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January 26, 2010

Court OKs Murrah appointment to ESD in Riverside area

By Jay Ermis

The Walker County Commissioners Court approved the appointment of M. Lee Murrah to the Emergency Service District No. 1 Board of Commissioners during a special session Monday at the courthouse.

Murrah requested that he be appointed to fill a vacancy on the board that was created when the term of Nick Gann expired Dec. 31, 2009.

Gann requested that he not be reappointed. He was appointed Aug. 10, 2009.

Murrah currently serves on the Walker County Historical Commission and on the board of directors of Independent Communities Inc.

The ESD covers the Riverside area.

Murrah is a native of Burke, Texas, in Angelina County and a graduate of Lufkin High School. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Board member Dick Goldin said Murrah is qualified for the position and “a good man for the job.

Other commissioners are Laura Hon, Charles Brandewie and Paula White.

Their terms expire Dec. 31, 2010.

County Judge Danny Pierce said Emergency Service District No. 2 covers New Waverly.

“The Emergency Service District is the old fire district that the state saw fit to change several years ago,” Pierce said. “It is a taxing entity which is used to fund rural fire departments.

“Now, they can levy taxes up to 10 cents and the funding can be extended to EMS or fire. I feel like we have a real asset in Lee Murrah. I think he will bring a lot to the table.”

Pierce said the two fire departments receive funding from the respective service district.

Also Monday, the court approved:

• Minutes for Jan. 19, 2010.

• Heard a presentation by Jim Hughes with CSR.

• FY2010 first quarter reports for the volunteer fire departments.

• Tabled EMS and Department of State Health Services.

• Bill paying.

• Claims/invoices submitted for payment.

• Letter of Agreement with First National Bank extending the Bank Depository Services Agreement from Dec. 31, 2009, to May 31, 2010.

• Notice of Intent to issue Certificate of Obligation for an excavator for Road & Bridge Precinct #3.

• Interlocal Agreement between the City of New Waverly and Walker County for Environmental Enforcement and On-Site Sewage Regulation.

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