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New County Agent goes to work

New Delta County Extension Agent Alford Echols
Cindy Roller
/
Cooper Review

Delta County Commissioners accepted Alford Echols as the new Delta County Extension Agent during Monday’s regular meeting. Texas A&M AgriLife District Extension Administrator Hurley Miller presented Echols as the candidate for Delta County. It was accepted in 4-0 vote.

John Bolster of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP discussed and updated the newly elected officials on the process of delinquent taxes and collections.

“In the past two years we have had 41 lawsuits on 86 different accounts,” said John Bolster, adding they try to work with those who owe by offering installment plans. He has 85 pending cases in Delta County with $114,000 in taxes. “We are making headway for the most part with a seven percent decline in delinquent tax roll.”

Sealed bids were opened for the bridge timbers offered by Precinct 2 Commissioner Gary Anderson. Rocky Young of RY Construction was accepted with his bid of $759.

Delta County Sheriff Ricky Smith presented a grant resolution requesting a patrol vehicle with an in car camera and GPS (estimated cost of $30-35,000) to further help with documentation of crime data. The Commissioners accepted his request to pursue the grant 4-0. Sheriff Smith reported there were 19 currently in the Jail, nearly capacity. He will be replacing both his and Chief Deputy Donnie Willingham’s trucks with newer used vehicles. Sheriff Smith hired Trevor Mobley as the inmate labor program jailer. The inmates and jailer will be starting with Precinct 1 repairing the barn and running the chipper.

Delta County Treasurer Bonnie Hobbs received acceptance on the agreement for the Indigent Health Drug Program with Miller’s Pharmacy.

“Miller’s Pharmacy does an outstanding job,” agreed Treasurer Bonnie Hobbs and Sheriff Ricky Smith.

Delta County Emergency Management Coordinator Monty Hobbs presented a grant request (over $13,000) for the communications improvements of radios.

“Good communications are necessary for public servants or they are at risk,” said EMC Monty Hobbs, looking to upgrade his EMC vehicle’s radio to comply with others. He informed the Court of how well the tactical vehicle (Humvee) has proven its worth in recent manhunts. Sheriff Smith agreed the digital radios would help communicate with other counties.

Delta County Commissioners Court will be held on Monday, Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Delta County Courthouse.

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