ESD audit shows finances in fine shape

COLDSPRING — A recently completed audit of the San Jacinto County Emergency Services District No. 1 shows the ESD is in good standing.

Director Denise Lewis submitted the audit to the San Jacinto County Commissioners Court at its Wednesday meeting.

Lewis said the audit has to be submitted to the county by June. According to the audit, the ESD is in good standing and has no debt, even after the addition of three new tankers purchased through Forestry Service grant funds.

The district also received skid units, brush trucks and protective equipment, all paid for without incurring debt for the ESD.

County Judge Fritz Faulkner question a $1.2 million balance in revenues; Lewis said the ESD had a project that they were unable to complete, but will be completed this year.

The county also discussed the open position of Fire Chief, which currently is open after the resignation of Bryant Matthews. Lewis said they are seeking to fill the position, and that Micah Dubose, a 32-year firefighting veteran, is serving as interim.

In a related matter, the county also approved an interlocal agreement with the ESD for building maintenance and support, which includes dispatch services at a cost of $10,600 a year.

In other business, the county:

• approved delegates to the Deep East Texas Council of Governments;
• approved modification of Cochran Road building for storage for Sheriff’s Office evidence;
• approved a $1,000 donation each from hotel/motel funds for the Point Blank America 250 event on July 4 and annual Fourth of July celebration in Shepherd;
• approved a lease renewal for state agencies renting office space from the county;
• approved application for a grant from the state General Land Office;
• approved a property renewal with Texas Association of Counties;
• accepted additional footage for roadways in Precinct 3;
• discussed the installation of cattle guards on Preston Road;
• approved engineering and administration contracts necessary for a grant application;
• approved additional funding of $140,349 to complete road work
• approved seeking bids for construction work on several county roads;
• awarded contracts for work on four separate county roads; and
• approved renewal rates for the county’s benefits pool.