First half property taxes that were due on March 6 have brought in almost $800,000 more than this time last year.

At the county commission meeting on Thursday, Lawrence County Treasurer Stephen Burcham reported taxes for the first half of 2014 brought in $18,595,000 compared to $17.7 million for 2013.

“There were several levies that passed last fall, mostly fire levies and the police levy in South Point,” Burcham said. “And it is the continued efforts on collections and reducing the delinquent tax that is owed to the school districts on property taxes. I think those were efforts attributing to higher collections.”

The second half tax collection is due July 17.

In other action the commissioners:

• Created a line item for the county prosecutor for grand jury expenses for $10,000;

• Accepted the retirement of Robert Bodamer from the county EMS;

• Hired the following as part-time EMTs or paramedics: Steve Carver, Dustin Hazelett, Matt Horn, Lee Hanners, Chelsey Keathley, Chris Epperson, Richard English and Matt Harbolt.