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Shelby County Commissioners hear citizen complaint on drug problems, learn about grant available to qualifying landowners for septic system construction

Only one action item at the Shelby County Commissioners' Court meeting Monday and that was to approve purchase of an integrated Case Management computer system to be used by the county attorney, clerk and judge, and eventually county sheriff for criminal, probate and civil court. The initial costs of $50,000 will be paid for from the County Clerk's Records Management & Archives Budget.

 

Gary Miller, a Rogers' Harbor resident on Toledo Bend addressed commissioners on the problem of drug dealers and users in his neighborhood, as well as the Shelby Beach area. Miller said things have got to change. He added, "We've all (members of the Rogers' Harbor Neighborhood Association, sheriff's office and commissioners' court) got to get on the same page and work together to get these criminals off the street." He referenced a number of personal thefts experienced.

 

County Judge Allison Harbison, responded by saying she understood the concern and problem, and agreed with Miller that bringing all parties together to discuss and eventually come up with a plan was the right approach. Miller, stated, "We can't let the drug dealers run the county for us."

 

Angelina-Neches River Authority General Manager Kelly Holcomb presented a septic grant program his agency is implementing through the federal government where qualifying landowners in Shelby County Precincts 1 & 4--which adjoin the Attoyac River Watershed, can qualify for monies to construct septic systems. He said the Attoyac River was one of Texas' waterways where shotty or lack of septic systems have led to a high number of bacteria infections in the past and the money was available to low-income residents.

 

Anyone wishing to apply will need to go by the county judge's office before May 29. The program is for Shelby, San Augustine, Nacogdoches and Rusk County residents, and you'll need to go by your respected county judge's office for application.

 

Finally, Judge Harbison advised Don & Tina McGuffin, who have been trying to have the county recognize portion of County Road 4670 so they can sell their property, that the commissioners' court was not the venue for the issue. The McGuffins and other property owners have not been asking for maintenance on the road, just recognition for 9-1-1 addressing.

 

Judge Harbison said, "There's nothing we can do if you don't want it to be a county road." They were advised to have it designated a private road and have the owner give them access.

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