San Jacinto News-Times - Local News
Stories Added - August 2010
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County postpones National Forest land payment decision
San Jacinto News- Times
COLDSPRING – San Jacinto County Commissioners’ Court tabled a decision to make an election for payment to secure the Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2008 funds last week. It is up to each county to elect whether to receive a share of the state payment under the Secure Rural Schools Act (SRS), or a share of the state’s 25-percent payment. Since 1908, 25 percent of Forest Service revenues, such as those from timber sales, mineral resources and grazing fees, have been returned to states in which national forest lands are located. The original SRS Act was enacted to provide assistance to rural counties affected by the decline in revenue from timber harvests in federal lands. The funds have been used for schools and roads as well as to create employment opportunities, to maintain current infrastructure and to improve the health of watersheds and ecosystems. Following a discussion on the agenda item, commissioners decided to inquire into the program more before voting on it during the next commissioners’ court meeting. Commissioners approved a motion to extend an agreement with The Health Care Center of Southeast Texas for inmate medical care. San Jacinto County Judge Fritz Faulkner noted the fee for the inmate medical care service went up slightly to $5,000 per month. San Jacinto County Sheriff James Walters informed the court their service has been good and they are helping to keep inmate medication costs down. A reserve deputy constable was approved by the court for Pct. 2 Constable Tom Yates. Reviewing Chris Garcia’s resume, San Jacinto County Pct. 2 Commissioner Royce Wells said all of his licenses are up to date and said Garcia meets all of the minimum requirements for approval. Garcia told the court he has been in law enforcement for 25 years. The court approved road projects for Pct. 2 Commissioner Royce Wells to include chip and seal and all related expenses on Pam’s Run, Thomas Windt Road, Shiloh Church Road and John Lane. An annual contribution of $23,511 to The Burke Center for the support of mental health and a local match for The Burke Center’s psychiatric emergency services program was approved by the court. The court also approved a proclamation in support of programs addressing mental health, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders. Commissioners approved an amended inter-local agreement with the San Jacinto County Fair and Rodeo Association giving the county the authority to maintain the premises instead of roads at the county fair grounds during the upcoming fair and rodeo.
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