County, Andrews Center renew deal

By Rich Flowers News Editor

October 01, 2008 10:17 am

— The Henderson County Commissioners Court on Tuesday renewed the county’s interlocal agreement with the Andrews Center for mental health related services.
Henderson County will pay $30,000, divided into 12 $2,500 installments for help with the mentally ill, mentally retarded, chemically dependent and mentally disabled. The center is based in Tyler and has additional clinics in Athens, Canton and Mineola.
A nine-member board of trustees oversees the functions of the center. Three come from Smith County, one each from Henderson, Rains, Wood and Van Zandt counties and two are chosen at large. The trustees are appointed for two-year terms.
The center provides 24 hour screenings and crisis stabilization for mental health cases. The center maintains a hotline staffed by mental health professionals, offers screenings to determine if the individual is in need of emergency services and provides the county with after-hour mental evaluation and commitment screenings.
In other action, commissioners unanimously approved setting a 30 mile per hour speed limit and 40,000-pound weight limit on County Road 3412 south of Chandler. Pct. 3 Commissioner Ronny Lawrence said CR 3412 is narrow with steep drop-offs on the sides in certain places. Lawrence said it is dangerous for two vehicles to meet on the road unless they are traveling slowly.
Also, County Judge David Holstein announced nominations are being sought for individuals to serve on the Hospital Authority Board. Vacancies include the seat previously held by Joe Cashin and the one formerly held by David Monk. The county had nominated Larry Everett to fill Monk’s seat, but Everett chose not to serve in the position. The nominees will come from Henderson County Pct. 2 and Pct. 3. Names of potential nominees can be submitted to the county judge’s office.
Two seats on the East Texas Medical Center Athens Board of Managers are also to be filled. The board of managers is made up of nine members who oversee the administration of the Athens facility. The commissioners and the hospital authority board each nominate candidates for five of the positions. Three members of the board are ETMC officers and the final member is a physician elected by the hospital chief of staff.
Holstein’s usual practice is to announce the opening of a board position at a Commissioner’s Court meeting. He then allows a few days for citizens to express interest in a person or suggest someone for the position. Selections are then made at a later meeting.
Commissioners also approved paying bills in the amount of $238,849.84.