Tyler Co. Commission met Tuesday and covered several topics of business on their agenda.

Tim Meeks updated members on the grant and loan application for the Annex Building project. While not a complete application at this time, “we need to get the ball rolling,” he recommended, adding “with the way things are looking on the federal side” alluding to budget cuts the government is planning.

The application must be made through the county’s building commission. The process could take up to six months, Meeks concluded. Council decided to call a meeting of the building commissioners as soon as possible to put the application on the “front burner.”

Meeks also informed commission that the “green funds” available would not be easily accessible to the county for the replacement of windows at the courthouse.

“Since it’s on the National Historic Register, replacing of windows would be more difficult,” he explained. Meeks recommended that commission apply for funding for a more obtainable project.

Vice President John Stender reported that the Fair Association approved the sale of alcoholic beverages at the Tyler County racetrack this year. The association gets 10 per cent of the profits from sales.

“I informed them that the county would not be supplying security at the track,” remarked Stender. “They stated they intend to hire private security. Personally, I think it’s a can of worms.”

County Commissioner Eric Vincent reported that CAC of Tyler Co. had been awarded a $1,482 grant from the state to be placed in their budget. He also requested allocation of $5,000 to the Tyler Co. Sheriff’s Dept., to be used for vehicle repairs and drug investigations. The requests were approved.

Vincent also suggested setting aside a day to work on the upcoming budget and is in the process of selecting a date for the meeting. All department heads are requested to attend.

Basement repairs to the courthouse will begin on March 14, noted Stender. Gutter repeairs are to begin when the weather breaks.

Commission President Charles “Pork” Smith sent his regards to Congressman David McKinley, through his representative, Flynn Altmeyer, who sat in on the meeting. He also noted that he had been contacted by a flimmaker, David Gear, who is pursuing the idea of renting the “Poor Farm” for purposes investigating “paranormal activities.” Gear was absent from the meeting.

Also at the meeting were Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee, Tom Cooper, Teresa Hamilton, and Sheriff Earl (Bob) Kendle.