By Mark Archibald
Henderson County Commissioners heard a presentation from Judge R. Scott McKee, regarding the results of Henderson County Administrative Judicial Study, during Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Henderson County Commissioners Court.
Judge McKee, who presides over the 392nd District Court in Athens, is currently responsible for the administrative duties and providing reports for the District Court.
McKee said the caseload for county attorneys has increased faster than the number of attorneys that manage those cases.
“In 2009 there were 185 cases per attorney, that number has risen to 220 per attorney,” he said.
He added that filings in Henderson County increased by 38% during that time as well.
Commissioners also approved a request from the District Attorney to authorize use of seizure funds to increase the annual compensation for two Victims Assistant Coordinators. A total of $6,000 will be split between the two positions.
State statutes allow for forfeited assets to be used for this purpose.
The Court also approved the 2023-2024 annual financial audit for Henderson County Emergency Services District number 5.
“ESD 5 is currently up to date with all state filings,” said Pct. 3 Commissioner McHam.
The action is for filing purposes only, is routine and required by state statute.
The 2024-2025 annual financial audit was also approved for the Henderson County ESD Number 5.
The action is for filing purposes only, is routine and required by state statute.
The Court also approved the FY 2024-2025 annual financial audit for Henderson County ESD Number 8.
The action is for filing purposes only, is routine and required by state statute.
A Special Road Use Indemnity Agreement with Capco Contractors Inc. and BKS Consulting LLC, was approved. The agreement is in place for County Roads 1205, 1208, 1505, 1505, 1500, 1504, located in Pct. 1.
The project will replace existing ATMOS Energy pipelines.
A similar Special Road Use Indemnity Agreement was approved for McKee Utility Contractors LLC. The agreement involves County Roads 4610 and 4530, located in Pct. 4.
The work will involve replacing an 84-inch pipeline.
Commissioners had no financial reports, payroll distributions, or accounts cash sheets to consider Tuesday.
Similarly, no contracts, budget amendments, or plats came before the Court.
Commissioners approved Right-of-Way permits in Pct.4
A motion to pay 2026 bills in the amount of $291,025 was approved as presented.
Commissioners also approved the bids for primary and secondary providers for road materials for 2026.
Commissioners agreed to use the lowest bidder when possible.
A request to post bid solicitations for 2026 bulk fuel was also approved.
Bid specifications for upcoming roofing projects were also approved.
The minutes of the June 16 meeting were also approved prior to adjourning.
The Henderson County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Every Tuesday unless otherwise noted inside the Annex Building, 125 N. Prairieville Street in Athens.