FREECO COMMISH DISCUSS HIRING POLICIES

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By Hannah Barber

During the Freestone County Commissioners Court meeting held on September 17, 2025, a range of significant topics were discussed, highlighting the county’s ongoing commitment to serve its residents and plan for future growth.

In the public comments segment, John Thorne expressed his interest in being considered for the JP 1 position, now that an opening has arisen. Similarly, L.J. McAdams announced his intention to pursue the Precinct 3 Constable role.

The court reviewed and amended the policy concerning the advertisement of open employment positions within Freestone County. At the August 6, 2025, meeting, the court examined the current hiring policy, which mandates advertising each vacancy in a newspaper weekly for two weeks and posting notices in departments at least 10 days prior to selecting an applicant. Judge Linda Grant, who was the judge at that time, expressed concerns about this process, especially regarding the wording of the policy and whether a two-week advertising period is necessary.

As a result of revisiting the issue during the September 17 meeting, the policy was updated to state: “Freestone County reserves the right to hire employees on either a full-time or part-time basis as determined by operational needs. Freestone County may advertise vacant positions to the employees and/or public. Vacancies may be posted for public notice. Openings may be filled with direct recruitment, internal promotion, referrals, or other hiring methods at the discretion of management. Positions for part-time employees, as defined by section 1A-2 of the Freestone County Employee Handbook, and positions to be filled by a transfer from part-time to a regular full-time county employee, may be exempt from the advertising requirements.”

The court also considered nominations and approved reappointments for the Freestone County Sick Leave Pool. This voluntary benefit allows employees to donate unused sick leave hours into a shared pool, which can then be used to provide paid leave for benefit-eligible employees who have depleted their own sick and vacation time due to a serious illness or injury affecting themselves or a family member. The representatives for the pool include Dan Ralstin (Elected Official), Hannah Hale (Sheriff/Jail), Renee Reynolds (Courthouse), Will Mc Swane (Road & Bridge), and Mandy Chavers (Committee Admin). Additionally, they discussed increasing the maximum hours permissible for sick leave donations.

Sheriff Jeremy Shipley addressed the court regarding the payout of compensatory time and holiday hours for jailers and dispatchers at the end of the fiscal year. Although the sheriff’s department has allocated funds in its budget for this purpose, approval was needed for the estimated amount of $35,000-$36,000. The department currently caps sick leave at 240 hours and vacation at 136 hours; however, due to staffing shortages this year, most employees have had limited opportunity to utilize their accrued leave.

Other items discussed:

Reviewed and approved the FY 2026 SAVNS Grant Contract for $5,452.24.
Sealed bids were opened for Road Base, Bulk Fuel, and Solid Waste. There was 1 bid for Bulk Fuel, 3 bids for Road Base, and 2 bids for Solid Waste.
Two bonds were approved for Lloyd Lane.
Approved the regular meeting dates for the Commissioners Court for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.