Wood County commissioners approved county volunteer fire department contracts for 2023 Tuesday, Nov. 29. 

Leading the way was Mineola who will receive $52,529 followed by Quitman at $51,663, Winnsboro with $43,853, Hawkins $42,513, Alba $38,903, Yantis $37,953, Hainesville $36,513, Holly Lake $32,833, Ogburn $32,303, Coke/Pleasant Grove $32,053 and Perryville $31,119. At the time of the meeting the contract with Lands End VFD had not been received for $29,765.

Commissioners approved the appointment of Jody Hettich as Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4 replacing Cindy Weems who had served in the position for over three decades. Hettich was elected without opposition and was to take office Jan. 1.

A request from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department was approved for $49,500 to Sartan Marine for the purchase of a boat to be used for patrol measures.

The sheriff department’s request for a “like-kind” item trade was approved for a 2014 Chevy Tahoe and 1995 Buick 4-door for a 2017 Ford Explorer.

In personnel actions, commissioners approved the change in position and salary increase for William Tucker who will move from CID sergeant to CID lieutenant and for Joshua O’Grady to move from CID lieutenant to CID sergeant. Also approved was the move of Dalton Hendrix from cook to jailer.

Safety policies approved by the commissioners included a procedure for parking and backing county vehicles and for animal collision reduction guidelines. 

The parking and backing guidelines to be followed may prevent an accident or injury when parking or backing a county vehicle. Animal strikes are an increasing risk for county operations. In East Texas, there is a high likelihood of striking various animals including wild hogs and deer. The guidelines have been approved to help reduce animal collisions.

In other business, commissioners approved inter-local contracts with cities for $19,419 for the development and implementation of the Emergency Management Coordinator, Tully Davidson. The cost was based on population of the city involved. Those cost figures are: Mineola, $7,260; Winnsboro, $5,617.50; Quitman, $3,189; Hawkins, $2,136; Alba, $693; and Yantis $523.

A public hearing was held for the adoption of Private Roads 6461 and 6462 for county road maintenance. Commissioners approved the request to make those private roads county roads. They are now County Roads 2461 and 2462.