Wood County employees will be required to complete state-mandated artificial intelligence training after commissioners unanimously approved the requirement during their regular meeting.
The Wood County Information Technology Department will enroll county employees in artificial intelligence training through the Texas Department of Information Technology. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the state-mandated training.
“This requires all county officials and employees to complete a mandatory 30-minute training and it must be completed by August 31,” Judge Kevin White said. “We have to do it to be in compliance with the state.”
Commissioners heard from Wood County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Christine Thomas concerning the Texas PACE Program. The Texas PACE Program guidelines require commercial, industrial, multi-family or agricultural property owners to meet specific financial, project scope and underwriting standard issues to secure clean energy and water efficiency financing.
“This will help businesses in the long run. It will create another marketing tool for businesses,” Thomas said.
No action was taken at this time.
In other business, commissioners approved interlocal agreements with the City of Mineola and the Mineola ISD for Tax Assessor-Collector Angela Luman to calculate Truth-In-Taxation worksheets.
Commissioners also approved a renewal contract with Longview Asphalt Inc. effective Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027. Prices from the original award will remain firm-fixed throughout the renewal contract.
In another matter, commissioners approved a revised county road inventory distance for Wood County Road 3580 located within Precinct 4.
Commissioners also approved a permit for Layne Lindeman of Clarksville to move overweight equipment or loads on County Roads 4940 and 4919.
Personnel actions approved included hiring Jeremiah Bye as a technician in the IT Department for an annual salary of $60,000.
The Sheriff’s Department filled four positions. They were: Deputy Marcus Netherland was hired at $29.64 per hour and jailers Aaron Wells, Javarian Brumsey and Leyton Abadie were hired each at $25.72 per hour.
Commissioners also approved payroll totaling $531,563, health and dental expenses of $115,926 and claims totaling $225,900.
Commissioners Court meets every other Tuesday. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are available on the county’s website at mywoodcounty.com.