By CHRIS AGEE
PALO PINTO – Friday's county commissioner's court session marked the last for Precinct 1 Commissioner Beth Ray.
First appointed to the court by then-County Judge Mike Smiddy to fill the unexpired term of her husband after his death, Ray has been a commissioner since April 2008.
Current County Judge David Nicklas prestented Ray with a plaque in recognition of her service to Palo Pinto County Friday. She did not seek another term in this year's election.
Monthly reports:
Commissioners heard from the leaders of county agencies during the presentation of their monthly report.
County Auditor Sharon Allen explained general fund revenues were $2,492,213 while expenditures totalled $3,164,889. The disparity between the numbers is normal during this time of year, Allen explained, noting the county is just beginning to collect tax revenue.
Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office Records Clerk Angela Bryant presented the sheriff's monthly report, noting officers went on 545 calls, made 60 arrests, wrote 30 tickets and issued 12 warnings.
Deputies traveled 42,986 miles during the month and booked 125 inmates into the county jail.
As of Friday morning, the jail population stood at 94 individuals.
County Fire Marshal Buddy Harwell reported just five calls during the preceding month, most of which he said were burn ban investigations and amounted to little damage.
He said he inspected two properties, including the county jail which passed for the quarter.
Though fireworks sales did not begin until Friday, Harwell said he has not seen any activitiy around local stands. He explained fireworks will remain available for purchase until midnight on Jan. 1.
According to the report submitted by Director of Public Works David S. McDonald, the county issued seven new permits and collected $2,420 during the month of November.
The information technology department's monthly report, presented by manager Joe Fenley, showed staff travelled 254 miles.
He said the department avoided significant additional mileage by hosting 70 remote sessions from the courthouse.
In other business, commissioners:
• Approved contract renewal with CareFlight. CEO Jim Swartz explained there are no changes expected for the program, noting CareFlight is in negotiations with the Corrections Corporation of America to transport patients from the Mineral Wells Pre-Parole Transfer Facility.
• Approved $2,500 in upload fees payable to Tyler Technologies in connection with ongoing county clerk projects. Clerk Janette Green explained the company charges the same rate to upload data to the system each time the county makes such an update.
• Set bond amount for Precinct 4 Commissioner at $1,500.
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
