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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
Galveston County Commissioners Court voted 3-1, with Ken Clark opposed, to accept a $164,260 grant from the Houston-Galveston Area Council to fund an environmental crimes unit. Clark told Guidry News Service Galveston City Correspondent Chuck Lawrence that he is concerned that the county will have to pick up the cost of the expanded payroll when the grant expires. "We are hiring two additional people for the environmental crimes unit, which is an area we could use some assistance on, but this is a grant that lasts 11 months and there is no guarantee of a renewal on the grant," Clark noted. The commissioners court voted 3-1, with Clark opposed, to approve a budget amendment for the purchase of ergonomically correct furniture in the road and bridge department. All other agenda items were approved with 4-0 votes; Stephen Holmes was absent. The commissioners court voted to accept plats for the Rancho Carribe Subdivision, Section 2 on the Bolivar Peninsula; and the Surfside Addition, also on the Bolivar Peninsula. The commissioners court voted to notify Fort Bend County Judge Robert E. Herbert that it does not oppose utilization of the current Galveston County medical examiner's facility for Fort Bend County autopsies and views. "I look forward to working with you on the question of autopsies in the region," said the letter from Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough to Judge Hebert, adding that the agreement may be expanded. "Hopefully, together with Brazoria County, we can reduce the expense for this service for the betterment of each of our counties." The commissioners court approved a repayment schedule for the refunds due BP pursuant to a recent agreed final judgment on the litigation over taxable values. "Hopefully this will put an end to a kind of a bad chapter and we can move on and get about our business," said Yarbrough. The commissioners court approved a resolution honoring Mary D. Cornwall, who is retiring from the tax office after 28 years. All other agenda items were approved.
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