Wood County commissioners heard a comprehensive annual report Tuesday by UT Health EMS/Air Team representatives Scott Berkley, John Smith, Hayden Ray and Jared Smith. 

Berkley reported the UT Health East Texas EMS/Air 1 consisted of over 350 caregivers, 14 flight nurses, 25 system status controllers, four mechanics, 28 medical/administrative support staff, 56 ambulances, four helicopters and 12 support vehicles. 

The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems gave the UT Health efforts accreditation for the fifth time, and this latest time, a perfect score. Only 2% of EMS agencies in the U.S. are accredited. 

In the past five years UT Health has grown their physician group and services by more than 50%; embraced innovation and technology including tele-health and on-demand video visits; paid more than $120 million in local taxes that go to support area schools along with local and state governments; provided over $400 million in costs of unreimbursed care to those in need in the communities; and created a nationally recognized health system and partnership which helped the new school of medicine become a reality.

Commissioners approved a proclamation for April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. County Judge Kevin White urged all citizens to work together to reduce child abuse and neglect and to significantly improve the response of the community when child abuse occurs.

Commissioners approved an animal control agreement with the city of Mineola for 2023. The agreement states the city will euthanize up to five animals per week at a rate of $35 per animal. Mineola will hold animals from the county only if the space is available. 

In personnel moves, Jeremy Phillips was hired full-time as an election clerk at $19.59 per hour. Brandon Caldwell was hired to a temporary position in Precinct 3 at $12 per hour.

Commissioners also approved a tax exemption for the Lake Country Playhouse, Inc. in Mineola as a Texas Historic Landmark.

Commissioners approved the residential lease agreement for the Quitman Lake property to William Todd Jenkins for $650 per month.

Warren Blesh was approved by the commissions to be on the Emergency Services District 1 Board of Directors. 

Commissioners approved a request from Spectrum to construct and place fiber either underground or aerial on existing poles for County Road 4220 in Precinct 4.

Reports from the treasurer, constables and environmental officer were approved. 

There were several speakers during the public comments portion of the meeting. The speakers were in favor of the commissioners declaring Wood County as a constitutional county.