The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

It was business as usual Monday during the Orange County Commissioner’s meeting until Judge Carl Thibodeaux announced he will not have to choose a party for the upcoming election, because he will not be seeking re-election.

“I did not want to do this,” he said. He stopped for a moment and regained composure before he added,” But, I have to.”

Thibodeaux said he had done the job as county judge for more than 18 years. It had worn him down physically and mentally.

“I cannot undergo any further stress,” he said.

He added, he would not discuss it any further at this time.

In other county business, commissioners approved the $85 purchase for an upgrade kit for the currency scanner/counter which will detect counterfeit bills. The upgrade is to support the new $100 bills being released on Oct. 8.

Commissioners also discussed nominations for the Orange County Appraisal District’s Board of Director’s Election. It was for nomination only since they will be voted on in November by commissioners.

Commissioners voted to renew an agreement between Orange County and the Big Thicket National Preserve which will provide mutual law enforcement assistance in and near the preserve. According to Orange County Sheriff Keith Merritt, there is about 8,000 acres in Orange County which is part of the Big Thicket.

The contract for the 2013-14 Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission was accepted in the amount of $386,794.

Thibodeaux said there was no action taken on the Sheriff’s Employees Union Contract to report.