Shelby County Commissioners tabled action on Tri-County possibly assuming utilities and liability insurance on the gym at the county owned old elementary school on Nacogdoches Street during its meeting Monday.

 

Instead, the court voted to go ahead and change locks on the gym since there appears to be a large number of people with keys to that building, and then make a decision on use at a future meeting.

 

County Judge Allison Harbison says Sheila Reeves holds the current lease on the gym and it expires the end-of-the month. Therefore, no action was taken on renting the gym to Denetra Slaughter & Celia Aguilar for their fitness classes.

 

In other business, commissioners approved utility reimbursement to JP Pct. 5 Mike Crouch for $790.33 for his current office in Timpson, and continue to pay his utilities there until a manufactured building is placed on City of Timpson owned property adjacent to city hall.

 

The court did agree to purchase that building from General Shelters for $19,878, with a six-week delivery date. The building will be placed rent-free, with utilities paid by the county.

 

Shelby County Commissioners also gave approval to purchase of a Chevy Tahoe for the sheriff's department for a base price of $28,000, and an additional $5,000 to outfit. In explanation to the court, Chief Deputy Shad Sparks says the department is virtually piecing together vehicles with one unit in the shop, facing costly repairs and two other high-mileage vehicles they hope don't break down.

 

Commissioners also tabled a decision on a request by Don & Tina McGuffin to resume county maintenance on a portion of County Road 4670. A family member is attempting to sell a parcel of property along the road, and a title company is reportedly not picking up on it to clear the way for financing, since it’s not recognized as a county road.

 

Approval was also given for construction of a dividing wall in the county treasurer's office for $1,900. Treasurer Ann Blackwell said her job calls for more privacy, and with the way the office is now, that’s not possible.

 

In other business approved:

 

*County Judge Allison Harbison and Center Mayor David Chadwick were approved for appointment to the Deep East Texas Rural Transportation Planning Organization.

 

*Dr. Florencio Singson was appointed as the Local Health Authority for Shelby County.

 

*Recognition was given to Sheriff Willis Blackwell, Jail Administrator William "BB" Cox and employees for the certificate of compliance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.