County approves request from JSO for new vehicle

The Jasper County Commissioners' Court met in special session Nov. 19 for a relatively short agenda of action items.

Sheriff Ronnie McBride and Chief Deputy Jack Jett requested and were approved for $8,000 to supplement an insurance settlement of $14,000 so that the department can replace a vehicle that was totaled in an accident on U.S. Highway 190.

The court voted to take money from the general fund to complete the replacement of the Precinct 4 equipment barn that burned early in 2007. Insurance paid $85,000 for the 100+ year-old barn. Total cost to replace it is $221,000.

County Auditor Dru Miller said approximately $109,000 is left in Fund 55, a capitol projects budget item begun for the construction of the Buna subcourthouse. Miller explained that the county used to set aside a portion of the ad valorem taxes for this fund, until the Mead Westvaco settlement reduced the tax base.

"We could consider doing that again when we work on the 2009 budget next year," Miller suggested.

The court voted to turn the courthouse Christmas tree fund over to the Jasper Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce to manage.

The $4,000+ fund has no tax-payer dollars in it. It accrues from people who sponsor a tree, and is expensed when lights, decorations or extension cords are purchased. Former Jasper County Treasurer Mary Jane Hancock, who retired last year, began the popular program several years ago, but current treasurer Rene Kelley asked that the court turn administration over to the chamber.

The county approved a resolution of support for Keep Jasper Beautiful. KJB secretary Patty Shaw said the resolution that will enable the organization to apply for a grant to help with recycling efforts.

The court approved Quincy Martindale for the Airport Advisory Board to replace Sam Ketchum, who recently retired and moved out of state.