of Grace's motion could not be put into effect and he amended his motion to have a four-man police department and stated it may take a different motion to allow the council the right to interview anyone that would be hired and to amend the handbook.
Seeing as the handbook was a separate issue from the number of officers in the department, the motion for a four-man department was considered and approved with council members Grace, Ramsey and Allen voting in favor of the reduction to a four-man department. The question remains as to why neither Councilman Wolfe, nor Councilman Grace provided a second to Baker's motion when a three-man department has been the apparent desire of council members Grace, Baker and Wolfe.
Another issue for the council in relation to the police department has been a police department account, which was approved at the last council meeting which had a quorum. The Tuesday agenda included a resolution of authority and contact information for the Austin Bank Police Account, adding Mayor Debra Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Wolfe, City Secretary Leslie Leathers and Municipal Court Clerk Paula Mullins. *****To open the account an opening balance would be necessary and required to be included with the motion was a directive on where the funds should come from.
Councilman Wolfe suggested using funds from the police department forfeiture fund account to open the account. Mayor Smith asked Chief Graham to explain the impossibility of transferring forfeiture funds or donated funds to a separate police account.
"Forfeiture funds have to be used to buy police equipment and things of that nature," said Chief Graham. "They cannot be co-mingled."
Mayor Smith stated the city received a letter to that effect from the District Attorney. Councilman Wolfe suggested putting municipal court funds into the account and made a motion to approve resolution 08-10-2015-01 and open the account with funds generated by the court starting immediately or this month. He also added the money should be put into the account as it is paid and any other monies generated by the police department.
Councilman Allen asked Councilman Wolfe for what the money is going to be used to pay. Wolfe stated they would be used to pay for the expenses of the police department and he confirmed with Mayor Smith the money would be transferred out of that account and into the general fund as needed. Councilwoman Ramsey asked if that would not create even more work for Secretary Leathers and Wolfe concurred it probably will create more work.
"Is it legal to earmark that money not into the general fund? Before we do this shouldn't we possibly ask someone?" said Councilman Allen.
"Alright with me. I don't think it is, but you're welcome to ask Mr. Bovey (City Attorney) about it," said Wolfe.
Councilman Allen continued to express concern over tracking the police department gains so closely as it would appear the council is trying to monitor how many tickets are produced by the department, "It almost seems like we're keeping tabs on how much they're working and what they're actually producing instead of being part of one big account, part of a general fund, it seems like we're segregating them off and actually causing it to look like we are keeping tabs on their production and using that as our measurement of their worthiness and not actually the service they provide to the city."
One reason Councilman Allen stated the council should not set up an account for the police department, which would mirror that of the electric department and water department, is because they are companies designed to support themselves and the police department is a service to function out of the general fund. Councilman Allen stated taking that action with the account would get the council in trouble.
"That's the reason we have lawyers," said Councilman Wolfe. "Yeah," agreed Councilwoman Baker.
A motion was made by Councilman Grace to put the resolution on hold until Mayor Smith could check with legal counsel regarding the issue. Councilwoman Baker seconded the motion and it carried.
Police Department report for July
28 agency assists, 10 motorist assists, 2 escorts, 7 extra patrol requests, 4 calls for lose livestock, 4 calls for animal complaints, served 2 warrants, 5 theft cases, 1 criminal mischief, 1 criminal trespass, 7 disturbance, 4 suspicious person, 1 suspicious vehicle, 2 reckless drivers, 17 investigations, 3 burglary of a building, 3 burglary of a habitation, 2 assault, 5 assault family violence, 2 sexual assault of a child, 1 possession of marijuana, 1 possession of a controlled substance, 1 evading arrest, 1 public intoxication, 6 welfare checks, 7 engaging in organized criminal activity.
Total calls for service - 127
Total Arrests - 21
Public Works report for July
58 total work orders received with 54 of them being resolved. Repaired a leak on Timpson Street which has been leaking for a long time. Replaced 180' of water line. Repaired Timpson Street and Railroad Avenue with white rock. Resurfaced Driver Lane and North 4th Street with white rock.
Municipal Court report for July
177 citations issued, 212 violations, 0 to juveniles and 15 to minors. Total amount reported $40,734.55 the City’s portion a 55% estimate of $22,404.00.
Approved items on the agenda:
Consent agenda:
A. Minutes of the regular meeting held on July 21, 2015
B. Minutes of the special meeting held on July 30, 2015
C. Financial Statement for the month of July, 2015
D. Accounts Payable – Unpaid bills for July, 2015
E. Gareth Yoder and the Mennonite Community to use the Gazebo area for their Annual Tent Revival which will take place October 5th-11th.
Contract renewal at Woodlawn Cemetery with Ricky Askins for $1,375.00 a month for mowing and basic cemetery maintenance.
Reduction in Force of the police department to a four-man department.
Proposed budget for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year: General revenue, subtotal of revenue $284,550; transfers required from electric fund $34,779.90; Cemetery fund $14,000. Total of expenditures $333,329.90.
Tax Rate for 2015-2016 of .313 per $100, a $2,119 increase in revenue and increase in effective rate proposed by Shelby County.
Tabled items on the agenda:
Runnels Property Survey.
Employee Handbook(s) based in the issues being decided at this meeting: Employee benefits, “Call-Out” Pay, Garaging of department vehicles, over-time pay, department scheduling, etc.
Resolution of Authority and contact info for Austin Bank Police Account #2800018349, adding Mayor Debra Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Wolfe, City Secretary Leslie Leathers and Paula Mullins, Municipal Court Clerk.
August 19, 2015 - Due to a break in the main line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system, McClelland Water Supply Corporation, PWS ID# 2100011 to notify customers east of the Oakland Church on FM 139, of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Vince DiVerdi at 936-598-8478 or Renita Hudman at 936-598-9781.
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