First Assistant Auditor Cheryl Chambers was recognized in Commissioners’ Court on Monday for obtaining her certification as a County Investment Officer.

“This involves a lot of hard work, and I appreciate you going the extra mile,” said County Judge Carol Bush. “It is not an easy exam – it requires a lot of discipline and mastery, and I am proud to have you here as our assistant auditor with this type of credential.”

The Texas Association of Counties has provided formal education for county investment officers, including an optional certification program, since 1992. The educational process is designed to ensure that employees have a thorough understanding of investing public funds, above and beyond the minimum requirements set forth by the Texas Legislature.

Chambers is only the sixth Ellis County employee to successfully complete this process, joining former County Treasurer Mark Price, former County Treasurer Ron Langenheder, former Assistant County Auditor Yvonne W. Odom, current County Treasurer Judy Burden, and current County Auditor Michael S. Navarro, CPA.

“We are proud of Cheryl,” said Navarro.

“It says a lot about your commitment to professionalism and professional development,” said Bush.

Commissioners approved the early voting schedule and locations for the March 2, 2010 Democratic and Republican primaries, as follows:

• February 16 through 19 (Tuesday through Friday)
  • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Elections Office / 106 S. Monroe Street / Waxahachie
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ennis Sub-Courthouse / 116 W. Ennis Avenue / Ennis
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Acorn Building / Old Jr High / 101 Live Oak / Red Oak
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Midlothian Conference Center / 1 Community Circle / Midlothian
• February 20 (Saturday)
  • 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Elections Office / 106 S. Monroe Street / Waxahachie
  • 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ennis Sub-Courthouse / 116 W. Ennis Avenue / Ennis
  • 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Acorn Building / Old Jr High / 101 Live Oak / Red Oak
  • 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Midlothian Conference Center / 1 Community Circle / Midlothian
• February 21 (Sunday)
  • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Elections Office / 106 S. Monroe Street / Waxahachie
• February 22 through 26 (Monday through Friday)
  • 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Elections Office / 106 S. Monroe Street / Waxahachie
  • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Ennis Sub-Courthouse / 116 W. Ennis Avenue / Ennis
  • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Acorn Building / Old Jr High / 101 Live Oak / Red Oak
  • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Midlothian Conference Center / 1 Community Circle / Midlothian

Commissioners also approved the assignment of a tax abatement from Alliance Data Services, Inc. to Direct Energy Operations, Inc. for the remainder of the tax abatement agreement.

“This is a much larger company, and I think it is very good for the county,” said Commissioner Bill Dodson, pct. 2. “The parking lot is full during the day – previously it was half or two thirds full.”

Direct Energy is reportedly closing its Richardson call center and offering employees the opportunity to relocate to Ennis.

In other business, Commissioners:

• Named County Court at Law Number 2 Judge Gene Calvert to the Ellis County Bail Bond Board;
• Took no action on a proposed contract with the Ellis County SPCA for Animal Control and Shelter Services;
• Approved a memorandum of understanding with the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging for services to Ellis County residents over age 60, authorizing payment in the amount of $8326;
• Appointed Mary Flowers to the Ellis County Women’s Building Board for a four-year term, replacing Billie Maxwell who completes her four-year term at the end of this month;
• Approved a decrease to the county mileage reimbursement from 55.0 cents to 50.0 cents per mile in accordance with changes made by the Internal Revenue Service, effective January 1, 2010;
• Granted a one-time extension for the submission of the final plat for Prairie Ridge, Phase I, in precinct 4;
• Declared a 1999 Ford Taurus from the District Attorney’s Office as surplus and authorized disposal at auction, with Commissioner Heath Sims, pct. 3, casting a dissenting vote;
• Approved the purchase of three 2010 Ford Fusion passenger vehicles for the District Attorney’s Office at a cost of $49,693 through the BuyBoard;
• Awarded the 2010 annual contract for Printing Services to Gingerbread Press (Culego) based on low bid, with two one-year renewal options;
• Awarded the 2010 annual contract for Lightweight Road Surfacing Material to TXI Co. based on low bid, with two one-year renewal options;
• Awarded the 2010 annual contract for Recycled Concrete Flex Base to Big City Crushed Concrete based on low bid, with two one-year renewal options;
• Awarded the 2010 annual contract for Unscreened Pit Run Gravel to Trinity Materials based on low bid, with two one-year renewal options;
• Awarded the 2010 annual contract for Bulk Fuel to Avenue Fuel based on a price quote of Rack Price (price paid at the refinery) plus 0.08 cents, with two one-year renewal options;
• Discussed a proposed purchasing procedure for new and used vehicles, with no action taken.