A mandatory six-week hiring freeze for filling job vacancies at the Courthouse was eliminated Tuesday. The policy had been implemented four years ago during a budget crunch caused by a large number of employees retiring and department heads then hiring new employees immediately.
The Commissioners Court voted 4 to 1 to do away with the policy. Commissioner John Gothia made the motion to eliminate the policy which was approved by Commissioner in February 2014. Gothia said he thinks it adds some unnecessary work on department heads and leaves jobs that serve the public’s need empty. Commissioner Jody Crump cast the lone dissenting vote saying he liked the six-weeks probation on hiring employees when a position becomes vacant.
The Commissioners Court reversed a previous decision on how to pay for new voting machines for the Elections Administration. The Court approved weeks ago paying for the machines in three equal payments over the course of a year. The company has since submitted a financing plan to the county that would require the county to release power of attorney to the company and to follow Nebraska law where the company is based on matters concerning the agreement. Tuesday the Commissioners unanimously voted to pay the full amount of $167,460.66 to the company and work out its own financing later if necessary. The action will save the county money since there will be no interest fees charged presently.
Orange County will continue to charge $10 for citizens to renew their vehicle registrations each year. The $10 dollars is the maximum amount the county is allowed by Texas to charge for the Road and Bridge fee. The Child Safety Fee is not charged by Orange County.
Emergency Management Coordinator Joel Ardoin reminded that the multi-agency Buy-Back Programs were to be discussed at a public meeting Tuesday night at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center. Everyone was encouraged to attend if their homes suffered serious damage during Tropical Storm Harvey.
Budget Workshops continued Tuesday with department heads presenting their needs, concerns, and some requesting capital outlay purchases. Two more workshops are scheduled this week. Wednesday morning at 9:00 the Commissioners Court will discuss health coverage for dependents of county employees. Thursday morning at 9:00 five department heads will present their needs and concerns to Commissioners, and four departments will give their capital outlay requests. Both workshops will be in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Administration Building.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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