Tax abatements are in place for planned duplexes in Quitman.

The Quitman City Council approved the abatement for Douglas Home Construction in a special meeting last Wednesday, June 5.

County commissioners followed suit on Tuesday.

Commissioners had reviewed the tax abatement request two weeks ago but postponed approval pending changes to the amount invested by owner J.R. Douglas and the time frame, extending from 30 to 42 months.

The five duplexes are to be constructed on Cedar Dr. on the north side of Quitman.

Douglas sought a 100% abatement of property tax of up to $50,000 for 10 years.

Commissioners also gave the first approval to a pair of recreational vehicle parks under new county guidelines.

Approved were the Big Oaks RV Park planned on Hwy. 154 for 13 spaces and the Lake Fork Creek RV Park on State Hwy. 37 for 10 spaces.

The public hearing for Lake Fork Creek drew a crowd of interested spectators.

Roger Mayfield questioned whether the park abuts his property and whether any shooting will take place.

Owner Jake Woods said there will be no hunting, adding that he wants visitors to enjoy the wildlife.

Among the new county requirements for RV parks are for the property to be platted and for a registered sanitarian to approve sewage plans and inspect construction.

Several personnel recommendations were reviewed by commissioners.

Four hires were acknowledged for the sheriff’s department, including two jailers, a dispatcher and a new chief deputy.

Chief Deputy Robert Holland is the constable-elect in Precinct One, facing no opposition in the general election.

Christopher Turner has been hired as the new chief deputy.