BE IT REMEMBERED That the Commissioners’ Court of Comanche County, Texas met in a Regular Meeting on the 14th day of January, 2008, with the following members present: James R. Arthur, County Judge presiding; Garry Steele, Commissioner Precinct #1; Kenneth Feist, Commissioner Precinct #2; Bobby Schuman, Commissioner Precinct #3; and Jimmy Dale Johnson, Commissioner Precinct #4.

Judge Arthur opened the meeting.

Minutes of the December 26, 2007, meeting were read. Garry Steele made the motion to approve the minutes with the following correction: The advertised bid for trailers in precinct two should be for one trailer only. Bobby Schuman made the second to the motion. All aye. Motion carried.

Chris Rutledge of Rutledge Crain & Company, PC presented an independent auditor’s report of the financial statements of governmental activities, each major fund and the aggregate remaining fund information of Comanche County for the year ending September 30, 2007.

The report reflected the following financial statements; The County total combined net assets (cash) were $2,115,202 at September 30, 2007. During the year, the County’s expenditures were $507,729 less than the $6,879,741 generated in taxes and other revenues for government activities. The total cost of the County’s programs increased by 5.5% over last year, and no new programs were added this year.

The General Fund reported a fund balance (cash) this year of $1,268,153. Property taxes make up 46% of the County revenue, 41% from charges for services, 4% sales and beverage taxes, 2% unrestricted investments earnings, 1% miscellaneous, and 5% operating grants and contributions.

The cost of all governmental activities this year was $6,489,012. However, the amount that our tax payers paid for these activities through property taxes was only $3,128,833. Other cost paid by those who directly benefited from the programs was $2,848,526. Additionally grants and contributions $400, 990.

Over the course of the year, the county budget was revised numerous times. Even with these adjustments actual expenditures were $286,672 below final budget amounts. On the other hand, actual revenues were $417,079 over the final budget amount. The positive impact is due primarily to prisoner housing revenues in excess of the amount that was originally anticipated.

At the end of the year the County had $2,215,153 in bonds, notes, and capital leases outstanding.
Economic factors and next year’s budgets and rates reflect an increase of 6.7% in assessed values. The general operating fund spending will increase by 4.7%. A continued fluctuation in prisoner housing will have an impact on final figures for 2008. A significant customer is expected to no longer need Comanche County prisoner housing space.

If these estimates are realized, the County’s budgetary general fund is expected to decrease by $125,555 by the end of the fiscal year 2008.

Bobby Schuman made the motion with the second by Jimmy Dale Johnson to approve the independent audit as presented. All Aye. Motion carried.

Bobby Brinson discussed Air Evac Lifeteam, a medical transport company founded in 1985. Air Evac has 75 bases in 12 states, included in that number are 18 mutually supported bases in Texas. Their fleet consists of over 80 Bell helicopters. There are five bases in the vicinity of Comanche. The closest is Brownwood with a response time of 18 minutes.

Air Evac has over 600,000 members. It is the largest & oldest membership-supported air-medical program in the United States enabling service to smaller communities unsubsidized or without any hospital affiliations. Brinson explained their training program and aircraft features such as satellite tracking systems and night vision monocular program.

Air Evac was approved to sell memberships in Comanche County in August of 2006. Air Evac responded to 67 calls for service in Comanche County in 2007. The company has signed a first call agreement with the hospital which states that the hospital will call them first for air transports.

Memberships are available for $50 for single, $55 for two, and $60 for a household. The program is designed to protect against out of pocket expense for medically necessary transports.

Kevin Burch, Comanche City Fire Marshall spoke regarding assistance in replacing the brush truck that was wrecked on CR 403. Burch states the Forestry Service is providing a grant for $34,000 to pay for the chassis. They are seeking funds to finish the truck. The truck will be built in house to save money.

It is expected to cost an additional $25,000 to finish the truck. The TML insurance paid $16,000. The Dodge Jones Foundation is another source for revenues if other entities also agree to help fund the project. Burch stated a fund raiser will be held. Burch was asked to revisit Commissioners’ Court in April regarding County funds.

Jacci Stewart, CTEDC discussed the proposed Alco store construction at Hwy 67/377 and Jones Street. The company has purchased the property. Alco has 300 stores in the U S, with 39 in Texas. This would be a two and one half million dollar investment. Since the property is outside the city limits, the Commissioners Court must give approval for the Economic Development Corporation to work with Alco to develop this property.

The CTEDC has agreed to provide $25,000 in incentives to help provide water and sewer lines. However, the area must be annexed into the city and the city must provide the labor and materials to complete water and sewer lines.

Garry Steele made the motion with the second by Bobby Schuman to approve CTEDC participation in this project. All aye. Motion carried.

Charles Williams, County Attorney met with the Court to request them to accept his resignation as County Attorney. He stated his appreciation for cooperation of the Commissioners Court during his service as County Attorney. Williams stated that he wished to devote all of his time to his dairy business. He asked the Court to consider Craig Willingham as the appointment to serve the remainder of this term.

The Commissioners expressed their gratitude to Mr. Williams for his service to the County. The motion to accept the resignation was made by Bobby Schuman with the second by Kenneth Feist. All eye. Motion carried.

Commissioner Schuman made the motion to appoint Craig Willingham to the office of County Attorney. Commissioner Steele offered the second. All Aye. Motion carried.

Commissioners Schuman and Feist offered the motion and second to acknowledge an order from the District Judge to purchase a chair for the Community Supervision and Corrections Department Bosque County Office in the amount of $179.99. Fees to be paid from probation fees collected prior to September 1, 1978. All aye. Motion carried.

The Court considered a request for an increase in mileage reimbursement for the District Court Reporter and District Court Coordinator. It was stated that they believe that they receive the State mileage rate now and an increase should be denied.

Garry Steele and Jimmy Dale Johnson made the motion and second to deny the increase. All Aye. Motion carried.

Commissioners Schuman and Feist discussed donation of a trailer from each of their precincts to Friends of Lake Proctor and the Riding Club.

Jimmy Dale Johnson and Garry Steele made the motion and second to approve the donation. All aye. Motion carried.

Commissioner Schuman proposed joint ownership of a 1991 Peterbilt winch truck owned by Precinct 3. The truck is valued at $10,000. Schuman proposed Precincts 1, 2, and 4 pay $3300 each for a share and Precinct 3 would contribute a three axle lowboy trailer for its share.

Jimmy Dale Johnson and Bobby Schuman made the motion and second to approve the purchase. All aye motion carried.

Tricia Grimshaw spoke for Ray Helberg, who was called to a structure fire. She stated Helberg recommended going to a total burn ban for the county. The county is under a moderate risk of fire danger.

After a short discussion it was decided to retain the restricted burn ban. It was stressed that a call must be placed to Dispatch to check conditions before burning. The okay should come from dispatch only.

Commissioners Steele and Johnson made the motion and second to retain the restricted burn ban. All aye. Motion carried.

Tricia Grimshaw reported completion of GPS of addresses on 30 roads last week. It was also stated that the area to be completed lies north of Hwy 377 and east of Hwy 36. The remainder of the county is complete.

Tricia Grimshaw also gave an update on the FEMA projects. All FEMA money has been received and some of the smaller projects are complete.

Sheriff Lambert discussed receiving a signed contract from McCullough County for prisoner housing.

Also discussed was the declining status of prisoner housing due to Parker County withdrawing their prisoners after completion of their jail facility.

Bobby Schuman made the motion with the second to approve the Treasurer’s Monthly Financial Report. All aye. Motion carried.

Billy Ruth Rust reported the FEMA funds have been transferred to the individual precincts.

Officers Reports were passed until a later meeting.

Commissioners Schuman and Johnson offered the motion and second to approve Budget Amendments. All aye. Motion carried.

Commissioners Steele and Johnson made the motion and second to approve the Emergency Amendments. All aye. Motion carried.

Garry Steele made the motion to audit accounts due and owing and approve payment thereof in the amount of $669,494.78. Included in that amount are FEMA money transferred from the FEMA account to the precincts. Bobby Schuman made the second. All aye. Motion carried.

Kenneth Feist and Garry Steele made the motion and second to approve payment of salaries and related benefits coming due prior to the January 28, 2008, meeting.

There being no further business to come before the Court, Court was adjourned this 14th day of January, 2008.

Ruby Lesley

County Clerk