New audio/visual system on the way for district courtroom

Freestone County Commissioners took another step toward purchasing a new audio/visual system for the district courtroom so they can finally solve the problem of people not being able to hear the proceedings.

The court took this step at their Wednesday, May 1, meeting, when they also heard a report on the sale of foreclosed properties; went through training in dealing with problem employees; and made other decisions regarding the county’s finances and well-being.

As for the audio/visual system, the court accepted a bid of $57,714 from JAVS for a new system.

Another company, Data Projection, bid $124,602 on the project.

Several court employees said they had already used JAVS and were satisfied with the company, so the court accepted the bid from JAVS.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE SB22 FUNDS

In other matters, the court members had an extended conversation on how to allocate the $350,000 SB22 funds for the Sheriff’s Office.

The funds are intended to increase the salaries of the sheriff, deputies and jailers, and possibly buy some patrol cars.

Ultimately, County Judge Linda Grant said she would make a spreadsheet of all the Sheriff’s employees to see how the SB22 funds will be distributed and whether there would be enough funds to possibly buy one or two patrol cars.

FORECLOSED PROPERTY SALE FUNDS

In other business, Robert Myers, of the Mc-Cleary Law firm, gave a presentation on the status of the sale of several foreclosed properties.

HUMAN RESOURCE TRAINING

Also at the meeting, a member of Texas Association of Counties gave a presentation on how to deal with problem employees, such as those with a negative attitude or poor work habits.

OTHER COURT DECISIONS

In other business, the court:

• Accepted $16,878 from Oncor Electric as reimbursement for road repairs in Precinct 3. Also $11,500 from Atmos Energy.

• Took no action to initiate a burn ban.

• Tabled two items the commissioners had planned to discuss: one on cyber security and another on E-Force

PUBLIC COMMENTS

During the public comments portion of the meeting, retired civil engineer Charles Morgan spoke to the court about an oil-and gas facility that was previously shut down that is being proposed to be re-opened.

Morgan said the low-frequency noise produced by these facilities causes health issues and therefore would not be good to re-open.