The County of Star Commissioners Court approved Aug. 11 the appointment of Jorge Ollivides as the county fire marshal. The presiding judge said Ollivides was the only candidate who held the certifications required for the job and that the county will save money because the new marshal’s pay was set at $24,000 per year ($2,000 per month) compared with the previous marshal’s salary of more than $50,000.

"He's really the only one that has all the certifications," the judge said. Court members moved and seconded the appointment, and the vote carried by voice. The court did not provide a detailed job description, hiring agreement, or implementation timetable in the recorded exchange.

The appointment was described as replacing a prior marshal and as a cost-savings measure. No public comment, appeal or employment contract details were presented at the meeting.