The $60,000 roof repair at the community center is nearing complete but at least an additional $25,000 is still required to repair the inside of the building.

Tuesday morning Blaine Wolfshohl, head of maintenance, said more work is required outside as well.

“The outside is styrofoam covered with material and the blocks need to be sealed,” Wolfshohl said.

The commissioners will request its engineers to assess the work and the county is expected go out for bids. An estimate of $25,000 was already received from a local contractor for inside work. The county will also ask the Refugio County Jamboree to assist with funding the repairs.

The commissioners court heard annual updates from Jerry Gray, county AgriLife extension agent, Marilyn Pagel of the child welfare board and Lenny Anzaldua with the community development foundation.

“The Texas AgriLife Extension Service plays a vital role in Refugio County by providing practical information and education to help individuals and families improve their lives and to help our county address its problems,” Gray said.

The young people in Refugio County’s 4-H programs “are a cut above the rest” and are the “premier leaders in the state of Texas.” Gray said.

He praised the 4-H programs headed by Tina McGuill, his assistant.

“Every year we ask, what is it (4-H members) want to do,” Gray said. “They want youth leadership activities.”

Gray also assisted farmers and ranchers by holding crop trials, livestock sales in conjunction with the surrounding counties and educational programs.

In child welfare matters, Pagel said the board is one-member short. Board members are Jeanette Chandler of Woodsboro, chairman; Janet Christianson of Bayside; Mary Julia Flores of Austwell and Rita Trojcak of Refugio.

“The responsibility is nicely divided so there’s not too much work for anyone,” Pagel said.

The board primarily provides support for children, who are removed by child protective services from their homes. These children often need clothing and school supplies and other necessities, she said.

Lenny Anzaldua of the community development foundation announced the official arrival of Valiant Petroleum, which will hire more than 100 people at its new location in Refugio.

The court also:

• Denied the senior citizens group its request for a key to gain access to the Williamson Senior Citizens Center for after-hours activities. Only Judge Rene Mascorro voted against withholding the key.

• Accepted the resignation of James R. Henry, airport manager effective Dec. 31, and appointed Gary Henry as his replacement.

• Postponed adopting new mileage rates and agreed to visit the issue each year.

• Acknowledged a status change for John D. Bland in the sheriff’s office from jailer to certified jailer effective Oct. 16, with a change in salary from $25,053 to $26,528.

• Acknowledge status change for Raymond Silvas Sr. in the sheriff’s department from lieutenant jailer to interim jail administrator effective Nov.16 with a change in salary from $31,532 to $34,142.