By Larry Holt

The Orange Leader

 

Orange County Commissioners Court discussed expanding the hours of operation of the Orange County landfill on Farm to Market Road 1442 during the Tuesday afternoon meeting.

Through October 31, 2017, the Orange County landfill will now operate from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday without a fee.

Commissioner Barry Burton said he had heard from several constituents requesting the landfill be available after 5 p.m. to make it more convenient for citizens working during the day.

With a vote of 3 to 2, the Commissioners’ Court adopted to increase the pay scale for essential county employee’s working during the period of a declared disaster.

Commissioner Johnny Trahan and Burton led the discussion and Burton explained, “We solicited feedback from all departments on this and our proposal to pay essential personnel an increased rate of pay while they are working extraordinary hours and doing extraordinary duties aligns with policies in neighboring counties.”

Trahan said he believes it is “unfair” to pay an employee working during a disaster the same rate of pay as someone not working extraordinary hours and duties.

Commissioner John Gothia added, “Making this change might incentivize people to work when the county needs help during a disaster and might actually reduce overtime pay.”

In other business, Orange County Judge Stephen Brint Carlton said there will be two Disaster Recovery Town Hall meetings designed to provide information to the public regarding recovery efforts and plans for the future, as well as to hear questions and comments from citizens. See article on A1 for more information.

Commissioner Jody Crump expressed his encouragement to the public for their continued patience during the debris removal process.

“It’s a big job and we’re making progress,” Crump said. “Thank you everyone for your patience.”

Assistant County Attorney Douglas E. Manning followed by acknowledging the many efforts of various faith-based organizations that have stepped forward to assist citizens in their time of need.

“I am proud of our community and how our churches have responded during this disaster,” Manning said. “They do this stuff for free. I have first-hand experience. They helped me when I couldn’t do it alone.”