In its regularly scheduled session of Feb. 13, 2023, the Kent County commissioners court dealt with a short agenda—which nonetheless called for extensive deliberation on most of the items. Court convened at 9 a.m., recessed for an hour’s lunch at noon, then reconvened to handle the last two matters. (Action on these last two was not immediately available at press time.)
The lengthiest discussion was devoted to administration of the Kent County Nursing Home, a topic which has occupied a good bit of officials’ and staff’s attention in the months during which an outside consultant was brought on board to assist in quality improvement matters and billing efficiency. The consultant reported in lieu of former director Jordan Moeller, whose last day before departing for another post in Motley County was Friday.
She said that the vacancy in the director’s position had generated some local inquiries. “It’s always a positive when there is interest from the community,” she said, while also noting that licensure is required, a continuing education course that generally takes about a year of online or in-person training. The next such class in the area begins in May 2023.
Collections from Medicare of $128,940.10 are anticipated for deposit Feb. 20, primarily for Covid care. For Medicaid, $7,048 is due.
It was also suggested that staff receive upgraded training in the “fundamentals of good skin care” via the facility’s physician.
The county-run facility’s financial reports were reviewed; commissioners discussed marketing for the facility itself and for staff recruitment; and discussed engagement of CPA to review finances.
Regarding road and bridge matters, county judge Layne Coulter reported an an information item that federal funds have now been secured to cover the county’s in-kind contribution portion to a TxDOT matching grant on the Cooper Creek bridge. The in-kind portion was previously estimated at $83,000. Some discussion focused on alternative uses for the county funds that had been budgeted, for needed improvements on other projects.
Treasurer Christy Long presented financial reports and presented invoices for payment. Regarding the question of costs that Kent County is incurring for incarceration of detainee Jeremy Trevino in the Garza County jail, Sheriff WIlliam Scogin said that the fees are $45 per day and that Kent County is underwriting the expense until the detainee is approved for a move, possibly 30 to 45 more days. Some discussion among commissioners focused on whether Stonewall County, from whose jail Trevino escaped recently, could be asked to share these costs.
Judge Coulter reported that Jayton-Girard ISD had requested a transfer of $480,360.40 in permanent school funds to cover its last payment on bonds, and construction projects. The court approved the transfer.
The court also approved investment in a $1 million certificate of deposit at the Bank of Texas, $900,000 of which was reinvestment and $100,000 new investment, for 1 year at 2.75% interest.
The judge reported on a meeting with Lowrey Plumbing, which had been the contractor for sewer and flooring repairs at the Kent County Community Center, which were not completed to the county’s satisfaction. The contractor proposed tear out “everything down to the slab” and for the floor to be retiled, all at their expense, upon approval of their supervisor; Coulter will follow up on the matter.
Human resources director Gina Coulter proposed a Lunch & Learn health improvement program for county employees. No action was taken, pending discussion of convenient dates.
Applications for use of road machinery and an update on the county airport paving and ramp grant were held over until after the lunch break.
Present in addition to Judge Coulter were county commissioners Roy Chisum, Robert Graham and Ray Hall, Daryl Ham, and county clerk Craig Harrison.
The Kent County commissioners court is scheduled to meet next on Monday, Feb. 27, at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Jayton.
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