Commissioners continue burn ban until Nov. 14

n By elizabeth richardson

Staff Writer

The Falls County Commissioners Court ordered a continuance of the burn ban prohibiting all outdoor burning in the unincorporated area of the county until Nov. 14 during a meeting on Monday.

 Discussion included citations for negligence. Violation of the Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. For similarity, burn ban policies of surrounding areas will be pursued.  

Commissioners met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Oct. 24 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).

On another note, HOTCOG representative Harold Ferguson provided a presentation on the Falls County Emergency notice alert system. He noted a new tower was erected adjacent to the midtown water tower on Depot St. Citizens are welcomed to register for free emergency warnings by voice, text or email at HOTREADY.com. Alerts include any public safety concerns.

Discussion concerning an order posting of 30-days’ notice to consider amending a pre-existing 90 percent tax abatement agreement with BT Yixon Solar, LLC resulted in recommendation to have LLC representative appear before the Commissioners Court. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept Grants Works as an administration service provider for 2023-24 Texas Community Development Block Grant Fund as recommended by the BOD of Chilton Water Supply and Sewer Service. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried.

Commissioner Green moved to accept the Falls Community Hospital & Clinic medical services for Falls County employees. Seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, motion carried. In addition, Commissioner Albright moved to approve the county bloodborne policy for the Sheriff/Jail department. Seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried. 

Commissioner Albright moved to approve the authorization of Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins, Mott LLP to list sheriff’s public resale of trust properties in December 2022. Seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried. The sale notice will be published in the local paper three times in November. 

 Commissioner Green moved to accept the recommendation from the County Auditor’s office for a four-year contract from an outside auditor. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. 

It was approved by Commissioner Green and seconded by Commissioner Albright to pay compensatory time for Sheriff Sergeant Deputy. Motion carried. Officer Derrick Johnson led discussion concerning body worn cameras and in-vehicle systems for the Sheriff’s Department.  Presently, seven of the ten in-vehicle systems are operable. 

Commissioner Green moved to approve new five-year contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc., which will provide new in-vehicle systems. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. The system will be linked to the DA’s office for immediate access.

Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the HOTCOG Solid Waste Resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried. Discussion and action concerning indigent cremation policy was tabled.

Jeff Jackson, Road and Bridge Administrator, reported updates for the department. He proposed an auction of old equipment and willing to provide suggested list of equipment.

Commissioner Albright moved to approve the payment of all bills, budget amendments and payroll. Seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried. Commissioner Wuebker moved to approve the Oct. 10, 2022, minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Judge Elliott.