Commissioners address phone call protocols

Milam County Commissioners addressed public complaints about their protocols or returning calls during a meeting on Monday.

Commissioners Donald Shuffield, Jeff Muegge, and Art Neal each made comments on public complaints about their availability for phone calls from their constituents. 

Muegge said any complaints about the matter is a reflection on his secretary and he challenges anyone complaining to come see their extensive records with regard to all phone calls that come in. 

Neal said the same even provided his personal number during his time to speak. 

Shuffield also said his number is public and he has made no secret of that. He also said he doesn’t sit at the office 24-7 and there is no machine there to take messages, but gave out his personal number and said he is happy to talk with anyone that calls.

Judge Steve Young noted there were no complaints about Commissioner Hubnik being available by phone. 

During the meeting Young told the court that sales tax income was up 54 percent last month.

Minerva VFD Chief Ernie Glenn also give an update on the status of the surplus military vehicle they received through the Forest Service. Glenn noted that through the help of generous donors, his department was able to pay back all the money they borrowed from the county to refurbish that surplus truck as required. 

The burn ban was lifted over the weekend in the county, but brush remains dry.