Sabine County Commissioners

Sabine County Commissioners held a busy session during their regular session on Monday.

Richard Knight of the Sabine County Recycling Committee (SCRC) addressed the court about the group’s ability to begin receiving payment for the recycled materials through a letter of agreement with Cooperative Teamwork and Recycling Assistance (CTRA).

CTRA has previously addressed the Commissioners about the assistance available to make the recycling effort more efficient and to allow recycling groups in Texas to realize some income from the recycled materials they collect.

Knight told the Commissioners that when a truckload of recyclables is gathered, CTRA will send a truck to pick up the load and has buyers already lined up to purchase the materials. CTRA receives a 10% administrative fee and the SCRC will receive the remainder.

To participate with CTRA the Commissioners would sign a letter of agreement, which allows either party to back out of the arrangement at any time without penalty.

There is no “up front” money necessary and the SCRC can purchase supplies such as banding material from the organization, the cost of which is deducted from the anticipated payment.

“This seems to be a golden opportunity to do that,” said Knight of receiving funds from recycling.

According to their website, CTRA currently consists of 60 members who serve more than 112 public entities, over 400 local businesses, and five industry affiliates. The CTRA Board of Directors, elected by the membership, includes elected and appointed governmental officials, community leaders, and representatives from regional organizations, who represent a wide and diverse geographical area and serve without compensation. For more information, go to http://www.recyclingassistance.org/ctra.html

SCRC member Jason Huffman told Commissioners that the letter guarantees a price for recycled goods for the next two years and can then be renegotiated.

Commissioners voted unanimously to sign the letter of agreement.

Utility poles being too close to the travel lane along a portion of Telephone Road was brought to Commissioners attention by Ruben Broadway.

Broadway said the poles should be moved back away from the side of the road as they present a safety hazard and that his conversation with Deep East Texas Electric Co-Op (DETEC) indicates they are waiting on Precinct 4 Commissioner Fayne Warner to move on the issue.

Warner told the Commissioners that he will contact DETEC again and see if they can arrange with a start date to resolve the issue. He said that a property owner across the road from the poles has agreed to provide the county a right of way to widen the road.

Tourism Committee Chairman Maurice Patterson addressed the court, recommending they approve two requests for hotel/motel tax funds.

A request from the James Fredrick Gomer Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas for $3,500 for publicity for the upcoming Sixth Annual Pioneer Days at the historic Gaines-Oliphant House was approved. The event takes place on April 17 on the grounds of the historic structure, which is the oldest log structure in Texas.

Nina Gooch, President of the Chapter, told the Commissioners that funds raised at the event would be used to put a new roof on the historic home.

“Our chapter appreciates this very much,” said Gooch, “The house was built in 1818 and many of our forefathers went through there and fought for Texas independence.

Patterson then recommended the Commissioners authorize $8,804 for modern computer equipment and printing capability for the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce.

The equipment currently being used at the Chamber consists of “hand me downs” that are outdated, slow and are not compatible.

The Commissioners voted to authorize the funds to purchase the necessary equipment. The commercial grade printer/copier has the capability of printing brochures and rack cards and can be used by organizations, businesses and Chamber members for a fee.

Tax Assessor-Collector Martha Stone, Court Coordinator Karen Chance and Administrative Assistant Jamie Mayo were recognized for their continuing education hours.

Sheriff Tom Maddox told Commissioners that the annual racial profiling report had been submitted to the body and did not require any action on their part.

“There is no evidence of racial profiling by the Sabine County Sheriff’s Department and hopefully never will be,” said Maddox.

Commissioners passed a resolution to add an off system bridge on Cedar Grove Road to the TxDOT list. Warner told the Commissioners that he has enough “in-kind” work to meet the county’s portion of the costs.

A discussion about the purchase of new lawn mowers for community service workers was tabled after much discussion. Precinct 2 Commissioner Jimmy McDaniel told the body the current lawn mowers are worn completely out.

State funding is no longer available so the county will have to fund the purchase of two push mowers and one riding mower. Information provided stated that the workers mow approximately 18 acres.

Sabine County Judge Charles Watson said they do work for non-profits, cemeteries, the American legion and courthouse, and are used to pick up trash along the roads and can be used by the commissioners rather than pay someone.

“How much money and what kind of mower are we talking about, asked Precinct 1 Commissioner Keith Clark, “I’m not willing to spend $6000 just for them to tear them up.”

McDaniel said Ritter@Home will begin carrying Cub Cadets this week and would like to see the money spent in the county.

Clark responded that the county had bought one before and it only lasted one year.

Warner stated he believes we need to be able to service the mowers in the county and not drive to Lufkin or Nacogdoches for maintenance.

Commissioners were told of an opportunity to have a website for the county by 9-1-1 Coordinator 2K Lloyd.

He said the County Information Resource Association under the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) offers the resource at a minimal charge or the county can maintain the website at no cost.

Lloyd told the Commissioners that out of 254 counties in Texas, Sabine County is one of only 21 counties that does not have a website for county government.

The TAC wants more transparency in county government said Lloyd and implementation would allow links to other websites that promote Sabine County, such as the Chamber of Commerce and Certified Retirement Community.

He told Commissioners he could begin setting up the website in April and have it activated in May.