Published: June 23, 2009 02:28 pm      

County budget passes 4-1

In a 4-1 vote, Cooke County Commissioners approved the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget for the Cooke County Appraisal District during Monday’s Commissioners Court.

The budget included a 5 percent increase in employee salaries. However, Commissioner Gary Hollowell voted against the budget because he said he did not feel comfortable approving the increase.

“If I approve this, I say I’m buying into a 5 percent increase for employees,” said Hollowell. “I don’t foresee Cooke County employees getting that kind of increase...We don’t know that yet, but I’m just saying that last time I heard, the economy was bad.”

Commissioners also approved a contract with the Cooke County Appraisal District for assessment and collection services for 2010 and 2011.

The Cooke County Sheriff’s Office will purchase a used 2006 Ford Crown Victoria to replace a similar model which was wrecked in an accident.

To be purchased from Big Bear Cruisers, Sheriff Mike Compton said the vehicle will cost $11,595. The Sheriff’s Office received $9,795 from its insurance company and will pay the difference with existing budget moneys.

Commissioner Al Smith said he was told Monday morning by Atmos Energy that there may be a problem with the Justice Center parking lot construction.

The road in front of the fairgrounds, in which construction is currently underway to make a wider turning area, may have crossed over a 850 pound gas line, he said. Commissioners will discuss the issue at a future date, once they have heard more from Atmos Energy.

Other agenda items discussed during Commissioners Court included:

• Approval of a proclamation declaring June 24, 2009 as Cooke County United Way’s Day of Caring.

• Approval of bid specifications for asphalt emulsions (road oils) and hot mix/hot lay.

• Approval of advertising for sealed bids for asphalt emulsions (road oil) to be used by Cooke County beginning July 25, 2009.

• Approval of advertising for sealed bids for hot mix/hot lay to be used by Cooke County beginning Aug. 1, 2009.

Budget hearings began Monday at 1 p.m. and will continue until Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.