After hearing a plea from Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Tony Gilbreath, Wood County commissioners approved an amendment to add $50,000 to the JP professional budget. 

The increase is due to increased fees in autopsies. Gilbreath told the court not only had autopsy fees been increased, but travel costs have also increased. Gilbreath reported there had already been 125 deaths recorded since the beginning of this year.

Gilbreath stated, “It’s a bill we’ve got to pay. It’s pretty simple actually. It’s just now April and I’m hoping the $50,000 will cover the costs.”

Gilbreath did say the county has seen a lot of unattended deaths where autopsies are ordered. Autopsies are always ordered in an alleged suicide or suspicious death. Gilbreath did say when he handled a death call, he tried speaking with the family involved to get as much medical history has he can at the time of his arrival. The request was unanimously passed.

In another matter, commissioners approved inter-local agreements with the Alba-Golden, Mineola, Winnsboro and Yantis school boards for the May 6 local election of school board members.

Todd Witt of Mineola was approved to become a member of the Upper Sabine Valley Solid Waste Management District. There is still one vacancy on the board.

There were several moves in personnel in the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. John Skinner was moved to deputy from sergeant, Sam Mayer moved from deputy to sergeant, Deputy Brady Gould resigned his position, and Amanda Durbin was hired part-time in records.

In other personnel moves, Prec. 3 Commissioner Mike Simmons reported the resignation of road tech Wesley Steel and the hiring of temporary worker Brandon Caldwell to full-time road tech. In the Juvenile Probation Department, Kimberly Carpenter was discharged from her position as administrative assistant and data coordinator.

Commissioners approved UT Health Quitman to receive a beneficiary agreement through the American Rescue Plan for $300,000.

Commissioners acknowledged the Wood County Juvenile Department annual financial report.  

Commissioners also approved Commissioner Prec. 4 Russell Ackers’ request for a guaranteed maximum price amendment for JPJ construction for HVAC replacement throughout the entire courthouse. Work has already begun on the project in all areas of the building. 

Work is being done on first and second floors. When completed they will move to the third floor. The little used fourth floor will have some minor work done.