County receives money from tobacco settlements

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Caldwell County was recently among 158 Texas counties to receive a portion of a $2.2-billion trust fund set up after the State settled with tobacco companies over indigent medical expenses.
According to County Judge H.T. Wright”s office, the county has been receiving the payments for several years. The funds help to offs

et the county”s indigent health care expenses.
This year, a payment in the amount of $36,135 came into the county”s coffers in April.
Over the last three years, Caldwell County has received just over $79,000 from the state”s trust fund. However, figures reflect unreimbursed indigent healthcare expenses over $2.6 million for the same time frame.
In other County business, the Caldwell County Commissioners Court discussed plans for the expansion of the Caldwell County Jail during their regular meeting on Monday.
Representatives from the county”s architectural firm presented plans for the 48-bed jail annex. The Court hopes that the annex will be manned and ready to house inmates within a few months.
The Commissioners discussed the possibility of raising vehicle registration fees.
Under Texas law, counties have the option of imposing two local fees, an up-to-$10 “County Road and Bridge” fee and a $1.50 “Child Safety Fund Fee.” If counties choose to impose those fees, they must notify the state before September.
Caldwell County charges a $10 total local fee, and opted not to change it for the coming year.
In brief Court news:
The County considered renewing contracts with several vendors, including Galbraith Clocks, who manages the maintenance of the recently-restored Courthouse Clock.
Darla Law, the county”s 9-1-1 Coordinator, reported that she added 31 addresses to the county”s 9-1-1 system during the month of June.
The Commissioners paid bills in the amount of $172.311.18.
The Caldwell County Commissioners normally meet on the second, third and fourth Monday of each month at 9 a.m. in Room 100 of the Caldwell County Courthouse. Unless specified as an “executive session,” Commissioners Court meetings are open to the public.