Finances, environmental concerns, community programs and construction projects were the key topics discussed this week during the Liberty County Commission meeting.
Finances
Since meeting the February deadline for county property taxes, Chief Financial Officer Kim McGlothlin expected and received a revenue push for the month of March.
“The budget is in good shape as our revenues are currently at $17.4 million, and as our expenditures lie at $15.2 million,” she said. “However, because of the early deployments, we had to hold off on spending due to the financial setbacks that arise from the many soldiers leaving the area.”
Environmental concerns
The chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee, John Henderson, expressed his concern about a new development near Youman’s Road.
“At the rate we’re going, we will not have the marshes around for long as 40 acres are being cleared for new houses in the area,” he said. “Developments like Yellow Bluff are good for the area, but we just need to make sure that construction does not permanently alter this important part of our county.”
Drug-abuse program
The commissioners tapped into money from the Drug Abuse Treatment Education Fund to grant the Fraser Center $20,000 for its substance abuse programs.
According to counselor Jason Hill, the center offers help to anyone who needs it.
He said every client is important, and 64 percent of the people who finish their eight- or 17-week programs remain free of dependency problems.
Construction
County engineer Trent Long urged and received a unanimous vote to award E&D Coating Inc. a $193,000 contract to renovate the Jones Creek Bridge.
“The renovation should take place in 30 to 45 days, and it will include general repair for the upkeep of the bridge.
Finances
Since meeting the February deadline for county property taxes, Chief Financial Officer Kim McGlothlin expected and received a revenue push for the month of March.
“The budget is in good shape as our revenues are currently at $17.4 million, and as our expenditures lie at $15.2 million,” she said. “However, because of the early deployments, we had to hold off on spending due to the financial setbacks that arise from the many soldiers leaving the area.”
Environmental concerns
The chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee, John Henderson, expressed his concern about a new development near Youman’s Road.
“At the rate we’re going, we will not have the marshes around for long as 40 acres are being cleared for new houses in the area,” he said. “Developments like Yellow Bluff are good for the area, but we just need to make sure that construction does not permanently alter this important part of our county.”
Drug-abuse program
The commissioners tapped into money from the Drug Abuse Treatment Education Fund to grant the Fraser Center $20,000 for its substance abuse programs.
According to counselor Jason Hill, the center offers help to anyone who needs it.
He said every client is important, and 64 percent of the people who finish their eight- or 17-week programs remain free of dependency problems.
Construction
County engineer Trent Long urged and received a unanimous vote to award E&D Coating Inc. a $193,000 contract to renovate the Jones Creek Bridge.
“The renovation should take place in 30 to 45 days, and it will include general repair for the upkeep of the bridge.