<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3PdjRy_1FPlOUbR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PdjRy_1FPlOUbR00" width="1200" height="800" ></figure>The Orange County Road and Bridge Department got an additional $40,000 to pay for fuel for the next eight days, making commissioners suggest looking at a four-day work week for the road crews.Commissioners Court met Tuesday with Precinct 1 Commissioner Johnny Trahan presiding in the absence of County Judge John Gothia. Precinct 3 Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte was also absent.Most of the county business conducted involved finishing up costs in the 2025-26 budget year, which ends September 30. Last week, commissioners court finished completing the 2026-27 budget, which will kick in on October 1.Road Superintendent Tracy Leach asked to transfer $40,000 in the current budget from the repairs and rentals category to fuel, oil and gas. Precinct 2 Commissioner Chris Sowell commented that the county will need to look at a way to save some of the fuel costs as diesel, which is used in the road and bridge construction and maintenance equipment, is now more than $6 a gallon. He said the store he buys gas from in Mauriceville went up 20 cents a gallon on diesel in one day.The three commissioners, Sowell, Trahan, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Robert Viator briefly mentioned putting county road and bridge crews working four days, 10-hour-a day, weeks instead of fives days for eight hours.The Orange County Drainage District, a separate government entity with its own tax base and elected board of directors, went to a four-day work week several years ago. One of the reasons was because moving heavy equipment from a job during the non-working hours cost money and time. Crews are now able to work longer after the equipment is at a work site.Commissioner Trahan said he is open to road employees going to a four-day work week, but the crews would need to be staggered so one group is working five days a week. The discussion was brief and work schedules will need to be studied before any decisions are made. The county is also dealing with increases in costs of road materials like asphalt that use petroleum-based products. If gas and diesel prices continue to rise, the county will face the increased costs not only from road crews, but especially in the sheriff's office with patrolling deputies and the transferring of inmates to prisons and other places.The court awarded a contract to VP Marine Services for the boardwalk site preparation at Blue Bird Park along Little Cypress Bayou in Orange. The county has been updating and adding new features to the park off Simmons Drive. The boardwalk will be a new addition.At a previous meeting, Commissioner Trahan, who oversees the park because it is in his Precinct 1 area, mentioned the county is looking at buying the old Blue Bird bait shop building, that was turned into a popular hamburger and fish restaurant on the bayou.The owners of the restaurant are now deceased and the heirs are dealing with the property, Trahan said. The building itself is the only part not on county-owned land. The county owns the parking lot.Blue Bird has long had a small boat launch area with a straight shot from a canal to the Sabine River. The park now has a new playground and pavilion.Commissioners Tuesday also approved spending $37,900 from the Airport Fund to Preferred Facilities Group-USA for structural beam repairs at the Brown Hangar of the Orange County Airport.The court agreed to some new fees from the sheriff's office. Chief Deputy Richard Howard asked to raise the fees for loose livestock to $50, and $100 if a cowboy has to be called out to catch the loose livestock. The civil process fees will stay the same.Commissioners approved the sheriff's office spending $77,500 for a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe from Lake Country Chevrolet in Silsbee and Jasper through the TIPS USA contact. The sheriff's office has a state Rural Law Enforcement grant to pay for the vehicle.The county will also spend nearly $24,000 for a new backup battery for dispatching equipment at the sheriff's office. Chief Deputy Howard said the company that made the current dispatching equipment is out of business and not making replacement batteries. He said the 9-1-1 system has a generator, but a backup battery is needed for the equipment dispatchers use to communicate with deputies.</div></body>

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The Orange County Road and Bridge Department got an additional $40,000 to pay for fuel for the next eight days, making commissioners suggest looking at a four-day work week for the road crews. Commissioners Court met Tuesday with Precinct 1 Commissioner Johnny Trahan presiding in the absence of County Judge...

Diesel prices may alter county road work

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The Orange County Road and Bridge Department got an additional $40,000 to pay for fuel for the next eight days, making commissioners suggest looking at a f

Diesel prices may alter county road work

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