Bay City Tribune

Matagorda County department elected officials discussed the need for commissioner approval on the purchase of holiday decorations during their regular meeting Monday Dec. 12.

The discussion began when James Gibson, commissioner pct. 3, submitted a request to purchase outdoor Christmas decorations to adorn county properties in the Palacios area.

Sheriff Gary Mathis also submitted a request to purchase a Christmas tree and ornaments to be used inside the main lobby of the Matagorda County Sheriff's Office.

County Auditor Ellen Dodd told the court it was her opinion that the Christmas decorations should be a court approved expenditure instead of a supply budget item.

She explained there were many items that were purchased through the commissioner's supply budget that she may not even know what they are, but that she doesn't question them because that's what they need to perform their duties and serve the public.

"Christmas decorations, I just don't feel like, is an item that the public should have to pay for unless you decide it serves the public's interest," Dodd said.

"But ya'll make the call."

The decision to deem Christmas decorations a supply is a "fine line" that Dodd said she prefers to avoid.

County Attorney Jill Cornelius agreed with her opinion.

"The court sets the budget each year and all of us elected (officials) have a supply budget," Cornelius explained.

"The auditor has a very difficult and thankless job of saying what's a supply and what's not a supply."

Cornelius said they agreed that Christmas decorations are not a supply.

She recommended that the commissioner's court require decoration purchases to be court-approved.

According to Cornelius, if the court doesn't require the approval then any county department head could interpret the decision to mean potted plants and framed artwork for the walls could be considered supplies as well.

"That would just open up a big budget issue," said Cornelius.

"So that's why we recommend that you consider decorations as not supplies," she added.

George Deshotels, commissioner pct. 2, questioned the opinion, wondering if it would mean that now every purchase would be put up for interpretation on whether it would "serve the public interest."

"You did open a can of worms because now everything is put up for interpretation," he said.

"I know we kidded about it today, but the air fresheners in the restrooms is that (serving) a public purpose?" he asked.

Dodd said if they wanted to set aside money specifically for departments to spend on decorations then they should consider it at budget time.

"We're not trying to be petty about it but ya'll don't realize it could get out of hand," she said.

Cornelius said she appreciated Dodd for bringing up the issue despite criticism and jokes.

"We have an auditor that does her job even when it means she's a 'Scrooge'," Cornelius said.

"I really think we're lucky that we have someone that will keep us in line and keep us on track and keep us following the law."

Commissioners approved both requests for the purchase of decorations.