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Vernon City Commission to discuss hazard pay for first responders

The Vernon City Commission is considering giving hazardous pay to the city’s first responders including Fire, EMS, and Police personnel. The Commission is slated to discuss the matter as part of the regular July City Commission meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Funding for the proposal is expected to come from funding the city received as part of a federal Covid-19 stimulus package.

While the meeting will be open to the public, several Covid-19 precautions will be observed. City Manager Marty Mangum said that via Facebook live due to the increase in COVID cases within the county.  Social distancing will apply therefore, the number of people allowed into City Hall will be limited and time limits will apply to testimony.

In addition, face coverings will be encouraged.  Those who wish to make Public Comment or to speak on an agenda item, will need to turn in a form to the City Secretary prior to the meeting.  Those who fill out a form and wish to speak will be asked to wait outside the facility until the commission sends someone to retrieve them as time allows.  The public will have the ability to make comments on Facebook Live, however, the city will not be able reply to those comments due to the delay in real time versus live feed.  As requirements are loosened regarding social distancing, the City Commission meetings will return to its regular format.

The City Commission will also discuss several purchases related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The commission will consider purchasing two metal detector/COVID-19 thermometer units for use at the Police Station and Municipal Court. The commission will also consider the purchase of equipment needed to allow for teleconferencing at City Hall.

Also expected on the agenda is the sale of tax property at 1429 Olive Street to Jonathan Pichardo for $1,200.00

The commission is expected to receive a presentation on the 2021 Wilbarger County Appraisal District’s budget; take possible action on purchasing an access control/intrusion system for City Hall; consider approving  the replacement of half of the approach ramp to the Transfer Station loading dock; and consider adding a sick leave pool for catastrophic injuries or illnesses to the Personnel Policy of the City of Vernon.

A budget workshop will be held at the end of the meeting as the commission plans for the next fiscal year.

The agenda for the meeting will not be final until Friday afternoon, and additional items may be added.

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