Freestone county commissioners' concern for the elderly was apparent Monday as they discussed ways to increase contact with and provide more meals to shut-ins.

After a report by county senior services director Kathy Earley pointed out a couple of hardships--- including the fact that the service has only borrowed vans, and that they aren't working, and that Meals on Wheels are only provided to some county cities twice a week---county commissioners started voicing concerns and offering possible solutions to the problems.

All four commissioners were disturbed that seniors in Fairfield and Teague receive five days worth of Meals on Wheels, and that smaller communities are only visited a couple of times each week.

"We've got to take care of these people," precinct three commissioner Stanley Gregory said. "Sometimes these are the only meals these people receive."

The meals are delivered almost entirely by volunteers, and commissioners discussed helping by providing some relief in gas costs to the volunteers. They also asked about using county-impounded vehicles to deliver meals, and to help transport seniors to appointments.

Mrs. Earley will investigate some of the suggestions made, to see if they are plausible, and report back to commissioners at the next meeting.

A second request for additional funding to pay part time employees was presented to commissioners Monday, this time by precinct two justice of the peace Debbie Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton asked commissioners for an additional $10,000, trustees compromised and awarded her $5,000.

At last commissioners court on March 1, precinct four justice of the peace Shirley Mays also received an additional $5,000 for part time help.

Precinct one trailer was sold to Roger Tatum for $2,526. Two other bids were received: for $1,652 and $1,661.

A new contract for elevator maintenance at the courthouse was awarded to Otis at a cost of $320 per year, and the Fairfield senior services building will be treated monthly, not quarterly as in the past, for pest control.