Falls County Sheriff Department Awarded $350,000
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on Monday, March 11, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F. A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3), and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Steve Sharp, Asst. DA. was in attendance.
Sheryl Pringle, County Treasurer, noted two Certificates of Deposits purchased with American Rescue Plan grant money matured and were cashed in. Commissioners approved the 3-year renewal quote for Software Assurance Communication Solution phone system.
Also approved was the packaged panic system for emergency management. Pertaining to the quality of roads around the areas, an Interlocal Agreement between Falls County Pct. 3 and Rosebud-Lott ISD was approved. The district will be responsible for reimbursing Falls County for gasoline/diesel for trucks and delivery/disposal of materials, not to exceed $500.
The Commissioners approved to waive a $6,000 tax penalty/interest for a local business. Due to an incorrect address, the company did not receive all its tax statements. It was recommended by Judge Elliott that the tax office consider bundling multiple statements. Commissioner Green expressed his concern that based on criteria, future scenarios will be handled the same way. Commissioners approved a resolution for a Sheriff’s public tax trust properties resale. The auction is scheduled April 2 at the County Courthouse, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Opening bids will start at 25% of assessed value of land as of 2023.
Commissioners acknowledged correspondence from Energiekontor US Texas SP 16 LLC development process for a solar energy facility (Bronc Rodeo Solar Project) located in Falls County. The company requested confirmation addressing specific local environmental, land use, building regulations, ordinances and permits.
In other matters, Commissioners approved the requested 2024 funding ($5,000) for the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) on the Cow Bayou watershed structures provided by Falls County. The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) 2024 ($1,432) membership dues were approved for payment. Payment is based on 2020 Census population. Funds for critical and valuable services are provided throughout the HOTCOG Region. Also approved were the County Subsidy funds paid by Falls County to the Falls County Volunteer Fire Fighters Association for emergency services. The requested $22,000 will be distributed to seven departments. In addition, $13,000 was requested for Emergency Vehicles and Workers Compensation Insurance. Marlin and Reagan VFD merged, and one site is in Perry, TX.
Senate Bill 22 established a grant program to provide financial assistance to qualified sheriff’s offices, constable’s offices, and prosecutor’s offices in rural counties. Comptroller’s office awarded Falls County $350,000. The current agreement is for the Rural Sheriff’s Office Salary Assistance to include the sheriff, deputy sheriffs and jailers only. Grant assistance will follow for other specific grantees. On another note, Sheriff Lopez noted procedures and personnel policies led to the most recent Falls County jail failed inspection.
He stated, “Of the mistakes found, 60% have already been corrected. The other percentage will be corrected within a month.”
Jeff Jackson, Road and Bridge Administrator, presented updates on employee’s health and safety. Commissioners agreed May 4 as Trash & Tire Collection Day with sites in Marlin and Chilton.
Commissioner Green moved to approve the payment of all bills, budget amendments and payroll. Seconded by Commissioner Willberg, the motion carried. Due to discrepancies, the February 26, 2024 minutes were not approved and will be included on the March 25, 2024 meeting agenda. After all agenda items were discussed, the meeting adjourned at 10:15.