The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Orange County Commissioners voted Monday to finally get rid of a county owned mobile home located on the corner of Border and Polk Streets.

The trailer was obtained following Hurricane Ike to be used as temporary office space. After county buildings were rebuilt the mobile home was vacated and remained on county property. Commissioners thought about relocating it, but were unable to find a solution.

Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux remarked the city of Orange has called him daily about moving the mobile home since the area is not zoned for that type of structure. In the end, commissioners voted to pursue a title for the mobile home and once it is obtained it will be put up for bids and sold.

Other action taken by commissioners included a payment to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab in the amount of $182,670. This is an annual payment. According to Orange County Sheriff Keith Merritt, this payment is for much needed services which is not available in Orange County.

Commissioners approved travel for the County Clerk, Karen Vance and her employees to attend educational conferences throughout the remainder of the budget year. The funds used will be from the dedicated funds instead of the travel education and registration seminars funds.

Also, approved by commissioners was permission to hire a replacement driver in the Transportation Department.

Two bullet proof vests will be donated to local agencies. Tommy Smith, who retired from the OCSO in January will be able to take his vest with him for his new job at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, a former reserve deputy will take his vest with him to his job in Pinehurst. Merritt said this is not uncommon and the sheriff’s office has plenty of them to allow for the transfer.

During the department reports, Patrick Beebe, of the Mosquito Control District told commissioners the calls for service over the past few months have been much lower because of the weather conditions. However, during the months of Nov. and Dec. compared to this year, there were still calls for service.

“Last year we were still making treatments because of different weather conditions,” Beebe said.

Beebe is making preparations now for the upcoming busy mosquito season.