County commissioner report
They approved a tax abatement application from Mariah South LLC for the construction of a wind farm. It is a ten year abatement that becomes effective in 2016. For the first five years they will pay $2,000 per megawatt in lieu of taxes. In year six they will pay $1,500 per megawatt plus 10% of tax value. The amount decreases each year until in year ten they will pay $500 per megawatt plus 50% of tax value.
The quarterly treasurer’s report was approved and is included in this Friona Star.
Branch early voting in Friona and Bovina for the March primary was approved. Early voting dates at Friona Interbank will be February 18-24-27. At FirstBank in Bovina early voting will be February 21 & 28. Early voting will be available at the County Clerk’s office from February 18 to February 28. Voters over 65 can receive a ballot by mail.
In jail related business, commissioners heard from Sheriff Randy Geries on a communications agreement that links all 26 Panhandle counties that will provide emergency radio communications. The cost is $3,000 per year but the equipment has not been installed and the amount will not be paid until the system is installed and working.
Sheriff Geries is seeking bids on a contract to provide medical services to jail inmates. The request for bid is included in the Friona Star this week and next week. Commissioners adjusted the salary of an employee that is serving as both a jailer and a cook for the jail. Sheriff Geries recognized and commended two jail employees that recently prevented a female inmate from committing suicide
