BY JERRIE WHITELEY

HERALD DEMOCRAT

SHERMAN -- Grayson County commissioners approved Monday the 2009 tax roll and levy as presented by Grayson County Tax Assessor Collector John Ramsey.

Ramsey said the 2009 tax roll value is $6,250,474,240 and the tax levy is $30,481,170. He said his office can now get to work on collecting the taxes.

Commissioners then turned their attention to accepting a little good will, and some unexpected money, from a generous friend. Grayson County Sheriff's Lt. David Hawley told commissioners an anonymous donor wanted to give the county $15,000 with which to purchase new bullet-proof vests. Hawley said the money will help to buy 12 vests.

The county will still need a few additional vests, Hawley said, but the donation is a good start toward keeping all of the officers protected. Hawley said the devices last about five years, depending upon the wear and tear experiences. He said the extreme weather conditions in Texas make it harder to keep the material stabilized to the point that it will protect officer's lives. Commissioners expressed their thankfulness for the donation.

Sarah Somers, Grayson County emergency manager, introduced the 2009 Community Emergency Response Team graduates to the commissioners That group included David Barkley, Joyce Barkley, Wilma Bush, Terrie Coffman, Guillermo Cueva, Stephanie Davidson, Judy Fullylove, Nicole Garrett, Janis Hall, Jeff Harrell, Ronald Harris, Michelle Jones, Vance Jones, Alan Larsen, Richard Minor, Walter Ragsdale, Chris Roberson, Kim Roberson, Gene Roelke, Susan Thomas, Debbie Turner and Jack Wise.

Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum and others offered the group their congratulations for making it through the rigorous training required. Bynum said it is a comfort to know the county now has additional trained volunteers who will "not only show up, but know what to do when they show up." Somers said the next CERT group starts training Jan. 5 at the Assembly Room at the Grayson County Courthouse in Sherman.

Commissioners also approved an interlocal agreement with The North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council for a video teleconferencing project. Somers said the video teleconferencing project improves regional health and medical response capacity by providing equipment for communications between regional and local emergency operations centers, and selected acute care facilities, and provides a redundant communications medium for response officials during emergencies.

Total acquisition value of this equipment package is $13,600. Commissioners were happy to learn that the county won't have to pay anything for the equipment and can use it for other teleconferences as along as it is available if needed in case of a qualifying emergency.

Commissioners also approved:

• act on request to award bid for floor repairs to Hangar 5513 at North Texas Regional Airport;
• act on request to make a road cut at 88 Live Oak Lane in the Sherwood Shores area, in Gordonville Precinct 4, to install a new water service.