According to County Judge Mark Barr, the canvass of the election had to be completed before the next scheduled convening of commissioners, making the special meeting necessary.

“We basically had two different dates we could have canvassed the election,” said Barr. “However, the second date simply didn't work out, and that's why we're holding the special meeting Friday.”

As for their part in making the Nov. 4 election final in Howard County, Barr said it's a fairly simple process.

“We basically just need to put our stamp of approval on the results,” said Barr. “We'll look over the reports and make sure everything is lined up the way it's supposed to be.”

Barr said the court will also consider some budget amendments — presented by County Auditor Jackie Olson.

“I talked to Jackie (Olson) about the amendments, and it's routine items,” said Barr. “They are just things that came in at the end of last year's budget. I don't expect there to be anything major.”

Also Friday, Barr hopes to be able to introduce the new director for the County Health Center to the court.

“I'm not 100 percent sure she'll be able to be there, but if she can I plan to introduce her to the commissioners court,” said Barr.

County officials received word they received an $80,000 planning grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration more than a month ago to help with the establishment of the County Health Center.

Since then, a county committee charged with interviewing and hiring a project director for the effort have been hard at work.

Once open, the health center will provide basic health care services to the county residents, regardless of their ability to pay, according to County Indigent Health Director Irene Dominguez, who hopes to have the center open for business by Sept. 1, 2009.

The meeting is slated for 9 a.m. Friday in the commissioners courtroom, located on the second floor of the county courthouse.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it