By Lacy Gross, Jimplecute
The Marion County Commissioners’ Court convened Monday to consider the approval of several items including the issuance of new deeds for two previously struck-off properties and the renewal of the county’s participation in the Affordable Care Act Reporting and Tracking Services (ARTS) program for 2021.
Commissioners approved County Judge Leward LaFleur to sign new deeds for two previously struck-off parcels located at the Lake O Pines Village. Full bids of $2,000 and $1500 for the parcels were received by Robert H. Morris, Jr and Lisa L. Morris.
The properties were struck-off in 2014, becoming the property of its taxing entities. Because full bids were received, the court was asked to consider and approve LaFleur to sign the deeds on behalf of all taxing entities with an interest in the properties.
The court also approved its renewed subscription in the Affordable Care Act Reporting and Tracking Services (ARTS) program for 2021.
The Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP) facilitates the health benefits of Marion County employees and the ARTS—a program that guides the county in its compliance with the Affordable Care Act.
Participation in the ARTS program is free of charge and provides the county with forms required by the Internal Revenue Service as they pertain to employers with 50 or more full-time employees who receive health benefits as part of their employment.
Additionally, the Marion County Jail Elevator project, which was to begin in February, has not yet begun according to Marion County Sheriff David Capps.
Two bids in mid-January for the restoration of the jail’s elevator were received by the court. Approved was a bid of $70,480 from Casey Slone Construction, LLC of Marshall. And in late January, the court approved hiring J.P. Abernathy as an advisor on the project. Abernathy has served as an advisor on the courthouse restoration as well.
“They are having a meeting, gentlemen, with the elevator people, today or tomorrow, I think, to go over getting that building and put the structure back. They’re doing their due-diligence, but there’s nothing we can really report to you,” LaFleur said of the project delays.
The project involves major structural repairs to the elevator shaft which has separated from the main structure over time, creating water leaks and potential for other damage.
The Marion County Commissioners’ Court will reconvene in regular session at 9 a.m., Monday, Mar. 22 in the County Courthouse Annex, District Courtroom, 114 W. Austin, 2nd Floor.
Visit the Herald/Jimplecute Facebook page to watch the proceedings live.