During a regular meeting of the Ellis County Commissioners’ Court, Commissioner Heath Sims, pct. 3, requested upgrades for three road workers in his precinct.

The request caused a certain amount of discussion among the members of the court as Sims had taken issue with a similar request earlier in the year.

“I don’t care if you want to give raises, that’s fine,” said Commissioner Ron Brown, pct. 4. “But don’t you think that it’s just a little hypocritical?”

Commissioner Bill Dodson, pct. 2, said Brown brought up a good point, namely that standardization of jobs and pay scales was a good idea; he described the process that he uses to identify the proper pay grade for his employees.

“I am hearing a call for consistency, and I think it is a good time for all the Commissioners to evaluate,” said County Judge Carol Bush. “Not to interfere with how you feel your precinct needs to be maintained, but maybe today it is actually good that we have a little bit of controversy. When the shoe is on the other foot, it feels different. Maybe we should walk in each other’s shoes before we jump to snap decisions in the future. Each of you is an elected official and the public can trust you with what is in the best interest for the community that elected you.”

The item passed, with Brown casting the dissenting vote.

The Court took no action on a five-year extended warranty agreement with Schindler Elevator Corporation for service and maintenance of the five active Schindler elevators located in the new Courts building, citing a need to review the contract.

In other business, Commissioners approved the addition of two vehicles to the list of authorized vehicles allowed to display regular exempt license plates as well as an interlocal agreement with the Maypearl ISD.