Wood County Commissioners voted to approve the use of the American Rescue Plan Act funds Tuesday. That $8,845,417 will be allocated as follows: broadband initiative, $2.5 million; Honey Monster plant, Mineola sewer plant, $1.1 million; Wood County jail upgrade, $4,547,917; UT-Health Quitman, $300,000; and contract administration fee, $397,000.

Commissioners approved a sub-recipient agreement for the $1.1 million with the city of Mineola for the “Honey Monster” machine.

“This is a perfect project for what they were trying to do with sewer, water and health issues. We are looking forward to get this within our sewer plant,” Mineola City Manager Mercy Rushing noted. “It is a new machine and we will have to hire an additional employee. Our main goal is to provide the service to Wood County first before we allow other counties to use it.” 

Commissioners approved the Child Welfare Board’s revised allotment and bylaws and approved a new board member. Child Welfare Board President Jo Ann McMillan presented the request. The new board member is Jarred Yaeger of Quitman, youth minister at Faith Baptist Church.

Some of the allotments raised included $150 to $200 clothing allowance for ages 0-12 and from $200 to $250 for 13-18; a gift card or check for $200, up from $100 to foster children who are graduating seniors; and a $200 check or gift card will be sent to out-of-region Wood County foster children for Christmas if they are unable to attend the annual Christmas party.

Commissioners approved payroll dates, commissioners meeting dates and the holiday schedule. Juneteenth was added to the holiday list. Juneteenth will be Monday, June 19, next year.

Also approved were the 2023 employee compensation and classification schedule and the departmental employee compensation schedule.

County Treasurer Daphne Carter said the county has $39,350,966 in the bank as of May 31. 

A resolution from Meals on Wheels to authorize the county grant program for 2023 was approved. The county certified the grant to the organization for $3,924. Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals to those who are elderly or disabled.

County Clerk Kelly Price submitted sheriff’s and constable’s fees for 2023 and they were approved.

Commissioners approved a request from Sharon Water Supply for Wood County to sponsor a 2023-24 Community Development Block Grant application with the Texas Department of Agriculture.

A renewal with Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service was approved. This service assists Texas counties and other entities in maintaining a statewide system that will provide relevant offender release information, notification of relevant court settings or events to crime victims and other interested individuals, promote public safety and support crime victim rights.

Commissioners approved the Flores Subdivision just south of Quitman near Clear Lakes. A public hearing was set for Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. for the revision of lots 228 and 229, section 6 Holly Lake Ranch Subdivision. Two other lot revisions in Holly Lake Ranch Subdivision including lots 204 and 205, section 5 and lots 91, 216, 217 and 218, section 2 were approved.

In personnel matters Logan Sawyer was hired as assistant district attorney. In the tax office, Mandy Hubbard, Melinda Noll and Bryttny Schneider received pay increases. Makayla Holt was hired full-time in the district clerk’s office. Also in the tax office Gaye Ellison and Holly Williams were hired part-time.

Several members of Concerned Citizens of Wood County were once again in attendance. Air Force veteran Jennifer LePore spoke for the group.

“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our constitutional republic,” LaPore noted. “We are the governed that elected you to ensure we have a fair, secure and transparent election system in place for all future elections.”