Tuesday's Internet Edition, July 08, 2008. Lee County Commissioners’ Court The Lee County Commissioners meet in the Commissioners' Courtroom located on the first floor of the Lee County Courthouse in Giddings. - In the regular meeting of the Lee County Commissioners’ Court, the Commissioners discussed at some length renewing the lease of the County Building to the Giddings Economic Development Board for housing a medical clinic. One of the sticking points concerned the Commissioners having inadequate information about the current financial arrangements. As originally intended, the lease payments to the County by the GEDC were structured so GEDC would be able to sub-lease the building at a reduced rate and not make a net profit from the sub-lease. The Commissioners did not have a clear understanding of the existing arrangement and so were reluctant to renew the lease. After considerable discussion and explanation by both Joyce Bise, GEDC, and Dr. Levine from the Clinic, the Commissioners agreed to renew the lease for five more years, subject to language changes to clarify the conditions for any sub-lease. This passed without dissent. The Commissioners also heard from Lee County Extension Agent Billy Gillum about the need for a new copier for the Extension Office. Gillum explained that the office has had a long standing and difficult relationship with Xerox concerning repair and service response, inaccurate billing and other issues. Gillum recommended cancellation of the existing contract. This recommendation was supported by County Attorney Ted Weems. The Commissioners approved negotiating with a local firm for a new copier although this will exceed the current budgeted amount. Commissioners agreed with Gillum that the existing arrangement is unsatisfactory and that he should proceed with cancellation of the existing contract. The new contract will be brought back to the Commissioners after it is negotiated. The bids for three parcels of land were accepted. Approval of all other taxing authorities has either already been obtained or is expected shortly. All parcels have been on the County’s list since before 2000. Names were drawn from those serving on the recent Grand Jury to be appointed to the New Salary Grievance Committee. Each of the Commissioners drew one name. Anita Andrews, Mark Woelfel, and Dorothy Koenig were chosen as members and Marta Hernandez and Debra Johnson were chosen as alternatives. Commissioners Kovar and Pitts were selected to meet with the County Auditor and an outside Auditor on January 31 for a review. Also Commissioner Johnson was reappointed to the Combined Community Action Agency Governing Board. The Commissioners approved a request by the Appraisal District to keep surplus funds from the 2004 Operating Budget in order to offset costs that may occur. The total surplus funds amounts to some $13,000. The County’s share of this is about 20%. Each of the other taxing agencies are in agreement.

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