The regular meeting of the Tyler County Commission was held Tuesday, Dec. 14 at Tyler County Courthouse. The minutes from the previous commission meeting were read by County Clerk Lora Thomas, accepted and motion carried by the commission. Commissioner-elect Eric Vincent sat in on the meeting as an observer. Vincent will replace outgoing commissioner Robert D. Wable in January 2011.

Discussed and approved by the commission was allocation of the remaining funds received by the county for the improvement of the 4-H grounds and facilities. Of the remaining grant money, $1,779 (estimated by G.O.W. Resources) will be spent on repairs to the main building’s gas entrance, feed system and the addition of a chlorine purification tank and new lines. “This has been a problem for over two years,” stated Vice President John Stender.

Other projects funded through this grant money included a new well, new electric water heaters in the dorms and fill dirt for the sidewalks. As the building serves as a multi-purpose facility, used for church camps, reunions and wedding receptions as well as for 4-H’ers, the County Commission has been dedicated to the restoration efforts.The property upgrades will be beneficial to many members of the surrounding area.

Another topic of discussion was the repair work and improvements to the courthouse. Of main concern was the 100-ft long section of gutter that needs replacing. Commission President Charles “Pork” Smith mentioned that due to the inclement weather, some repair work was “on hold”. He also stated that funding for the courthouse improvements should be available by the first of the year, adding that “the paperwork has been filed.”

The commission applied for grant money from the Courthouse Facilities Improvement Fund, which, when allocated, may be used to create improvements in courthouse facilities. Interior as well as exterior renovations and other projects are funded through this grant program. Tyler County plans to use the funds for repairs and improvements to the courtroom. Some upgrades under consideration include the security and sound systems as well as minor repairs to the plaster in the walls in the courtroom. Replacement of outdated furniture is also being considered.

Sheriff Earl Kendle, Jr. spoke to council about a re-allocation of funds, part of which will be used to purchase bulletproof vests. The matter was approved. Money used for the vest purchase was put into the budget through a Department of Justice grant.

Smith reported that a spokesperson from Dominion Hope is seeking to be placed on the commission’s agenda to discuss the rescue boat project. Dominion, who has agreed to storage of the boat on their site at the end of Ben’s Run, is also funding the construction of a building to house the boat with security cameras installed.

The remainder of the meeting was held in executive session.