WOODVILLE – Tyler County officials approved an updated investment policy for the current fiscal year at its regular meeting on Monday morning.
County Treasurer Leann Monk spoke about the annual policy update and put forth a recommendation from the county’s investment committee to engage the services of Meeder Public Funds to its approved broker/dealer list.
The recommendation for Meeder was approved on Monday’s agenda as a separate item, and Monk said that it was the advice of David Shectman, an advisor with the firm, for the county to invest “more aggressively.” Currently, the two investment streams the county has have been drawing good returns, but County Auditor Jackie Skinner said the funds are not as liquid; that the county has had a hard time accessing them when needed.
Monk said that the county will continue to take a very conservative investment plan that will take advantage of current interest rates. “Our goal [with our investment] is to protect the taxpayers’ money and make the best of it,” she said.
Monk said that the city of Woodville, as well as several counties in Texas, are using Meeder for investment advisers.
Lambre introduced to commissioners
During the public comments section of Monday’s meeting, Amy Lambre, who was approved by commissioners as the county’s new veterans’ service officer, introduced herself.
Lambre, who was hired after a search following the retirement of long-serving Tina Cleberg, said she is excited to be a part of the term. Pct. 1 Commissioner Joe Blacksher shared in Lambre’s excitement and called her “a go-getter.”
“There is a need here so much for advocacy,” Lambre said. “The southeast region has more veterans here than any other region in the country.”
Lambre spoke about her work as an Americorps VISTA volunteer, as an outreach coordinator, and said she will continue with that effort with her appointment as the veterans’ service officer, as well.
“We want to make the Tyler County Veterans’ Service Office the best in the state of Texas,” Lambre said.
Longtime VSO employee Martha Kimbrough was present during Monday’s meeting and said the office is excited for Lambre’s appointment, and excited to continue the work done by Cleberg for the county’s veteran population.
Other Business
Commissioners voted to table an agenda item to discuss, and take possible action, on bids for work to the courthouse for the entry restoration project. Two different bids were received, one in excess of $400K and another for $162.5K, from Marsh Waterproofing.
The recommendation of LaBiche Architectural Group was to accept the Marsh bid. Part of the cost would be offset by a $65K donation from the Tyler County Historical Commission, for the doors that are part of the project.
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