Rains County began today the process of applying for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Commissioner Jim Painter said the county could receive $50,000, divided up among the cities in the county.

County Judge Joe Dougherty noted the program is not a matching grant, "We'll always welcome free money." The program allows a variety of activities to qualify for the money including updating current air conditioning systems.

The court approved a letter of intent for the grant as well as a resolution required for the process t begin. The county also began the process of applying for a regional slid waste grant through the East TExas Council of Governments (ETCOG).

Commissioners also gave their final approval for the county's new cellphone policy.

"It is really empowering," said Commissioner Patsy Marshall, "allowing the employee to choose their company and plan."

The policy will provide $40 per month to each employee who needs a cellphone for county business. There was considerable discussion on exactly how much the monthly amount should be, but commissioners eventually agreed to the $40 level.

In other business:

• Commissioner Bob Sisk asked the court to return to the practice of listing on the agenda the name of the commissioner who requests each item to be placed on the agenda.
  Dougherty said the current structure of the agenda has evolved over time and often, "at the request of the court. As far as I am concerned, once it is placed on the agenda, it becomes a court item, not a personal item," said Dougherty.
  "I want the citizens in my precinct to know the items I'm bringing to court," said Sisk.
  The court split its vote on the issue with Sisk and Painter voting for the change and Marshall and Commissioner Gary Bishop voting against it, although both seemed hesitant to do so. Both started to offer an explanation, but Painter noted the vote was in order and discussion has ceased. Dougherty then voted "No", splitting the tie and defeating the measure.
• Approved a request to purchase flood gages for the county.
• Approved the purchase of a set of books called , "Texas Practice," on conducting county government by county commissioners.
• Purchase two decals, costing $32, for the Veteran's Service office.
• Discussed the advertising budget for the 2010 census. Sisk asked for $5,000 or less be set aside for advertising the census. Commissioners declined to set aside a specific amount and rather address the issues as they arise.