COMMISSIONERS AGAIN RECEIVE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING

  

The Washington County Commissioners met this (Tuesday) morning and were presented with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded to Washington County for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014.

This is the 5^th year the County has received this award.

The commissioners also approved the purchase of an ambulance remount by the Washington County Medical Services from a Houston-Galveston Area Council Contract Vendor.

This will replace an ambulance that was lost while being used by the Washington County Task force during the recent flooding. The County is being completely reimbursed including what insurance paid to replace the vehicle.

The commissioners were also presented a check from the Bluebonnet Community Grant program awarded to the Washington County Emergency Medical Services

The check in the amount of $26,500 will be used to purchase a Ford Explorer for an Advanced Paramedic for the Chappell Hill area. This check will enable this vehicle to be bought earlier than the original estimated time of 2017.

The Commissioners also reappointment Bob Cottle to the Hotel Occupancy Tax Board for a two year term beginning January 1, 2016 and running through December 31^st of 2017. Those serving in this capacity are limited to a three two year terms. This would be Cottle’s third term. Cottle currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Hotel Occupancy Tax Board.

Also approved was Resolution to extend the present contract for participation in the Washington County Rotation Log for towing services for abandoned, impounded, junked and disabled vehicles with the present towing companies for two months for a fee of $82. The new contract would begin March of 2016.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath again voiced his ongoing opposition to the contract, and was the lone “no” vote. 

Year- end financial issues were discussed and resolved, including granting authorization to the County Treasurer, County Auditor and County Judge to pay all necessary bills to close the 2015 fiscal year for Washington County, as well as grant authorization to those same entities to make budget amendments and budget line item transfers, if necessary, to close out the 2015 fiscal year.

During the County Clerk’s report, County Clerk Beth Rothermel reminder those in attendance that voter cards have been sent out, and reminded persons that may have moved since the last election, or no longer have post office boxes, to make sure they put in their change of address with the Clerk’s office.