Wood County commissioners met in a workshop to begin fine-tuning the proposed 2024 budget last Thursday morning. Another workshop is scheduled Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in the county courtroom and is open to the public.

At last week’s session, County Judge Kevin White, Commissioners Virgil Junior Holland (Precinct 1), Jerry Gaskill (Precinct 2) and Russell Acker (Precinct 4) attended with Precinct 3 Commissioner Mike Simmons absent.

Commissioners looked over what they have received in requests from department heads and began discussing some of those requests. 

Talks included funds for work at the Wood County Jail.

Acker is also in charge of buildings and maintenance throughout the county. The preliminary budget proposal is at $12 million including American Rescue Plan funds for the jail renovations.

“If we need any extra, it’s going to run into the next year,” Acker said.

Human resources has asked for a lap top computer and a scanner.

White wants everything to do with computers and equipment to go through the IT Department.

“John (Bell of IT) orders it up and takes care of everybody in the county,” White said. “If someone needs a laptop they will go to IT and check one out.” 

White spoke about courthouse security, noting the security detail wants to make sure they have cameras covering the courthouse grounds. 

Fire Marshal Tully Davidson has requested an additional $1,000 given to each of the county’s fire departments. Acker pointed out Mineola and Winnsboro are housed by the city. 

In the Sheriff’s Department, White noted under new state law the sheriff must be paid $75,000 and deputies at least $45,000, which they are in Wood County.

The department is seeking more new vehicles to replace older vehicles in the fleet. A newer environmental officer vehicle is also needed.

There will be a need for additional jailers once the jail expansion has been completed.

In Precinct 1 the constable needs a vehicle camera.

“They need dash cams. I’m telling you jurors are expecting cameras. I don’t care what happens but we have to explain why there is no camera,” Assistant District Attorney Brandon Baade said. “We are going to lose cases if we don’t have cameras. People want to see cameras and DNA like they see on TV. I just know what we need to win cases.”

Also in need of a new vehicle is Pct. 3 Constable John McQueen who is in line to receive one this year. 

The commissioners discussed a request from Mineola to help with the finances on a ladder truck which can be used in the county, not just Mineola. The ladder could reach to the third and fourth floors when necessary.

“I think they decided to buy it on their own so they can find a way to finance it on their own,” Holland said. 

Gaskill said, “I wouldn’t mind giving them something because it will be used in the whole county. I think we should put in a little bit.”

“I think they should have come talked to us before they ordered it,” Holland contended. “We don’t have a high-rise building in Yantis.”

White noted that jurors will now be paid $40 instead of $20 which will cause the need for more financing in the District Clerk’s office.