The Honorable Commissioners Court of Yoakum County Convened at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18 in the Commissioners Courtroom of the County Courthouse in Plains, Texas, notice of SPECIAL meeting having been duly posted as required by law.
After looking over the bills a motion was made and unanimously approved to pay the bills. This included County bills that totaled $139,795.33 and Hospital bills that totaled $153,289.63. Also included was the Part-Time Payroll.
Newman Wheeler, CEO for Yoakum County Hospital, was in attendance to consider and take appropriate action on a contract between Windstream and Yoakum County Hospital. One of the items he discussed was the billing for County Annex building on Main street was also included on the hospital bill. He said once he finally got hold of a representative, he was assured this would be taken care and would not show up on the hospital bill. He noted after some adjustment the hospital was given a credit of $16,400 and the Annex was credited with $3,000.
Wheeler had also been in attendance the previous week discussing some concerns with Windstream. He then added three options he was given by Windstream for a new contract. One of the options was a 48-month contract. After discussing more items, the Commissioners unanimously approved a 48 month contract.
Billy Jewel and Greg Bruce from 24 Karat Crown Point nursing facility met with the Court to update them on QUIPP Program. They suggested intergovernmental transfer (IGT) amounts needed to fully fund the second half of the Quality Incentive Payment Program (QIPP) Year 3. It was explained that Yoakum County doing business as Yoakum County Hospital is the sponsoring governmental entity for Shinnery Oaks Community.
The amount of the IGT call for in this transfer is $167,969.83. Bruce informed the Court that participation in the QIPP program is a positive result for Shinnery Oaks. With the recent addition of telemedicine, it is anticipated increased reimbursement through the program for the coming year.
Jewel added at the end that Shinnery Oaks and Yoakum County were working on an ad to be aired on the Lubbock TV channels promoting both Shinnery Oaks and Yoakum County Hospital.
After some more discussion the Court unanimously approved the IGT transfer.
County Clerk Summer Lovelace presented an agreement with Tyler Technologies for Implementing Fee Changes for 2020. The total change will be $1,400.
She was followed by Tax Assessor/Collector Jan Parrish who presented the 2019 Tax Levy and Delinquent Tax Roll. Total Revenue for the M&O fund is $15,263,277 and $2,018,359 for Roads and Bridges. The Court unanimously approved her report.
Chief Deputy Robert Whitfield addressed the Court requesting funds for the repair of intercom door systems at the jail. He noted some of the doors were not functioning correct and the problem needed to be addressed. After explaining the process of replacing a circuit board the Court unanimously approved the funds for the repair. The total cost for the new equipment is $36,100 plus $6,500 for the labor.
Sheriff David Bryant addressed the board concerning the donation of a Tahoe used by his officers to the Denver City Fire Department. The Commissioners unanimously approved the donation.
County Auditor Darinda McWhirter addressed the Court to certify donation revenue and request budget amendment to expend donation revenue for the Cecil Bickley Library. The total donation was $11,000.
There was no road crossing permit applications, no request for the disposal of county equipment, six line item transfers, and no Soil Conservation request.
Commissioners Woody Lindsey, Ray Marion, Tommy Box, and Tim Addison along with Judge Jim Barron were all in attendance.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 25, starting at 10 am.
