Gregg County could be getting solar panels to provide the energy for some of its buildings.

The commissioners court on Thursday approved applying for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant through the Texas Comptroller's office.

The $75,000 grant likely would be used to put solar panels on the roof of either the downtown courthouse or some of the outlying county community buildings, to generate power for outside lighting or air conditioning, County Judge Bill Stoudt said. The county does not have solar panels on any of its buildings.

"We're looking at what would be the easiest things to run with solar power," Stoudt said. "Items that don't have a lot of interior wiring, such as outside lights or air conditioning units could make the transition fairly easily."

He said county officials want to become more environmentally friendly while remaining fiscally responsible. "The state is trying to encourage that with these grants," Stoudt said.

In other business, the court approved an amendment for the budget of the County Organized Drug Enforcement unit. The court reallocated $55,000 to the capital account. The money will be used to purchase vehicles.

The court also certified the 2009 Gregg County Tax Roll. County Tax-Assessor Kirk Shields said about one-third of property owners who received their tax notices earlier this month already have paid their taxes for the year.

Taxpayers have until Jan. 31 to pay the amount they owe without incurring penalties. About 85 to 90 percent of property owners usually pay their taxes by the deadline, Shields said.