County to look at insurance once again
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

The Jasper County Commissioners' Court will meet in special session tomorrow, May 24, at 2:30 p.m. to take action on several new items and some that were tabled from the May 14 session.

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said he will ask the court to appoint a medical insurance committee to evaluate proposals for group medical coverage. The committee will likely consist of elected county employees.

"If we start early, elected officials like Rene Kelley or Dru Miller can fully research the pros and cons and compare all of the options," Allen said. "It's the time of year for our annual reassessment. Our employee base is constantly changing so we need to review what offer is most cost effective and beneficial to both our taxpayers and employees."

The court will also consider accepting grants of easement and right of way from Temple Inland for roads leading to the new fish hatchery under construction near Lake Sam Rayburn.

The court will hear from Robert Hoehn, representing Paul Davis Restoration, about additional work to be performed on Jasper County property.

"Hoehn has worked with our insurance company to get another $133,000 to help with Hurricane Rita repairs, and I hope this means we can do additional projects like the clock tower," Allen said. "It would be nice to get those bells ringing again."

Dr. John Sessions is on the agenda with a request to make repairs and improvements to Hangar #7 at the Jasper County Bell Field Airport.

Allen said that in June the court will also consider other improvements, including using grant money to build hangars that the county could offer for rent.

"I think the county can make a little money there (at the airport)," Allen said. He also said the county would once again seek bids for broadband internet for the airport.

Tomorrow the court will also consider the estimate by Robert Fenner of Pax Sun regarding repairs to the main courthouse air conditioner timer system, and will hear from grant writer David Waxman's office regarding additional grant money.

The court last week adopted a resolution approving plans by the Partners Resource Network to build Partners Ranch on 26 acres in Jasper County near Evadale.

The resolution does not promise financial aid nor in-kind assistance from Jasper County, but will allow the non-profit agency to seek grant money for the project.

PRN plans to build a lodge, cabins and facilities for children and adults with disabilities.

"Our services are provided at no cost to parents of infants, toddlers, children and youth with all types of disabilities who live in the State of Texas," according to a PRN brochure. "The target date for opening of the camp is late 2008."