County Judge mark riley Declares Disaster; Executive order restricting use of all combustibles in parker county

Parker County Judge Mark Riley has issued a Disaster Declaration for Parker County and an Executive Order restricting the use of all combustibles, including all fireworks in Parker County effective immediately.

This local state of disaster for Parker County is pursuant to Chapter 418.108 of the Texas Government Code. This state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this disaster declaration.

“We are in an extremely dangerous time,” Riley said. “I am confident the citizens of Parker County and vendors of fireworks will comply with these orders so everyone will have a safe and happy New Year.”

Riley’s executive order specifically states the use of combustible materials in an outdoor environment by any person is prohibited. Combustible materials include but are not limited to the use of all fireworks, materials used in activities such as welding and any other activity that could result in a fire.

In accordance with section 352.081 of the Local Government Code, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this order commits a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Due to current drought and wildfire conditions the Texas Forest Service has staged additional resources in the area to respond to any fires in the area, according to Riley.

-End-

PARKER COUNTY

Proclamation CJ06-01

December 28, 2005

DECLARATION OF DISASTER FOR PARKER COUNTY

 WHEREAS the County of Parker on the 28^th day of December 2005 is under imminent threat of severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from:

THE THREAT OF WILDFIRES DUE TO DROUGHT AND OTHER WEATHER RELATED CONDITIONS; and

WHEREAS THE COUNTY JUDGE of Parker County has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE OF PARKER COUNTY:

1. That a local state of disaster is hereby proclaimed for Parker County pursuant to § 418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code.

2. Pursuant to §418.108(b) of the Government Code, this Declaration of a local state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this declaration unless continued for renewed by the Commissioners Court of Parker County.

3. Pursuant to §418.108(c) of the Government Code, this Declaration of a local state of disaster shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the County Clerk of Parker County.

4. Pursuant to §418.108(d) of the Government Code, this Declaration of a local state of disaster activates the Parker County Emergency Management Plan.

This Proclamation shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance, ORDERED THIS THE 28^TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2005.

MARK RILEY

County Judge

PARKER COUNTY

EXECUTIVE ORDER CJ06-02

December 28, 2005

EXECUTIVE ORDER OF PARKER COUNTY JUDGE

WHEREAS, by proclamation issued December 28, 2005 the County Judge of Parker County declared a state of disaster for Parker County, resulting from:

THE POTENTIAL THREAT OF WILDFIRES DUE TO DROUGHT

 AND ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

WHEREAS, said state of disaster requires that certain emergency measures be taken pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 relating to Emergency Management;

NOW, THEREFORE, the following regulations shall take effect immediately upon issuance of this order and shall remain in effect until the state of disaster is terminated:

1. The sale of “restricted fireworks” is prohibited. Restricted fireworks include “skyrockets with sticks” and missiles with “fins” as provided in § 352.051, Texas Local Government code.

a. A person selling any type of fireworks including restricted fireworks shall at every location at which the person sell fireworks in the county provide reasonable notice of the order.

2. THE USE OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS IN AN OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT BY ANY PERSON IS PROHIBITED.

a. COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE USE OF ALL FIREWORKS, MATERIALS USED IN ACTIVITIES SUCH AS WELDING AND ANY OTHER ACTIVITY THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

In accordance with the Local Government Code, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this order commits a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS THE MITIGATION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD POSED BY WILDFIRES DURING THE CURRENT DROUGHT AND SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS BY CURTAILING THE USE OF ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

MARK RILEY

County Judge

PARKER COUNTY

EXECUTIVE ORDER CJ06-03

December 28, 2005

EXECUTIVE ORDER OF PARKER COUNTY JUDGE

WHEREAS, by proclamation issued December 28, 2005 the County Judge of Parker County declared a state id disaster for Parker County, resulting from:

THE POTENTIAL THREAT OF WILDFIRES DUE TO DROUGHT

 AND ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

WHEREAS, said state of disaster requires that certain emergency measures be taken pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 relating to Emergency Management, specifically § 418.108(a) of the Government Code;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordered that the Parker County Sheriff is authorized to utilize any additional employees as may be required to comply with the Disaster Declaration issued December 28, 2005. Said employees will be eligible for overtime compensation for work specifically and directly related to the emergency declaration.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS THE MITIGATION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD POSED BY WILDFIRES DURING THE CURRENT DROUGHT AND SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS BY CURTAILING THE USE OF ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

MARK RILEY

County Judge

Commissioners Court reinstates County Burn Ban

Parker County Judge Mark Riley and the Parker County Commissioners unanimously passed an order prohibiting outdoor burning effective immediately and lasting through 9:10 a.m. on Dec. 27, 2005 at today’s commissioners court meeting.

Any outdoor burning is prohibited under this order.

In accordance with Local Government Code 352.081 (h), a violation of this Order is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

Commissioners Court will look into the issue of continuing the ban if conditions persist through December.

-End-

parker County Clerk nominated for County Clerk of the Year

Parker County Clerk Jeane Brunson has been nominated by the County and District Clerks Association of Texas Region 5 (CDCA) for County Clerk of the Year.

It is Brunson’s third time to be nominated.

“Just to be named among these amazing people is an honor in itself,” Brunson said. “I am one of eight nominees and they are all wonderful people and terrific at their jobs.”

The vote will be held Monday, June 20 at the association’s annual conference in South Padre.

Brunson has served as Parker County Clerk for 12 years and has worked with numerous civic clubs and organizations in the community along with serving in various positions with the CDCA.

The purpose of the CDCA is to promote professional standards, to provide a means for the educations of its members regarding the statutory and constitutional duties of the offices of the county clerk and the district clerk, and to participate in the legislative, judicial and executive processes of the state government beneficial in the performance of the members’ duties.

“Jeane has contributed so much to the association, she has truly been very instrumental in every activity of the association,” said Becky Williams, President of the County and District Clerk’s Association of Texas. “She is an excellent, excellent clerk and a wonderful person to know.”

Brunson is the mother of four and grandmother of eight. She has been named Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Woman’s Club. Brunson has also served on the Board of Directors for Rotary International, Garner ISD, Parker County Committee on Aging and the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce.

-End-

LOCAL STATE LEADERS TO SPEAK AT COURTHOUSE REDEDICATION

(Weatherford), Texas –– Secretary of State Roger Williams and State Representative Phil King will be on hand for the Parker County Courthouse official rededication ceremony set for 10 a.m., Saturday June 4, 2005 in the 2^nd Floor Courtroom of the Parker County Courthouse.

The historic Parker County Courthouse, built in 1886, has been newly restored through the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program.

“We are proud and privileged to have Representative King and Secretary Williams on hand as our Keynote Speakers,” Parker County Judge Mark Riley said. “Like us all, these longtime Parker County residents take pride in this historic building.”

The program will include an opening greeting which will be followed by an invocation, the posting of the colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.

A special announcement regarding a partnership for developing educational materials about the courthouse for students and adults will also be announced.

Texas Historical Commission, Executive Director Larry Oaks and Director of Architecture Stan Graves will present a plaque recognizing the courthouse restoration and a ribbon cutting ceremony will follow.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend this unique and historic Parker County moment.

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program was established in 1999 by Gov. George W. Bush and the Texas Legislature to restore Texas’ county courthouses to their original splendor and make them safe, functional and a source of pride for Texas communities. The Texas Historical Commission created and administers the $145 million grant program.

The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.

-End-

Parker County Clerk works extra - saves tax payer dollars

With six elections slated to be conducted less than a month from now, Parker County Clerk Jeane Brunson and her staff are going above and beyond to help local taxing entities and save tax-payer dollars.

Brunson, serving her 13^th year as County Clerk, is used to finding the extra gear for her and her staff in order to accomplish the voluntary task of conducting elections for local entities.

“As a County Clerk, I am only obligated by law to conduct county, state and federal elections,” Brunson said. “However we have the experience, equipment and expertise to conduct elections for these other entities, like the City of Weatherford and Weatherford College, at a cost far less than what they would incur.”

The Parker County Clerk’s Office will conduct the May 7^th elections for the City of Weatherford, Weatherford ISD, Parker County Hospital District (Campbell Hospital), Weatherford College, Springtown ISD and Parker County Emergency Services District No. 1.

Working to be efficient and save money, Brunson has worked to combine as many ballots as possible.

Parker County will also be reimbursed 10 percent of the cost of each entities election, which goes into a special fund earmarked strictly for election equipment. The monies in that fund will be used to offset the costs that will arise from the federally mandated Help America Vote Act, which requires counties to purchase new voting equipment.

For her part, Brunson will make no additional money despite the extra work hours that will be required to conduct the elections.

“All of the costs for employee services during work hours are of course consumed by the county, any costs from work our employees do before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. is shared by the entities,” Brunson said. “Personally, as a County Clerk I can not be paid more than my set salary, so the 14-hour days I am putting in right now are my own time given back to the community. I believe the community has been good to me and I am willing to give back.”

Brunson said the point is for the county to work with the entities in order to try and save them money, in essence saving everyone money.

“To conduct an election is an expensive venture unless you are very careful with absolutely everything you do,” she said. “We have taken every measure possible to save tax dollars.” 

 -End-

Secretary of State Roger Williams to hold meeting at parker county courthouse to discuss the help america vote act

Newly appointed Texas Secretary of State and local business man Roger Williams will hold a meeting at the Parker County Courthouse Wednesday, March 30, 2005, where he will discuss possible funding to help Parker County meet its requirements with regard to the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the County Court at Law Courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse at 11:30 a.m.

“I am excited to have the Secretary of State in Parker County for this meeting,” Parker County Clerk Jeane Brunson said. “He will be bringing information concerning the importance of the Help America Vote Act and how the Act will bring an equal opportunity for every qualified voter to cast their ballot.”

Parker County officials are expecting to learn of some financial assistance from Williams with regard to HAVA.

“I am also quite anxious to learn from Secretary Williams the amount of financial assistance available to our County through grants,” Brunson said. “I am confident that because of the diligent efforts put forth by the Secretary of State and other local officials, my staff and I will have all necessary applications in place, allowing us to meet the requirements of the Help Americans Vote Act by the deadline of January 1, 2006. I encourage everyone interested in the voting process to attend this very important meeting.”

It will be Williams’s first appearance in Parker County since being sworn in as Texas 105^th Secretary of State in January.

“It is with pleasure, and it is certainly an honor, to have Secretary Williams personally bring to the community this important information,” County Judge Mark Riley said. “Since being appointed Secretary Williams has been diligent in helping Texas improve the voting process for all citizens.”

Last month, Secretary Williams launched a statewide listening tour visiting courthouses big and small across Texas to discuss county efforts to comply with the Help America Vote Act and see how his office can aid in those efforts.

In October of 2002 HAVA was signed into law, which created many new election-related mandates for state and local governments.

-End-

Parker County hires new purchasing agent

Parker County’s Purchasing Board announced today the hiring of Gary Gerland as Parker County’s new Purchasing Agent.

Gerland, a Parker County resident, has served as Purchasing Agent for the City of Euless, Texas for the past 11 years and is expected to begin working for Parker County on April 1, 2005.

“The Purchasing Board is pleased to have found someone with the experience Mr. Gerland has and we look forward to him being at his desk as soon as possible,” Purchasing Board Chairman and 43^rd District Judge Don Chrestman said.

Gerland said he was looking forward to a new challenge and especially thrilled with the fact he will not have to deal with Metroplex traffic anymore.

“It is going to be nice to work here in my home county,” Gerland said.

Gerland will replace Interim Purchasing Agent Jamie Tierce who will move on to a new position at the Parker County Attorney’s Office.

Parker County is fortunate that the Purchasing Board found an individual with the professional experience of Gary,” said Purchasing Board member and County Judge Mark Riley. “I look forward to him assisting us as we work to improve our purchasing policies and procedures.”

Parker County’s Purchasing Board members are Judge Chrestman, Judge Riley and 415^th District Court Judge Graham Quisenberry.

“We are delighted to have a person of Mr. Gerland’s background to assist Parker County into the 21^st century,” Judge Quisenberry said.

According to the Texas Local Government Code, the county purchasing agent is responsible for all purchases necessary for operation of county government as set forth under purchasing policies. The purchasing agent is appointed by the Purchasing Board, in order to give the position autonomy similar to the position of auditor.

-End-

Trial Cancelled

All residents recently summoned to appear in Parker County Judge Mark Riley’s County Court are hereby notified that the trial scheduled for Thursday, February 17 has been cancelled.

Those summoned for that day can disregard the notification and need not appear at the courtroom in the county annex at 1112, Santa Fe Drive.

-End-

Nativity Scene Back on Courthouse Lawn

A Christmas Holiday Scene will be displayed on the Parker County Courthouse lawn following Monday’s approval by Commissioners Court.

County Judge Mark Riley made a motion for the county to accept donations for a publicly sponsored holiday scene that would include a nativity scene and secular symbols of Christmas.

“It is our intent,” Riley said. “To comply with a 1984 Supreme Court decision Lynch v Donnelly, that provided for a publicly sponsored scene if the display contains secular symbols along with the nativity scene. I believe our motion accomplishes our goal.”

 -END-

Statement from Parker County Judge Mark Riley

Due to misinformation broadcast by Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex media Parker County Judge Mark Riley has this statement.

“The Parker County Commissioners Court on Monday, Dec. 6, 2004 DID NOT DENY a request for placement of a nativity scene on the courthouse lawn. There has not been an application presented to the court requesting the display of a nativity scene on the courthouse lawn. The Commissioners Court refused to allow the placement of two atheist signs and a sign recognizing the founder of Planned Parenthood as had been requested by a Metroplex atheist group. In my opinion the Commissioners Court has sole responsibility and authority by law to deny inappropriate use of county facilities.”

-End-

Purchasing Board Appoints Interim Purchasing Agent

Parker County’s Purchasing Board appointed Jamie Tierce as the interim Purchasing Agent for Parker County Tuesday afternoon.

Tierce has worked for Parker County since 1995 in roles with the Sheriff’s Office, County Attorney’s Office and the Precinct 3 Commissioners Office.

Purchasing board chairman and 43^rd District Judge Don Chrestman said he believes Tierce will work well in the interim position.

“The Purchasing Board thanks Precinct 3 Commissioner Charles Akin for his cooperative spirit in allowing us to utilize the skills of his employee, Jamie Tierce as Purchasing Agent for the interim period,” Chrestman said. “The search for a new Purchasing Agent has begun and we will make every effort to fill the position as soon as possible. The public trust must be at the forefront of our appointment and we will not rush to a decision.”

Purchasing Board member and 415^th District Judge Graham Quisenberry concurred with Judge Chrestman in that sentiment.

  -END-

parker County Election Night Tradition returns to County Courthouse

It is back.

For decades it was a long standing tradition in Parker County.

Election night saw scores of local residents congregating at the gem of the community, the Parker County Courthouse on the square in downtown Weatherford.

This coming election night, Tuesday, November 2, 2004, will be an opportunity for the tradition to continue.

Thanks to the recent restoration of the Parker County Courthouse, which included returning the main courtroom on the second floor to one of the four largest in the state with the latest in audio/visual technology, Parker County Judge Mark Riley has again opened up the second floor courtroom of the main courthouse for the public to watch election returns.

“In recent years we opened up the courthouse annex on Santa Fe to the public to watch both local and national election returns,” Riley said. “We could only hold so many people at the annex,

especially with the fact that we had to limit space for the public since that is where our County Clerk tabulated the votes. This gives us the opportunity to host more people and more importantly to allow this grand building to once again become the centerpiece of attention on election night”

In addition, the County Clerk will have the entire space at the annex for her and her staff to count votes, which are coming in at a record pace, and the public will be able to gather in one of the finest courtrooms in the state to see who was voted into office at both the local and national levels, according to Riley.

Former County Clerk Carrie Reed who served Parker County from 1971 to 1993, said she thinks the move back to the courthouse is great.

“I remember one election where we posted the results at the old courthouse and I remember the hallways just being full of people,” Reed said. “I think this will be a great thing especially for the staff of the county clerk. They will be able to focus more on the tremendous job they will have and not have to worry about a crowd of people who want final results.”

Lifelong Parker County resident Faye Woody said she remembers gathering around the courthouse lawn all the way back in the 1940’s on election night.

“There were hundreds of people who would show up and we would all park around the courthouse and get out on the lawn,” she said.

“They had some type of a loud speaker system and everybody would get real quiet and they would announce the outcome. I think this is

just great and it is a wonderful opportunity to restore a courthouse tradition in our newly restored courthouse.”

The courthouse will open to the public at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004

-End-

Court recognizes quilters guild of parker county

Parker County Commissioners Court proclaimed the week of September 19, 2004 as Quilters Guild of Parker County week at the court’s Thursday, September 16, 2004 meeting.

With several members of the volunteer non-profit local organization on hand for the ceremony, County Judge Mark Riley read the proclamation to the court, upon which it was unanimously approved.

The proclamation recognizes the guild for its tireless efforts to raise money for Meals on Wheels, and enrich the lives of Parker County residents through keeping the art of quilting alive locally and providing quilts to underprivileged children of Parker County.

“It is groups like these wonderful women that truly make a difference in our community,” Riley said. “They want to preserve the art of quilting and in doing so they raise funds for programs to help the needy here locally. We are truly blessed to have the Quilters Guild of Parker County and so many other groups like them in Parker County.”

Past president of the guild, Kathleen Tillman spoke to the court.

“We are so thrilled to be here and receive this proclamation,” Tillman said. “I hope we can build on this in the future.”

The Quilters Guild will host their annual quilt show at the Parker County Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 25, 2004 to raise money for Meals on Wheels.

“They create some of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen and if you have never been to their annual quilt show I encourage you to attend,” Riley said. “You can purchase some wonderful hand made art work and in doing so give to a very important local program.”

-End-

Aledo, Ennis high School Football game draws a wager between county judges and mayors 

The upcoming football battle between Aledo and Ennis has brought a Texas sized wager between Parker County Judge Mark Riley, Aledo Mayor Sue Langley and their Ellis County counterparts.

The winners will have enough food to nearly feed a football team.

Despite the fact that Riley is a 1969 graduate of Ennis High School and will soon be attending his 35 year reunion, he makes no secret where his allegiance stands.

In fact it was Riley who contacted Ellis County Judge Chad Adams to offer the bet and put up a box of Parker County’s famous Kennedy Sausage and Kennedy Bacon.

“I am catching some heat about it from high school friends and I have even received some emails calling me a “traitor” but I support Parker County teams no matter what and even do stadium announcing for Weatherford High School’s football team,” Riley said. “We

respect Ennis and Ellis County – I think things are done right down there, but Parker County has been my home for many years, and we know how good Aledo is.”

However, Ellis County Judge Chad Adams has something different in mind.

“When the Parker County Judge’s Office first contacted my office, I was only mildly interested,” Adams said. “But then I found out that Judge Riley is a graduate of Ennis High School-and I realized it must be his roots here in Ellis County that has made him such a legend among County Judges in the State of Texas. The bet was on.”

For his part, Adams will be putting up two dozen kolaches, which he said will most surely not be going home with Riley.

Mayor Langley is backing the Bearcats by putting up a full course meal from the world renowned Aledo Barbeque, against Ennis Mayor Russell Thomas’s wager of Stanley Liska’s famous klobase from the Ennis Meat Market.

“I have barbeque for 12 already ordered but I have no doubt that Aledo will be victorious and it will be Judge Riley and I sitting down to enjoy this fine Parker County food.”

A confident Judge Adams and Mayor Thomas both said they were sure of victory.

“Let’s face it, the Ennis Lions are champions,” Adams said. “I have no doubt we will win and I will be bringing home the bacon.”

Riley dismissed Adams confidence.

“I have so much faith in the Bearcats that I am willing to put up some of Parker County’s famous Kennedy’s Sausage and Bacon,” Riley said. “We know how good Aledo is and it will be me going home with the bacon and the kolaches that Judge Adams has put up.”

All joking aside, the four officials agreed on one thing, according to Riley.

“We are having fun with this first time match-up between two of the state’s high school football powerhouses, but the most important thing is that we, as local leaders, be supportive of our communities’ children and their schools,” Riley said.

Kickoff will be in Ennis at Lions Stadium, September 17 at 7:30 p.m.

 -end-

Public transportation for Parker County Seniors and Disabled Back on Track

Parker County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to allocate $125,000 of tax notes for the purchase of vehicles to provide transportation service for the elderly and disabled at the courts Thursday, August, 5, 2004 meeting.

“This is a good example of the compassionate conservatism that our President, George W. Bush talks about,” Parker County Judge Mark Riley said.

According to Riley, the Parker County Committee on Aging will run the service.

Riley said he recently met with the Parker County Committee on Aging board who said they would support and assist Parker County. He also met with numerous other transportation leaders throughout the state.

“While the full details of how the system will operate are still in the development stage, we feel that this is a good start down

the road to bringing back a vital service to Parker County residents,” Riley said.

Parker County residents dependant on the service were left in a bind when Texas Department of Transportation consolidated Parker County’s Public Transportation Service known as TRAX, with Palo Pinto County’s Public Transit Services.

Many longtime customers of TRAX complained that the service was no longer dependable after the consolidation.

“The court’s action is the right thing to do and I commend our County Judge and the Parker County Committee on Aging in their initiative to resolve this problem,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Joe Brinkley said. “This is something that is needed and the court is ready to help provide this much needed service to those residents of our county who rely on this connection to their health services.”

Parker County Commissioners have also been working on the public transportation issue over the past several weeks, with Commissioner Brinkley and Precinct 3 Commissioner Charles Akin focusing on financial issues related to creating a new service and Precinct 1 Commissioner Danny Choate and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Webster looking into the operational issues of a new service.

“I am pleased that Parker County is able to use an existing tax note to fund vehicles for this very worthwhile project,” Akin said. “Our senior and disabled residents need a dependable transportation system to be able to get to their doctors and other essential

services. Society as a whole may ignore this element of our community, but Parker County residents support them.”

-End-

Commissioners court wants transportation service back in parker county, GEt Temporary REstraining Order Issued

Parker County Judge Mark Riley received a Temporary Restraining Order against Public Transit Services of Palo Pinto County prohibiting them from selling any property owned by the former Parker County Transportation Service (TRAX). The order was issued by District Judge Graham Quisenberry.

TxDOT recently merged TRAX with Palo Pinto County’s Public Transit Service, due to what TxDOT official Mary Hobson said were financial problems.

However, Hobson admitted that part of the financial problem encountered by TRAX was due to a delay in disbursement of federal and state transportation funds.

In conducting the merger, TxDOT and Public Transit Services removed all assets owned by TRAX from county owned office space.

“We are concerned that Public Transit will sell assets that belong to the taxpayers,” Riley said. “There has not been any honest, legitimate discussions coming from the management of Public Transit, or TXDOT officials regarding their failure to properly serve our citizens since the takeover. There have been several discussions with them regarding the problems, and instead of resolutions, we get excuses.”

At a special meeting of the Parker County Commissioners Court, held Friday morning, the court unanimously passed a resolution prepared by Commissioner Jim Webster authorizing Riley to act on behalf of Parker County and all residents to support the establishment of a Senior Transportation Authority Network, using the vehicles that were previously used by TRAX and are currently being stored by Public Transit Services of Palo Pinto County.

Riley told Hobson in a commissioners court meeting held Monday that the issue could have been resolved without the removal of public transportation services from Parker County had he been notified by TxDOT of the financial problems.

“If you had come to me and explained the situation, we would have tried our best to bridge the gap for the remaining fiscal year,” Riley said.

Commissioner Webster stated that the county should do whatever it takes to restore this important service to the citizens of Parker County.

“Many of our senior citizens rely upon public transportation for their daily needs. It is deplorable that the service level has dropped as it has,” Webster commented.

Public Transit Services, which was supposed to continue to serve Parker County residents without any disruption or drop in service levels after the merger, has been unreliable, drivers have been rude, and sometimes the agency has been unwilling to provide transportation to Parker County residents who do not live in Weatherford, according to customers who complained of the new service at a recent meeting of the Parker County Commissioners Court.

“I have been a customer since this service started and everything was fine until one night things changed; now it is a total disaster,” Parker County resident Helen Farcas said.

“Based on the information given to Commissioner’s Court, it appears they performed radical surgery, when a topical ointment would have cured the illness,” said Commissioner Joe Brinkley.

Nursing home administrators also complained of their residents missing doctor’s appointments, the inability to be taken for dialysis or even to social functions that are important life quality issues for individuals who have no other means of transportation.

 During the public meeting, there were also complaints of seniors being left for great lengths of time before being picked up after completing doctor’s visits or grocery shopping.

“The management practices of Public Transit Services borders on abuse of the elderly,” said Riley. “We will not tolerate our citizens being mistreated.

Hobson said with the merger, came a change in policy that only allowed for curb to curb service, instead of the door to door service offered by TRAX. Riley said that he had been told that curb to curb service was all that was allowed by law, however, upon further questioning, it became clear that the drop in service is a result of board regulations adopted by the Public Transit Board.

“We have heard why this is good for Public Transit Services, why it is good for TXDOT, but we have not heard why this is good for the citizens of Parker County, and that is who we should be concerned about,” said Riley. “It is quite obvious this is not a good deal for our citizens.”

-End-

Parker County residents Impacted by Storms, Floods eligible for sba Loans

Parker County Judge Mark Riley was informed by Texas Governor, Rick Perry’s office today, Thursday, June 17, that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has deemed Parker County residents impacted by storms and floods from June 6 through June 9 eligible for SBA loans.

Under this declaration, residents and business owners impacted by this event can apply for low interest disaster loans, according to Riley.

“On behalf of the citizens of Parker County I appreciate the rapid response from the governor’s office regarding available disaster relief for our citizens,” Riley said. “The Governor’s Division of Emergency Management responded efficiently and unequivocally during the disaster providing us with a variety of resources upon request. The Parker County Division of Emergency Management would not have been able to respond as quickly to the needs of our citizens without that assistance.”

Residents and business owners applying for loans should contact the U.S. Small Business Administration, Disaster Area 3 Office at 14925 Kingsport Road in Fort Worth, TX.

Applications for loans for physical damage as a result of this disaster may be filed until the close of business on August 16, 2004 and for economic injury until the close of business on March 17, 2005 at the address listed above.

-End-

Parker county commissioners court works to solve public transportation problems

Intent of giving Parker County residents a forum to air their complaints on the recent consolidation of Parker County Transportation (TRAX) with Palo Pinto County’s Public Transit Services, the Parker County Commissioners Court held a meeting on the topic at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 14, 2004.

Past board members, drivers and local residents who use the service spoke of the “night and day change” which took place immediately following the consolidation, which combined Parker and Palo Pinto Counties, state and federally funded transportation service.

“I have been a customer since this service started and everything was fine until one night things changed and now it is a total disaster,” Parker County resident Helen Farcas said.

Complaints ranged from rude service, to no service available due to lack of drivers, to late service. Elderly and disabled customers said the drivers were no longer allowed to get out of their vans to assist them or even let them know of their arrival, when the situations did not allow for the customers to wait outside for the van.

Others were told that the new Public Transit Services would not go to rural areas, only cities.

Another waited at a grocery store for two hours for the Public Transit Services to arrive.

Parker County resident Pat Wood said she has used TRAX for two years and when she called Public Transit Services recently for a ride she was told that they could not offer her a ride because there were no drivers available.

“This new system is terrible,” Wood said.

The consolidation by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which occurred in March, dissolved the local TRAX board and moved the base of operations to Palo Pinto County.

Mary Hobson with Texas Department of Transportations’ Fort Worth Office attended the meeting and answered questions from the court once the audience had their say. She said the consolidation was done in such a hasty manner because TRAX was in a financial crisis.

Hobson said since the merge the 17 vans that used to serve Parker County have been reduced to seven.

After questioning from Parker County Judge Mark Riley, Hobson said that other changes since the merge include going from door to
door service to curb to curb service, the minimum standard allowable by law in regards to Texas’ public transportation.

In addition Hobson stated that Public Transit Services out of Palo Pinto County had experienced a decreased number of drivers, which was affecting service.

Commissioner Charles Akin told the audience that the state legislature cut funding to TxDOT by 13 percent.

“When you are told by your state legislators there is a budget shortfall but they are not going to raise taxes, this is what happens,” Akins aid. “Your services get cut.”

Riley made a motion for the court to have him submit an open records request to Texas Department of Public Transportation and Public Transit Services seeking additional information on the causes and logic of the dissolving of TRAX and the merging of services.

The motion passed unanimously.

Riley moved to authorize himself and Parker County Attorney John Forrest to meet with Texas Transportation Chairman Ric Williamson to discuss the situation. That motion passed unanimously.

Riley moved to appoint Commissioners Joe Brinkley and Charles Akin to undertake a study of the financial options to maintaining and providing public transportation services to Parker County and Commissioners Danny Choate and Jim Webster to determine the operational needs to provide Parker County with the service that was previously received. That motion also passed unanimously.

“We have to be able to determine what happened and why and then look at ways to bring back the public transportation services that Parker County residents are entitled to,” Riley said.

Riley admonished Hobson and TxDOT for not coming to him or Weatherford Mayor Joe Tison to explain the financial crisis TRAX was in and that TRAX would be dissolved and combined with Palo Pinto County’s Public Transit Services if funds were not made available to them.

“I can not speak for Mayor Tison, but I know if you had come to me and told me the dire straits you were in we would have tried our best to bridge the gap for the remaining fiscal year,” Riley said.

Riley said to Hobson that she had just heard the situation and asked her what would be done to help the residents of Parker County dependent on public transportation.

Hobson said she took notes on the complaints and would address the problems with the administration of Public Transit Services in Palo Pinto County.

“These are the same complaints we have presented to you over the past few weeks and nothing has changed,” Riley said. “The one thing that can be corrected immediately is the change in attitude by Public Transit employees towards our citizens. Our residents deserve better and management can correct that today if it chooses to do so.”

-End-

county judge does live interview on local flooding with fox news network

The flooding and severe weather which affected Parker County from June 1 through June 9, 2004 led to national media attention for Parker County with Parker County Judge Mark Riley conducting a live nationally broadcast interview with the Fox News Network this past Thursday June 10, 2004.

With helicopter footage showing the extensive creek flooding in the Aledo area, Jon Scott, a Fox News anchor for Fox News Live the network’s daytime hard news programming, introduced Riley asking him if he had ever seen anything like what was going.

Riley said he had but it had been approximately 10 years ago.

Riley praised the effort of those working the emergency including the personnel sent in from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

“We have a tremendous relief support base here in the State of Texas through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Management, they had deployed state resources immediately almost,” Riley said.

“Parker County has been under a state of emergency declaration since June 1. When we had our first storm system move through I declared an emergency. That sort of put us ahead of the curve even though we were not anticipating this one.”

Riley acknowledged The Salvation Army and The Red Cross along with local and state teams sent in to help in the emergency.

With video of horses in water up to their knees, Scott asked Riley if there was a problem with livestock.

Riley told Scott of partnerships the county has with other entities such as local animal shelters and Weatherford College’s agriculture farm to assist in dealing with livestock stranded or in danger from floods.

“I am sure with the former Governor of Texas in the Whitehouse you are getting about as much federal help as you could expect, huh?,” Scott asked Riley.

Riley responded by saying there is a process that must be followed.

“Even though President Bush is a friend to Texas as he is to all great states in this country, there is a process and we do go through that process with our Division of Emergency Management in the Texas Governor’s Office,” Riley said.

-End-

County To honor Former President Ronald Reagan

To honor the life of former President Ronald Reagan, county offices will close Friday, June 11th from 9:30 a.m. until noon, according to Parker County Judge Mark Riley.

Offices that normally close for lunch will not re-open until 1 p.m.

This time frame coincides with the Washington D.C. funeral procession and memorial service.

County officials are working on the ability to have the procession and memorial service broadcast on the video screens in the County Court at Law Courtroom in the Courthouse so employees can watch the service from there.

“It is certainly appropriate for county offices to close on a day that, we as a nation will pay tribute to a man who was a true statesman, a genuine leader, a real American,” Riley said. “President Ronald Reagan had a vision for America unlike that of any other. He had a vision that restored pride and responsibility in us all. By keeping county services available during the day we can also reinforce what he taught us so well: that government is here to serve the people. I believe that we can honor his memory as public officials and employees by continuing to provide the best and most efficient service we can, even on Friday.”

Due to storm damage, precincts will be open all day so that they may continue to take storm debris from residents.

 -end-

Precinct Barns Accepting Storm Debris

Parker County Commissioners are extending the use of their precinct barns to accept storm damage debris from residents affected by this week’s storms.

Parker County Judge Mark Riley said today that commissioners will accept storm debris from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2004, through Saturday, June 12, 2004.

Storm debris will also be accepted Monday, June 14, 2004 through Wednesday, June 16, 2004 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We are doing everything we can as a county to help ease the burden on our residents who were affected by the storms,” Riley said. “We are encouraging everybody to be prepared if more severe weather threatens. Stay alert and be safe.”

For limbs or debris threatening homes, autos or other private property, residents should consider calling a private contractor to cut and dispose of the material. Construction material such as roofing, dry wall, garage doors, etc. should be disposed of by the

private contractor hired to make repairs. Parker County is not able to perform work on private property or collect this contractor-generated waste.

County officials are still urging family and friends of loved ones in the affected areas to continue to check on them, especially the elderly.

-End-

Over 1,500 parker County residents Without Power

Parker County Judge Mark Riley announced today there are approximately 800 Tri-County Electric customers and 782 TXU customers without power in Parker County.

“The Parker County Judge’s Office of Emergency management is and has been working with state officials to provide assistance for those impacted by the recent storms,” Riley said. “The salvation Army will have two food canteen locations set up. One food canteen will be located on the corner of Veal Station Road and Upper Denton Road and another on Prather Road. They will provide free food for those residents impacted by the loss of electricity and anyone working in the clean up, relief and repair effort.”

Those food canteens will be set up and providing food by 4 p.m. today, Thursday, June 3, 2004, according to salvation Army Captain Mike Morton. The food canteens will be open until 8 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.

Residents who are without electricity and need a cool place to stay are urged to contact the Parker County Judge’s Office of Emergency Management at 817-598-0969.

Residents who are without power and have not already reported it to their electric company should also call the Parker County Judge’s Office of Emergency Management at 817-598-0969 and leave their name, phone number and address of where the outage is.

Anyone who sees a downed power line should not touch it. Call 911 and report its location.

Residents who live in unincorporated areas should contact the Parker County Sheriff’s Office at 817-594-8845 if they see any suspicious activity in their neighborhood. Residents should always call 911 in cases of an emergency.

“We are asking Parker County residents with friends or family in the affected areas, especially the elderly, to check on those who may be without power to ensure their safety,” Riley said.

Residents with concern for their safety, health and well being should contact the Parker County Judge’s Office of Emergency Management or their individual precinct commissioner.

Parker County Precincts 1, 2 and 4 barns will have roll-off dumpsters in place by Friday morning for spoiled food, limbs and debris.

For limbs or debris threatening homes, autos or other private property, residents should consider calling a private contractor to cut and dispose of the material. Construction material such as roofing, dry wall, garage doors, etc. should be disposed of by the

private contractor you hire to make repairs. Parker County is not able to perform work on private property or collect this contractor-generated waste.

-End-

County Judge Mark Riley Declares Emergency

Following a storm damage assessment meeting at the Parker County Emergency Management Office Wednesday morning, Parker County Judge Mark Riley declared a county emergency in the wake of Tuesday evening’s storms that roared through the county.

“This emergency declaration is an important step in the clean up process,” Riley said. “This will allow our emergency service personnel and precinct workers to take whatever steps are necessary to protect life and property.”

By declaring an emergency, county personnel can go onto private property in cases where they deem it necessary.

Parker County Emergency Management Coordinator Brad Cathey told County Commissioners and Road Foreman the path of the storms and preliminary damage reports.

Cathey said the damage came from two storms one traveling south east from Whitt to the Hudson Oaks area and another from the Springtown area south to Lake Weatherford.

Cathey said there are preliminary reports of approximately 10 homes with major damage and 35 to 50 homes with minor damage. He said there were no reports of any major injuries caused by the storm. One truck driver suffered a minor injury after his truck was blown over on Interstate 20 at the 415 mile marker, according to Cathey.

Commissioners reported to Cathey they had crews out through the night cleaning debris off the roadway with the help of numerous volunteer fire departments.

Cathey asked commissioners and their crews to travel every road in the damage area during the day Wednesday, documenting the damage and any work that needed to be done.

“We have power and phone outages in these areas and we have to make sure nobody is trapped or injured,” Cathey told those in attendance at the meeting. “We need pictures of major damage, including homes so we can pass that information on to Red Cross officials.”

Red Cross officials at the meeting said they will have water and clean up kits available.

“We will be looking for any families in need due to storm damage,” Parker County Red Cross Coordinator Bobbie Bates said.

-End-

Trial Cancelled

All residents recently summoned to appear in Parker County Judge Mark Riley’s County Court are hereby notified that the trial scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 trial has been cancelled.

Those summoned for that day can disregard the notification and need not appear at the Parker County Courthouse.

-End-

Courthouse Open to Public For Tours on Friday, April 23

The Parker County Courthouse will be open to the general public to tour on Friday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is an informal open house, with the official courthouse rededication taking place later in the year.

Congresswoman Kay Granger of the 12^th District will be arriving at approximately 11 a.m. to be given a tour by Parker County Judge Mark Riley.

“Please drop by and enjoy an important part of our past, and an integral part of our future,” Riley said. “I hope to see you Friday.”

-End-

county signs contract on advanced emergency telephone notification system

Parker County Judge Mark Riley signed a contract today with FirstCall Interactive Network, a unique emergency telephone notification system that has been proven to save lives in cases of emergencies.

This countywide emergency notification system will allow Parker County Emergency Management officials to notify all Parker County residents who have phone service, of any emergency information that officials believe needs to get out.

“I believe the signing of this contract and having this ability is a great step towards better protecting our residents and potentially saving lives,” Riley said. “For example, if there was a train derailment in which hazardous chemicals were released we can notify residents in the area of danger what they need to do through a recorded message. This tool gives us the ability to select exactly which parts of the county and cities within the county we want to reach.”

Parker County Commissioner Pct. 3 Charles Akin said the county’s signing of the contract brings a needed benefit to county taxpayers and residents.

“The FirstCall countywide emergency notification system is another example of how the county is using technology to serve its citizens,” Akin said. “This system, which was purchased through a grant, can be used to save the lives of thousands of Parker County Citizens. The system also reflects how all citizens benefit when elected officials, employees and community leaders work together. I am proud to be a part of a group of leaders who are willing to embrace technology like this.”

Riley said no matter what type of emergency was occurring, be it bad weather, an out of control fire or a lost child, FirstCall will aid the county and entities within the county in getting out the proper message to those who are potentially affected.

FirstCall Interactive Network is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They utilize a proprietary computer mapping system with integrated residential and business telephone numbers and address information to provide the fastest, clearest and uninterrupted emergency telephone notification.

The system will be available for use by incorporated cities within the county.

Weatherford Fire Chief George Teague is a proponent of the system.

“The FirstCall warning system will give public officials the ability to deliver residents directly, the important information needed in a variety of emergency situations,” Teague said. “We will also be able to call them back when the emergency is over and give the all clear.”

FirstCall is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained certified emergency notification personnel to handle any Parker County emergency notifications. The system allows for Parker County officials to be the user in control and to record a message on the fly at the time of the notification or prerecorded and stored until needed.

“Another feature of this system is that it gives us the ability to have our notification radiate out from the point of the incident,” Parker County Emergency Management Coordinator Brad Cathey said. “Thus, those who are in the most danger will be contacted first.”

The system utilizes 64 T-1 digital carriers providing 1536 dedicated digital circuits for message delivery to not only residential and business phones, but also cellular phones, pagers and wireless devices.

For those with only cell phones or who have unlisted numbers their number can be added to the database by contacting FirstCall.

“Once we complete our training with FirstCall, we will have more detailed information on how Parker County residents can have their cell number or unlisted number added to the database,” Cathey said.

With the 64 T-1 digital carriers, 162,000 thirty second messages can be delivered per hour and 23,000 messages in 10 minutes.

Cathey said the system will be available for use by school districts, utility companies and other agencies with such a need.

At the conclusion of each system activation, FirstCall automatically faxes, emails and stores a complete and detailed incident specific calling report and voice WAV file containing who was contacted and when they were reached as well as the actual message delivered. This report will be generated within 5 to 10 minutes of each completed activation.

-End-

Gas Line struck Outage occurs

At approximately 3 p.m. a private contractor hit a Texas Gas Service line on the north side of Interstate 20 in Parker County in the vicinity of mile marker 415.

Between 1,300 and 1,400 homes on both the north and south sides of I-20 in east Parker County are affected by the loss of gas.

Crews expect to have repair made by 7 p.m. tonight, but it will possibly be noon on Wednesday, Feb. 4, before gas service is restored to homes.

At the present time, crews are going to each gas meter to turn them off.

After the repair is made the gas lines will be bled and then a technician with the gas company will return to each home or business to turn the gas meters back on and assist in lighting pilot lights.

Individuals who are elderly and/or have a health concern can call the Texas Gas Assistance Line at 1-800-959-5325.

Parker County Emergency Management and the Red Cross are opening a shelter at Mince Auditorium on the Weatherford College Campus, located in Weatherford at 225 College Park Drive.

  -end-

Commissioners court agrees to lease in willow park

At its Friday, Jan. 9, 2004 meeting, Parker County Commissioners Court agreed to a three-year lease agreement with Thrift Mart Partnership for space in the Willow Park building that once housed Brookshire’s Grocery Store.

Parker County will lease 4,375 feet of space for $3,281 a month, according to Parker County Judge Mark Riley.

The space will go to house the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 office along with an additional auto-registration office and Precinct 4 Constable.

The agreement also calls for Thrift Mart Partnership to credit the county a sum of $132,000 for the purposes of Thrift Mart Partnership building the offices according to plans designed by Parker County.

“That is a tremendous savings to our taxpayers,” Riley said. “Normally the lessor requires the lessee to pay for the finish

out. In this case, they will finish it out and use our plans to do so.”

  Riley said the move of the Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace office, which is currently located in the Parker County Justice Center, will now open up room for the Sheriff’s Department to expand and improve their communications center, which is another benefit to county taxpayers. He said the existing communications center is not conducive to providing an appropriate environment to dispatch emergency calls for residents

  Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Webster said the move will make conducting county business easier on county residents.

  “This was done primarily so county-wide communications could be improved by installing consoles in the area where Justice of the Peace Four is now located, and also to consolidate the county offices of Justice of the Peace, tag registration, and constable into an East Parker County location to be more convenient to Precinct Four taxpayers.”

  The lease also gives the county two options at renewing the lease after the initial three year period.

  “This is a good deal for the county and county residents,” Riley said. “We did not have to sign a long term deal but we also have two options at extending the deal if that is what turns out to be the best for all involved. Another advantage is the location. It is easily accessible for not only east Parker County residents but also those who travel or work in that part of the county or further east.”

County’s environmental Department Making Progress

Their goal is to make Parker County a more aesthetically pleasing place to live.

That means putting an end to illegal dump sites, trash strewn yards along with other nuisance issues, through increased patrol, tickets and misdemeanor and felony prosecutions.

Parker County’s Environmental Office has recently expanded, with the hiring of an additional environmental crime investigator to help Parker County’s Chief Environmental Officer Brad Cathey.

Cathey hired Charles Morton in the fall of 2003. At the time, Cathey was swamped under a backlog of approximately 180 environmental cases. Since the hiring of Morton, over 120 cases have been closed out.

“Morton has made a big difference in the short time he has been here,” Cathey said. “With his knowledge on environmental crimes he has been able to attack environmental crimes in Parker County with a renewed vigor.

Cathey cited an environmental crime discovered on December 30 and already solved as an example of the department’s focus on cleaning Parker County.

“Morton was returning from a complaint call in South East Parker County,” Cathey said. “It is our policy to always take back roads when out in the county, as those are the most likely areas where you will find an illegal dump site. While driving back on Bear Creek Road, he found four drums scattered along the roadside with some of the contents spilling out.”

Since he was unable to identify the contents of the drums, Cathey called in an environmental clean-up company to remove and identify the drums and its contents, which turned out to be a harmless silicone type substance used by plumbing companies.

“Thankfully, it was not a hazardous spill but still, county roads are not the place to dump anything, hazardous or not,” Cathey said. “Since it was in a closed container and unidentifiable the law considers it a second degree felony.”

An investigation followed and Cathey and Morton were able to track the manifest back to a company in Austin known as All City Professional Plumbing.

Morton and Cathey paid the company a visit on Friday, January 2 and upon meeting with the owner and showing him the evidence the company took full responsibility for the incident and will pay all costs for the clean-up and investigation, according to Cathey.

The owner said an employee took a company vehicle home for the holidays, in violation of company rules. That person was visiting

friends or relatives in Parker County and decided he did not have enough room in the bed of his truck to haul things back to Austin.

“Apparently he thought he would give himself so more room in the bed of his truck by dumping these drums,” Cathey said.

Charges were not filed against the company since they took responsibility for the incident and for the costs.

“We want to let people know that we will work with them instead of pressing charges as long as they will work with us,” Cathey said. “However, if they don’t cooperate we have no other options than pursuing it to the full extent of the law.”

According to County Judge Mark Riley the environmental office has been a work in progress for many years.

“We are finally addressing environmental issues in an appropriate fashion,” Riley said. “In the past, the emphasis was on the cases that would create headlines. While there is a lot of work to do with many issues still existing I am committed to making this department effective in improving the quality of life for Parker County residents.”

Riley said that with the cooperation of other agencies and prosecuting attorneys, those who violate environmental laws will be properly dealt with.

County judge moves to bolster economic development

In an effort to enhance economic development, County Judge Mark Riley has announced his intentions to appoint an industrial commission as provided for in the Texas Local Government Code.

“This commission will help the court determine the most feasible, cost efficient way to improve the industrial base in the county,” Riley said. “Currently, industry only accounts for about seven percent of our tax base. With that, it is obvious that not much has been accomplished in recruiting new industry to Parker County.”

According to the Local Government Code, Chapter 381.001 (f), “The commission shall investigate and undertake ways of promoting the prosperous development of business, industry, and commerce in the county. The commission shall promote the location and development of new businesses and industries in the county and the maintenance and expansion of existing businesses.”

Riley said this new committee will work closely with the county’s strategic plan committee.

“As we prepare to appoint action committees in the development of our strategic plan, this industrial commission can serve in that capacity as it relates to economic development,” Riley said.

The commission must consist of not less than seven persons who must be residents of the county and must have exhibited interest in the industrial development of the county, according to the statute.

 This move comes on the heels of the Parker County Commissioners Court recent passage of a tax incentive plan for non-retail businesses.

 A member of the commission serves a term of two years.

County Creates Interim tax Incentive Plan

With a packed courtroom before them, Parker County Commissioners voted unanimously at their December 17^th special meeting to approve an interim tax incentive plan modeled after the City of Weatherford’s and Johnson County’s tax incentive plan.

The plan clearly calls for no tax incentives given to retail businesses.

“I am opposed to giving any kind of tax abatement or tax incentive to any retail business,” said Riley at the meeting. “I feel it just gives them an unfair advantage over their retail competitors who did not receive any incentives and it does not adequately stimulate the economy.”

The court said they wanted the plan to be on an interim basis due to the fact that the county has already put in place a strategic planning committee that is looking into a long term incentive plan for the county 

“They may like this plan and want to continue with it or they may look at this plan and decide that a few changes or modifications would be appropriate,” Riley said.

Commissioners heard from members of the public who overwhelmingly called for the court to adopt an incentive plan.

“It is better to have 80 percent of something than 100 percent of nothing,” Willow Park resident Hale Alderman said. “To me it is a no brainer.”

Two members of the audience said they were against tax abatements all together.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Charles Akin said tax abatement and tax incentive programs can be beneficial.

“We have to be careful to provide these incentives to those prospective businesses that will truly benefit the county financially, and we must insure that these incentives do not give unfair competitive advantages that penalize our existing business base,” Akin said. “Good tax abatement/incentive programs can help minimize tax burdens for existing taxpayers if they are designed well and monitored diligently. This temporary tax incentive program passed by commissioner’s court is a good first step in helping to improve the overall economy of Parker County.”

Precinct 2 Commissioner Joe Brinkley said Riley and Akin had clearly addressed the courts position.

“It is important to remember that the court is considering an incremental tax structure, not an “abatement”, which eliminates taxes,” Brinkley said. “Parker County must be in a competitive posture to increase the commercial and industrial tax base to a more proportionate share.”

The court pointed out tax base figures that show only 7.03percent of the property tax income into the county comes from commercial and industrial sources, while single family residents take up 40.7 percent of the burden.

“The lack on income from industry proves the necessity to increase the industrial base,” Riley said. “However, tax incentives alone will not work. That has been proven already.”

County Freezes Taxes on those Disabled and over 65

Parker County Commissioners Court voted unanimously at their Monday December 15^th meeting to freeze the county’s property tax rate on those who are disabled or over 65 at the current rate.

The move is allowable thanks to the passage of Proposition 13 on September 13 in the Texas Constitutional Amendment election.

County Judge Mark Riley urged voters to pass the resolution in September and called for its passage by commissioners court also, saying it would not have a detrimental effect on the county’s revenue, while it would be a great benefit to those it affected.

According to Parker County Auditor James Danford approximately $25,000 to $30,000 would be lost in county revenue.

“While that is strictly an estimate and the final amount is dependent upon a variety of factors at the time the appraisal rolls are certified, the financial “loss” to county government will not be detrimental,” Riley said. “The potential gain for the average

senior citizen or disabled homeowner is worth my vote.”

Parker County Commissioner Precinct 3 Charles Akin agreed and echoed Riley’s sentiments.

“I am pleased that we are able to offer this tax advantage to this group of people,” Akin said. “It is a big help to them, and will not present a significant impact to the county’s revenue flow.”

Akin said he looked forward to searching for and implementing more solutions that will offer tax relief to all Parker County taxpayers.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Joe Brinkley said the action of the court was an appropriate response to Proposition 13 and the opportunity to assist senior citizens.

“This court will continue to seek opportunities to serve Parker County residents,” Brinkley said.

County Officials Look to Protect taxpayers by ending unfunded mandates

Parker County Commissioners Court voted unanimously at a recent regular meeting, to approve a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment that would limit state actions which mandate counties to spend additional funds.

Parker County Commissioner Precinct 3 Charles Akin and County Judge Mark Riley led the push, working with different state and county groups attempting to get a statewide referendum placed on the March 2004 primary ballots which would allow voters to decide if unfunded mandates from the state to counties should be reined in to protect taxpayers from being saddled with higher property taxes.

“Our property taxpayers currently have no protection against state actions that force counties to raise taxes,” Akin said.

“We believe a constitutional amendment would curtail many of the unfunded mandates. The mandates are often unintended consequences of legislative action or state administrative action. While legislators and state executives don not willingly intend to cause local tax increases, their actions too often result in tax hikes because they do not include statewide funding mechanisms to pay for the directives to counties.”

Riley said he has long argued against unfunded mandates.

“Unfunded mandates from Austin are nothing new,” Riley said. “County government has been fighting them for many, many years. We complained about them in 1987 when I first took office.

“The difference now, is that local elected officials are united across the state to educate our taxpayers about the cause and effect of what occurs in Austin as it relates to local government taxes. No one likes to raise taxes, but it is irresponsible for Austin to tell us they have not raised taxes when many times their actions cause local governments to raise taxes or fees. That amounts to a tax increase from Austin."

Commissioner Precinct 4 Jim Webster said counties have been left funding state bills for too long.

“Government, like water, flows downhill and the county is at the bottom of the hill, catching many of the state’s bills,” Webster said. “Local taxpayers are already saddled with enough taxes, and now here comes Goliath needing money.”

Commissioner Precinct 2 Joe Brinkley said the action taken by the court was much needed.

“Our state legislature needs to be accountable for the actions taken which impact the local taxpayers,” Brinkley said.

To initiate the effort, the Subcommittee on Unfunded Mandates for the Policy Analysis Group met recently at the Texas Association of Counties in Austin. The subcommittee decided to seek a referendum in both the Republican and Democratic Party primary elections next spring. The referendum was proposed and quickly approved by members of the subcommittee who were present.

The referendum would give primary voters the opportunity to express their feelings on better protecting local taxpayers from state mandates through a proposed constitutional amendment.

The referendum states: “For or against a constitutional amendment protecting taxpayers by prohibiting state mandates that require local property tax increases. The constitutional amendment will be presented to the Legislature at its next session.

Riley and Akin noted that legislative budget actions during tough financial times often have a direct impact on counties and property taxpayers, even when legislators do not intend such a burden.

During the recent 78^th Legislature session, that ended earlier this year, examples include cuts to health care, mental health and the Children’s Health insurance Program that have resulted in counties being forced to assume additional costs.

Under-funded or unfunded mandates from previous legislatures have included the 1985 Indigent Health Care Act and the 2001 law mandating indigent criminal defense services.

County Judge Enacts Burn Ban

Parker County Judge Mark Riley has ordered, in accordance with provisions of the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, an emergency burn ban to be in effect for Parker County, today, Wednesday Oct. 29, 2003 through Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003 due to high fire danger in Parker County and North Texas.

This means no outdoor burning will be allowed.

According to the Texas Forrest Service Parker County has a drought index rating of near 500, meaning vegetation will burn actively.

Parker County received word from the National Weather Service on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 of a Fire Weather Watch for all of North Texas due to high winds and low humidity levels.

A person violates this order if he or she causes the burning of any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and or sparks, or orders such burning by others.

Violation of this order is a Class C Misdemeanor.

Public Hearing Set for third Emergency Service District

Parker County Commissioners Court set a public hearing for 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov.3 to consider a petition for an election for a third Emergency Service District in the county at Monday’s regular court meeting.

If set for an election by the court, county and Hudson Oaks residents that are in an approximate 20 square mile area around Hudson Oaks will vote on whether or not to approve what would be known as Parker County Emergency Service District No. 3.

That election would likely occur in February.

Parker County Commissioners Court recently approved a petition for Parker County Emergency Services District No. 2 which would cover the Central, Peaster and Poolville Volunteer Fire Department coverage areas.

That election will be held on Tuesday Nov. 4.

If voters approve the ESD, an ESD board will be created which can tax up to 10 cents per $100 valuation on property in the designated area. The money generated would go specifically to the volunteer fire departments.

In other court news, County Judge Mark Riley said that the City of Weatherford Fire Department will handle any suspicious fire investigations needed in the county, while the court continues to accept applications for the part-time Fire Marshal position.

“The volunteer fire departments will be notified that effective October 1, 2003 if they have a suspicious fire they are to contact the City of Weatherford Fire Department to investigate,” Riley said. “This is strictly an interim move and is not a new arrangement, as the City of Weatherford has done this before on an interim basis.”

Riley and Commissioners Danny Choate, Joe Brinkley, Charles Akin and Jim Webster also commended Parker County Sheriff Jay Brown and Jail Warden George Pulse for the recent certification of compliance received by Sheriff’s Department from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

court approves petition; sets election for emergency services district

After holding a public hearing at Monday’s regular meeting of commissioners court, Parker County Commissioners unanimously approved a petition for the creation of an Emergency Services District (ESD) in the Poolville, Peaster and Central Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) coverage areas to be known as Emergency Services District #2.

By approving the petition, the court allowed the matter to go before the residents of that area of the county in an election to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Larry Chapman, Secretary of the Peaster VFD was one of only two people who spoke at the hearing.

Chapman spoke in favor of the court approving the petition and putting the matter before the voters, explaining that it was needed to enable the VFD’s to work on long range planning.

Glen Michaels, a Parker County resident who sits on the Central VFD Board of Directors, also spoke out in favor of the petition.

Michaels said Central VFD operates with a budget of $70,000 a year with nearly half of that given to them by Parker County. He said while the area has grown the amount of money raised at the department’s fundraisers has remained stagnant requiring a need for more money.

Chapman expressed his appreciation to commissioners court for their support of the petition.

“I feel wonderful about it,” Chapman said. “I think it is an equitable way for all the citizens out there to share in fire protection. I am extremely pleased with the court’s action.”

If voters approve the ESD, an ESD board will be created which can tax up to 10 cents per $100 valuation on property in the designated area. The money generated would go specifically to the three volunteer fire departments.

"An election for Emergency Service Districts will give the voters an opportunity to determine how much they are willing to pay for fire service in that specific area," said County Judge Mark Riley. "A district will also assist the departments in planning services for the continued growth of the county."

The petition, signed by over 100 qualified voters who live in that area of the county, was started by members of the volunteer fire departments.

Currently there is already an ESD in the Springtown area known as Emergency Services District #1 and a third petition has been received by Riley’s office calling for the creation of an ESD in the Hudson Oaks area.

COUNTY AND CITY UNITE TO FIGHT CRIME

Parker County and Weatherford officials have stepped up their levels of cooperation, uniting in a new task force on major crime investigations.

Parker County District Attorney Don Schnebly presented the Parker County Commissioners Court with a mutual aid law enforcement agreement at this week’s court meeting, where County Judge Mark Riley and Commissioners Danny Choate, Joe Brinkley, Charles Akin, and Jim Webster approved the agreement unanimously.

The Weatherford City Council approved the measure unanimously last week.

Through the agreement, the task force will consist of two investigators from the Weatherford Police Department, Ken Dabbs and Marc Gray, along with the two investigators from the District Attorney’s Office, Larry Fowler and James Rutledge. Schnebly said that Texas Ranger Russ Authier will also office with and assist the task force.

The task force will be headed by Fowler, who served as a deputy U.S. Marshall for 24 years before serving as Chief Deputy with the Sheriff’s Office and then as a District Attorney Investigator.

“This agreement brings together expertise and resources to more effectively fight crime at no extra cost to the community,” Schnebly said. “The four investigators currently in the task force have about 100 years of combined experience in many different areas of law enforcement.”

According to Schnebly, the task force will focus primarily on major cases, drug and computer crimes, and apprehending felony fugitives.

“We appreciate the thoughtful consideration of the commissioner’s court and city council in their approval of the creation of this unit,” Schnebly said.

new county court at law in doubt

After learning of a new attempt by State Representative Phil King to create an additional District Court in Parker County, Parker County Commissioners Court agreed Monday that an additional District Court would be better than the newly created County Court at Law No. 2, but it has to be one or the other.

During the recent 2^nd Special Session of the Texas Legislature King authored House Bill 31. That bill would create effective Jan. 1, 2004 the 415^th District Court of Parker County if passed during an expected 3^rd Special Session of the Texas Legislature.

While Parker County has asked the legislature for a second District Court for several years, Parker County officials said they were not aware of the new attempt for a District Court and that funding or a location is not available for both an additional County Court at Law and District Court.

“We need an additional court due to the overload our current District and County Court at Law are facing,” County Judge Mark Riley said. “However we can not afford two additional courts nor do we have a location to put both.”

Earlier this year in the regular session of the 78^th Texas Legislature State Senator Craig Estes authored a bill which was passed creating the new County Court at Law, since at the time it was believed that a new District Court could not be established until September of 2005 at the earliest, with that even being doubtful.

Parker County Commissioners Court recently spent weeks working out the funding to open the new County Court at Law No.2 at the beginning of the 2004 calendar year.

Now it appears that work may be tossed out the window, if a solution can be worked out so that the new County Court at Law can be abolished if the new District Court is created.

After receiving input from District Judge Don Chrestman and County Court at Law Judge Graham Quisenberry, the court agreed that a new District Court would be more of a benefit to the taxpayers of Parker County than the new County Court at Law because it would cost less, as the District Court would be funded mostly by the state.

The court unanimously agreed to authorize Riley to send letters to both King and Estes supporting the creation of the new District Court provided that there is an amendment to the bill repealing the new County Court at Law No. 2.

Paying their debt to society

Parker County’s Juvenile Probation Department’s community service program has worked at full force this summer.

Parker County Juvenile Probation Director Tom Kidd said that the juveniles on probation are mandated to perform community service.

“Community service is a consequence these juveniles have to face for violating the law, but it is also an opportunity to teach them the values of helping others,” Kidd said.

Parker County’s Juvenile Probation Board, which consists of County Judge Mark Riley, County Court at Law Judge Graham Quisenberry and District Judge Don Chrestman, oversees the department with Chrestman and Quisenberry also serving as Juvenile Court Judges.

“The Juvenile Judges have the opportunity to work with children and their parents to change lives before they are included within the adult criminal justice system,” Chrestman said. “The community service is a method for clarifying that there are consequences to violation of the law even if you are a child.”

Approximately 75 youths are participating this summer performing over 1,000 hours of community service, according to Juvenile Probation officers and community service program coordinators Scott Gieger, Susan Foster and Dwayne Smith.

“They are working six hour days and learning what it means to give back to the community,” Foster said.

The youth have worked at several City of Weatherford departments where they pick up trash, trim trees, mow, weed eat, cut brush and perform general clean up duties, according to Smith.

Gieger said the juveniles have also worked at Peaster ISD moving furniture, repairing desks and performing general cleaning work.

In addition, the community service program maintains four miles of roadside through the Adopt a Highway Program.

The Parker County Juvenile Probation Department runs the community service program throughout the year and work closely with local school districts and non-profit agencies to develop projects.

No more dumpsters in county right of way

Beginning September 1, 2003 Parker County will begin impounding all large trash dumpsters that are left in the county right of way.

Parker County Attorney John Forrest said that the county right of way extends from fence line to fence line along county roads.

“The placement of these dumpsters in the county right of way is a violation of the law,” Forrest said.

While county officials are in the process of notifying all trash hauling companies that serve Parker County about this issue, county residents need to be aware and responsible for their trash dumpsters.

“We do have quite a bit of a problem with this,” Parker County Environmental Officer Brad Cathey said. “These dumpsters that are in the right of way are unsightly, a safety hazard and lead to damage of county roads.”

The large trucks tear up the sides of the roads as they pull over into the grass to dump the dumpsters, according to Cathey.

“The dumpsters need to be on the owner’s property inside the fence line so that the trash trucks will have to use the resident’s driveway, instead of pulling partially off the side of the road to dump the trash,” Cathey said. “The way the drivers of the trucks are doing it now, not getting completely off the roadway, creates the possibility of a driver coming over a hill and hitting the rear of the truck or having to take dangerous evasive action.”

County Judge Mark Riley said he is pleased with this effort to improve the safety of Parker County residents, while restoring the natural landscape along county roads.

“This is just another step towards improving environmental enforcement as it relates to the health and safety of our constituents,” Riley said. “This commissioners court is committed to doing what is legally available to resolving these issues.”

County Looking To Improve Fine Collections

Parker County, like other counties and municipalities rely on a significant portion of their yearly revenue to come from court fines and fees.

However, actually collecting those fines is not always easy.

It can lead to the staff of a Justice of the Peace office or County and District Court office spending more of their time working as debt collectors than court coordinators.

“It creates quite a bit of extra work,” Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Suzie Merkley said. “The office turns into more of a collection agency as we try to contact the debtors.”

Merkley said if an individual fails to pay his or her fine, a warrant is issued for his or her arrest, creating more work and taking up jail space.

Many individuals end up paying off their fines through serving jail time, meaning the county loses out on the money, while spending money to house them at the jail.

“The other alternative is to allow them to escape their responsibility,” County Judge Mark Riley said. “For years, when we have got into jail overcrowding issues, we have those people who complain about us holding those folks who have not paid their fines. However, the problem is they have not obeyed the law; they have not followed the rules of society.

“If we do not hold them accountable, then the potential for greater problems exist. They must take care of their responsibilities as everyone else does.”

For this reason the Parker County Commissioners Court heard proposals from Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson and Municipal Services Bureau, two companies who specialize in the collecting of court fines and fees at its Monday, July 28^th meeting.

Parker County Commissioner Precinct 1 Danny Choate said the issue is something the court needed to look into.

“It is an area where we are missing out on revenues that are owed to us,” Choate said. “We can not sit back and do nothing about it.”

Riley said the court will consider the proposals along with other options such as a service called Omnibase.

Omnibase is a system tied in with the State of Texas Department of Public Safety. It works through placing a renewal hold on the driver’s license of any Texas resident who has a warrant issued for their arrest due to failure to pay a fine or fee or failing to appear for a court date. The individual can not renew their driver’s license until the fine is paid.

County Saves Thousands With Bonds

Parker County Commissioners saved the county thousands Monday by authorizing the issuance of the county’s Limited Tax Refunding Bond, Series 2003 and the sale of the bonds at the courts July 21, 2003 regular meeting.

In doing so the court saved the county $66,612.64, according to George Williford with First Southwest Company. Williford acts as the county’s external financial advisor.

It was also noted in the discussion on this issue that Parker County has maintained an A+ bond rating from Standard and Poor’s rating service.

a tough job but proud to do it

They are the some of the many unsung but dedicated employees of Parker County government.

Rarely are they recognized or shown much appreciation for what they do.

But for Building and Grounds Director Vernon Sampley and his staff of 9 men and women, it is more about getting the job done right at the least expense to Parker County taxpayers rather than attaining any glory.

With more than 15 buildings to keep cool, clean and functioning for county residents and employees it is no small task, but one they take pride in.

“I think I have a great job with lots of challenges,” Sampley said. “Every once in a while somebody will tell us they appreciate what we do and I do get a lot of compliments from county employees on our custodial staff, but we just take pride in the job we do. We are not here to be patted on the back. We just do our job.”

Building and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor Howard Ford echoed Sampley’s thoughts on work ethic.

“It is not about recognition it is about having a job to do, doing it and moving on to the next one,” Ford said.

Sampley has Kevin Holloway in charge of maintaining the outside grounds of county buildings.

Ford, Randy Blakely and Don Donaldson are general maintenance and are licensed to work on air conditioners, which saves taxpayers thousands of dollars and takes up much of their time, as the county has approximately 80 air conditioning units.

Patsy Edwards, Elizabeth Nix, Remigio Nodado, Alycia Reddell and Karen Hale work as the custodians for the many county buildings. They are known for their excellent work and friendly demeanor by the numerous county employees they come in contact with each day.

For Building and Grounds each day can bring a new challenge.

“We are always on call for whatever may happen, be it an air conditioner that goes out, a water leak somewhere and numerous other things,” Sampley said. “There is never a lack of work.”

Sampley said he has a very high skilled staff as exhibited by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 office located 207 Fort Worth Highway.

The building was just an empty shell before Sampley, Ford, Blakely and Donaldson restored the building on their own, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Sampley said the only things they have to contract out are some electric and plumbing work.

“The Building and Grounds Department exemplifies what work ethic and public service is all about,” Parker County Judge Mark Riley said. “Their initial response is always positive in that they look for a way to perform their tasks, not looking for a reason why they can’t. The taxpayers of Parker County are fortunate to have Vernon and his crew working for us.”

PARKER COUNTY JUDGE’S OFFICE

123 North Main St.

Weatherford, Texas 76086

Mark Riley 817/599-5607

County Judge  Fax 817/594-8488

June 4, 2003

PRESS RELEASE

*********************************************

As many know in the recent Texas Legislative Session, Parker County was awarded an additional County Court at Law to help reduce the backlog that both the current County Court at Law and the 43^rd District Court are facing.

Many rumors are circulating as to the employment procedure for the newly approved County Court at Law.

State law calls for the commissioners court to appoint the judge in cases of newly created County Courts at Law.

According to County Judge Mark Riley, the court will establish guidelines and a time-frame for the appointment of the new judge.

“I will call a special meeting of the commissioners court in the coming weeks for court to begin preliminary discussions on proceeding with a timeline and funding for the new court,” Riley said.

Though the state legislature creates the new courts they do not fund them, leaving that to the county.

“Commissioners Court will make a decision on when funding will begin,” Riley said. “But one thing I can tell you is that it will not be funded before October 1 of this year and depending on the financial needs of the existing County Court at Law and District Court, the new court may not be funded until after January 1, 2004.

 ` ####

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT JOEL KERTOK AT 817-597-1739

PARKER COUNTY JUDGE’S OFFICE

123 North Main St.

Weatherford, Texas 76086

Mark Riley 817/599-5607

County Judge    Fax 817/594-8488

April 22, 2003

PRESS RELEASE

*********************************************

Parker County is getting out of the residential/development culvert business after a 4-1 vote at the Monday, April 21 meeting of Parker County Commissioners Court.

The idea of possibly privatizing the service was brought forth by Precinct 3 Commissioner Charles Akin. He, along with County Judge Mark Riley, Commissioners Danny Choate and Joe Brinkley voted in favor of the motion with Commissioner Jim Webster voting against the motion.

Akin said the idea for privatizing the service came from a conversation with Hood County Commissioner Bob Anderson, where the same concept was initiated just over a year ago.

Anderson told the court they system has worked well for Hood County and allowed them to keep their road crews actually working on roads and bridges instead of an increasing amount of culverts.

“First of all we do not generate revenue or a profit off of it, it is a break even situation,” said Akin regarding the installation of culverts. “My crews installed 27 alone during the month of March. Each time we install a culvert it ties up two to four men, so what this will do is keep those men on road and bridge work rather than culvert work, which is what the county taxpayers really expect us to do.”

Riley said he liked the idea in that it put the cost of installing the culverts on those who actually needed it done, instead of all taxpayers subsidizing the work though it was of no benefit to them as a whole.

“I think this is the right direction to go,” Riley said. “Anytime that we can allow private enterprise to perform a service we should look for those opportunities.”

The court agreed to set a workshop meeting for May 14^th to go over the final procedures for the change, which is set to go in place on June 1, 2003.

Webster said he only voted against the motion due to lack of time to study the idea.

 ####

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT JOEL KERTOK AT 817-597-1739

PARKER COUNTY JUDGE’S OFFICE

123 North Main St.

Weatherford, Texas 76086

Mark Riley 817/599-5607

County Judge    Fax 817/594-8488

March 31, 2003

PRESS RELEASE

With solid planning for the future roads of Parker County in mind, the Parker County Commissioners Court took action at their Wednesday, March 26^th meeting by unanimously voting to go out for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from engineering firms on a county wide mobility study.

The study, also known as a transportation master plan, will work to end years of piecemealing the county’s road projects and create one cohesive plan with the future in mind, according to County Judge Mark Riley.

“We will make sure the firm we hire will work with the Texas Department of Transportation and their plans for the outer loop around Weatherford,” Riley said.

Parker County Commissioners said it was long overdue.

 “It is something that has been needed for a long time and I don’t know that we are not a little behind getting the ball rolling,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Danny Choate said. “With the growth that we are experiencing it is something we definitely need.”

Precinct 3 Commissioner Charles Akin said this is part of the strategic planning he called for in his campaign for commissioner .

“I think this is a piece of the strategic planning that should have been done long ago,” Akin said. “It is a great first step and I am excited that this plan will integrate our road and thoroughfare planning with those of the cities in our county.”

Precinct 2 Commissioner Joe Brinkley said the decision to have the study done was in the best interest of the residents of precinct 2 and the county as a whole.

“This is a most significant step forward for the future of Parker County and an essential development in managing the growth of the county,” Brinkley said.

Webster said he hopes the plan will include a loop around Aledo as well as connecting all the other communities of Precinct 4 to Interstate 20.

“I think we should have done this 30 years ago to accommodate the growth we are seeing today,” Webster said. “However it is better late then never.”

Riley said the plan will be a benefit to all county residents, commuters, school districts and business owners.

Riley also praised Weatherford Mayor Joe Tison for his leadership and support on the issue.

“I want to think Joe Tison for his effort in helping us to get this started,” Riley said. “His support for the county taking this on is appreciated.”

 ####

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT JOEL KERTOK AT 817-597-1739

PARKER COUNTY JUDGE’S OFFICE

123 North Main St.

Weatherford, Texas 76086

Mark Riley 817/599-5607

County Judge  Fax 817/594-8488

March 26, 2003

PRESS RELEASE

*********************************************

County Judge Mark Riley has been meeting with Willow Park Mayor James Poythress in an effort to partnership with the city of Willow Park to improve county service availability for residents of Precinct 4.

At the same time, this provides the county an opportunity to improve county emergency communications, according to County Judge Mark Riley.

Discussions have centered on the county leasing space from Willow Park in a yet to be constructed facility near Interstate 20.

“My idea is to move the Justice of the Peace precinct 4 office and courtroom from its current location at the Parker County Justice Center to the new building in Willow Park,” Riley said. “Additionally there will be office space for such other county offices and services as the, Precinct 4 Constable and a satellite office for the Parker County Tax-Assessor/Collector and Sheriff’s Office.”

This move will free up space at the Parker County Justice Center to expand its communications center, thus improving county-wide emergency communications.

“This expansion of the communications center goes along with a plan from a consultant who was hired by commissioners court to assess not only space needs, but technological needs as well,” Riley said. “If we can accomplish this partnership, which I feel confident we can, we will have enhanced the services to the taxpayers of Parker County.”

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT JOEL KERTOK AT 817-597-1739

 PARKER COUNTY JUDGE’S OFFICE

123 North Main St.

Weatherford, Texas 76086

Mark Riley  817/599-5607

County Judge  Fax 817/594-8488

Feb. 21, 2003

 PRESS RELEASE

 County Judge Mark Riley has announced a series of community town hall meetings to begin assessing community needs as they relate to the county budget.

 The series of five meetings will all begin at 7 p.m. The first will be on Tuesday, March 18^th at the Aledo Community Center. The next meeting will on Thursday, March 20^th at the Hudson Oaks City Hall. The town hall meetings will then move north to Springtown at the Springtown Senior Center on Tuesday, March 25^th. The next meeting will be held at the Cherry Park Community Center in Weatherford on Thursday, March 27, followed by the final meeting on Tuesday April 1^st at the Zion Hill Community Center.

 “These meetings are designed to allow community input as elected officials begin to prioritize their needs for the next budget year,” Riley said. “Not only will these meetings be beneficial to the Commissioners Court, but I believe other elected officials will benefit from hearing directly from our residents as well.”

 In order to give everyone an opportunity to speak, each speaker will be given a limit of three minutes to address the court.

 “I believe that is ample time for a speaker to give us their priorities and perhaps reasons for supporting those items,” Riley said. “We will not go through the budget, but rather allow residents time to tell us what areas of county government are important to them.

 “If someone believes additional funding is important for a particular department, they should be prepared to say what service or funding should be reduced, or if taxes should be increased to pay for their suggested funding increases.”

 In January, Riley held a meeting for all elected and appointed officials to explain the general budget process as it relates to funding.

 He told each department head to prepare performance measurements for their department and individual employees as part of the process.

 “I intend for the budget process to be much more efficient than in years past,” he said. “Each elected official and department head has already been told to start their budget at zero, not with their current allocation of funds.”

 -30-

For questions or additional information please contact Joel Kertok at 817-597-1739

PARKER COUNTY JUDGE’S OFFICE

123 North Main St.

 Weatherford, Texas 76086

Mark Riley 817/599-5607

County Judge Fax 817/594-8488

Feb. 12, 2003

 PRESS RELEASE

NASA Ends Search in Parker County

Parker County Emergency Management Coordinator Brad Cathey said volunteers are no longer needed to assist NASA in the search for shuttle debris.

NASA officials have moved the search field to areas south of Parker County, after finding no further debris in the past two days of searches.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT JOEL KERTOK AT 817-597-1739

PARKER COUNTY JUDGE’S OFFICE

123 North Main St.

 Weatherford, Texas 76086

Mark Riley 817/599-5607

County Judge Fax 817/594-8488

Feb. 10, 2003

 PRESS RELEASE

 As a result of a successful search for shuttle debris on Saturday, Feb. 7 in the area south of Aledo off Hwy 377, NASA officials have requested Parker County to participate in another search beginning Tuesday, Feb. 11.

 NASA will be sending in personnel to assist in searching an 18 mile area where debris has been found. Parker County Emergency Management will coordinate the local volunteer effort with additional manpower supplied by Parker County Sheriff Jay Brown, Parker County commissioners, Department of Public Safety and Red Cross.

 “NASA has asked me to inform the public that effective Tuesday, Feb. 11 the search area south of Aledo will be the sight of flyer-overs by Blackhawk military helicopters,” Riley said. “The public should not be alarmed by these helicopters.”

 While it is believed the fly-overs will be immediately over the search areas, it is possible that area could be expanded, according to NASA officials.

 Approximately 125 people participated in Saturday’s successful search that turned up six additional confirmed pieces of shuttle debris. Participants included members of Parker County Emergency Management and Sheriff’s Office, Parker County Search and Rescue, Parker and Palo Pinto County Volunteer Fire Departments, Department of Public Safety, Red Cross and NASA.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT JOEL KERTOK AT 817-597-1739