Karnes County’s Commissioners Court approved the contract with the City of Runge to collect delinquent and non-delinquent taxes beginning February 1, 2008.

Tax Assessor/Collector Ann Franke said that this is a one-year contract unless terminated by either party.

Discussion of bid proposals for the county’s insurance coverage for the coming year was tabled until more of the data and information concerning the cost of workman’s compensation becomes available. But the court did approve securing bonds for county officials.

County Judge Alger H. Kendall, Jr. updated the court on several items. The South Central Texas Community Services in its present form is being restructured with an audit. Until reorganization can be completed along with the hiring of a new director to take over, Wilson, Guadalupe and Karnes County residents may seek needed assistance through their community health and service centers, including the recently opened one in Karnes City on Butler Street. Kendall said he believes it is important for those in need to know that assistance is still available.

Kendall also said that the proposed recycling grant the county approved to submit at their December meeting is in the "processing phase" concerning their request. Kendall said he will be attending a meeting in San Antonio soon regarding the grant funds.

Kendall wanted the commissioners to be aware of a name change of the Texas Extension Services. It will now be called "the Texas Agri-Life Extension Service" and the "Texas Agri-Life Research Service."

Just before the close of the meeting, county officials agreed to change next month’s first meeting from Tuesday, Feb. 12 to Monday, February 11 at the regular time due to other commitments on Feb. 12.