Fireworks, tax rate top agenda

Even if there is a lack of discussion when Ector County commissioners take up the proposed tax rate at a 10 a.m. meeting Monday, there will still be some fireworks.

That’s because Truckload Fireworks will ask permission to stage three fireworks shows during the Permian Basin Fair & Exposition. The displays will honor those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as marking the opening and closing of the fair.

The county will also consider closing 46th Street from Coliseum Drive to Andrews Highway from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sept. 10, 11 and 18 for the firework displays.

The most important thing on the agenda is voting on the proposed tax rate for the 2011 Ector County budget and scheduling two public hearings on the proposed tax rate on Aug. 30 and Sept. 2.

County Judge Susan Redford has proposed a tax rate of 35.6 cents per $100 property tax valuation, slightly lower from the current fiscal year. The rate will be slightly above the effective rate, the tax rate that generates the same tax income for the county as the year before.

Commissioners will also consider:

>> Consider an economic development project with Precision Mining Systems LLC in Ector County.

>> Consider proposal specifications on Coliseum concrete floor repair.

>> Consider Ector County’s fee schedule for registration of vehicles.

>> Approving the polling locations for the general election and to approve the joint resolution to hold a General Bond Election for Odessa College with the General Election on Nov. 2

>> Consider changing the permanent early voting branch located in Precinct 2 from Music City Mall to Westlake Hardware at 4652 E. University Blvd.

>> Consider hiring a sheriff’s deputy at Step 3.

>> Consider hiring a health department receptionist at Step 2.

>> Consider adding optional Workers’ Compensation coverage to the county policy for elections personnel, jurors, elected officials and volunteer law enforcement.

>> A resolution for the Permian Basin Fair and Expo.

>> Consider a request for Ector County to transport two FEMA sea containers with 300 cots and 600 blankets from San Antonio to Odessa for Ector County’s use in the event of a disaster.

>> Consider an interlocal agreement between the Ector County Health Department and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in the event of a public health emergency.

>> A resolution in support of the Permian Basin Community Center’s effective means to manage and deliver services for Texas with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

>> Consider revisions to Ector County Cemetery rules and regulations.

>> Consider the reappointment of Freddie Gardner to the 9-1-1 Emergency Communication District Board for a two-year term.

>> To approve the district court order setting the salary of the county auditor.

>> Discuss issues regarding the maintenance agreement covering the countywide phone system and to consider a budget amendment moving $3,274 from the unreserved fund balance to phone system maintenance.

>> Declare surplus and approve auctioning off hockey arena dasher boards.

>> Consider bids on the office supplies and toner/ink cartridge proposal.

>> Consider ratification of an assumption of FarMor Aviation Inc.’s lease agreement by FlightSource Holdings LLC and consider an extension of the agreement.

>> Consider deferring VFC immunization administration fees ($10 per vaccine) for qualifying adults age 19 and older who do not have insurance or coverage of the vaccine. The deferment will be for Oct. 4-15 in observance of Binational Health Week.

>> Consider an agreement between the Department of State Health Services and the Ector County Health Department.

>> Consider the fiscal year 2001 vendor agreement for congregate and home-delivered meals.

>> Consider the submitted contract from H&K Armored Service Inc. for armored car service.

>> Consider recommended changes to the Employee Health Benefits Plan in accordance with the guidelines established by the Health Care Reform Legislation of 2010 for grandfathered, self-insured plans and to take any action incident hereto.

>> Consider recommended changes made to the Employee Health Benefits plan in order to remain in compliance with the guidelines established by the Health Care Reform Legislation of 2010 for grandfathered, self-insured plans and to take any action incident thereto.

>> Consider proposals for Third Party Medical and Dental Claims Administrator and employee benefits stop loss and aggregate stop loss.

>> Consider amending the health benefits effective date for new full-time employees.

>> Consider an amendment to Ector County’s planning document to add exception to clarify active/retiree dependent dual status.

>> Consider a contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services to provide immunization services in Ector County.

>> The following line-item transfers: $100 from telephone and $100 from postage to office supplies; $1,315 from contract services to Departmental Furniture and Equipment; $800 from plumbing materials and supplies to equipment maintenance; $50 from county advertising to Coliseum, other insurance; $600 from postage to office supplies; $4,722 from DP hardware maintenance to software maintenance contracts; $2,717 from workers compensation to Social Security taxes; $2,528.00 from general and professional liability to other insurance; and $7,018 to JP Technology Fund, Software Maintenance Contract from Unreserved Fund Balance.

>> Consider accounts payable fund requirements for Aug. 23 and to review county financial statements and reports.

>> An executive session to discuss legal matters, real estate issues and personnel matters related to the senior centers.

IF YOU GO

>> What: Ector County commissioners meeting.

>> When: 10 a.m. Monday.

>> Where: Commissioners’ Courtroom in the county administration annex, 1010 E. Eighth St.