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Denton County commissioners to begin redistricting process
By Heather M. Goodwin, hgoodwin@acnpapers.com
Denton County has received the 2010 census figures, and now commissioners must create a redistricting plan before its April deadline.
Most of Denton County’s districts will change as a result of the most recent census figures. Some districts will be split in two, and some could be combined to create consistency. The commissioner’s court must present a redistricting plan to the state no later than the end of April.
“Now that we have received the census figures we need to immediately begin our redistricting plan,” said County Judge Mary Horn. “We will post this item on every court agenda for possible action.”
During the redistricting process, the commissioners will use a new software program meant to help expedite the process. The software program shows precincts in its current state and how they can be changed to comply with the new census numbers. Once a change in the precincts is made, the software shows the new lines on a projected map. In addition, a bar graph shows the percentages among the precincts, making it easier to ensure that the precincts are equal.
The commissioner’s court met Wednesday in order to be able to participate in the 2011 Denton County days in Austin. For two days, the court members talked to state legislators about pertinent matters to the county.
“I think we had a very successful Denton County days,” Horn said. “We are receiving a lot of support for the Interstate 35 project, and that will help as we move forward with the project.”
The commissioners also submitted a resolution supporting the bipartisan request for emergency proclamation for air monitors in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. The air monitors would be funded through the Texas Emission Reduction Program (TERP). In the resolution, it states that the air monitors will “reinforces the state’s commitment to clean air across all of Texas.”
The commissioners also approved an updated policy for county employees regarding jury duty. At its Feb. 15 meeting, the court members gave the human resources department suggestions as to how to clarify the policy for employees.
“The draft of the policy is consistent with your wishes,” said Amy Phillips, director of human resources. “We’re just looking for action today.”
The new policy recognizes that employees may have to miss work because of jury duty. The county will now provide paid leave time for this purpose. According to the new policy, an employee called for jury service or for service as a witness under subpoena is given the time off required for such service. The employee must present official evidence that the service is required prior to the requested days off. The number of hours recorded for jury service will not exceed the number of hours the employee was scheduled to work on that day. The time spent in jury service will not be considered hours worked in calculations for compensatory time.
In other court business, the commissioners approved:
The use of the Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn from 4 to 10 p.m. June 14 for the use of the county and district clerks association of Texas event.
A building request from Beth Fleming to use the Courthouse-on-the-Square Lawn
From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 5 for the National Day of Prayer event.
The building usage to install the Veterans Memorial Wall Display on the first floor of the Denton County Courts Building on McKinney Street.
An amendment to the software license and services agreement between Sungard Public Sector Inc. and Denton County. The court approved the award for computer aided dispatch in September. Since the system was implemented, the sheriff’s office has seen a need to modify some of the software modules by removing some services and adding others.
An interlocal cooperation agreement between Denton County and the Ponder Volunteer Fire Department for fire protection services.
An interlocal cooperation agreement between Denton County and the city of Sanger, for the utility road improvement project, which is located entirely within Sanger.
An application for the criminal district attorney’s Family Violence Expansion Grant to the criminal justice division of the governor’s office for continuation of funding from the Violence Against Women Act.
A new application and resolution for the criminal district attorney’s Family Violence Prosecution Enhancement Grant to the criminal justice division of the governor’s office for continuation of funding from the Violence Against Women Act.
The commissioner’s court will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square, 110 West Hickory St.
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