Commissioners tackle several topics at meeting
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Jan. 22, 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).
The agenda opened with a $1,000 check from Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP for a tax sale overage. The Commissioners approved the resolution for the 2025 Youth Victims Services. Applicable matching funds for the project as required by the grant application. In addition, the Court approved the submission of the grant application for the Youth Intervention Services to the Office of the Governor. Judge Elliott was designated as the authorized official.
An Interlocal Agreement between the Heart of Texas Council of Government (HOTCOG) and Falls County relating to the use, control, responsibility, and payment for Emergency Notification Service (ENS) was discussed. HOTCOG will contract with Everbridge to make an emergency notification service program available. It was noted that operations process info for the public will be available after Feb. 1 in the County Clerk office.
Commissioners approved the East Bell Water Supply Corporation Road cut/bore on CR 378 and application for road cuts/bores which was submitted by Blevins Solar, LLC to include CR 452, CR 459, and CR 460. Property owners present expressed concerns of trucks using public roads such as CR 459 instead of designated routes, indicated if continued, the roads would need severe repairs. Blevins Solar, LLC will provide a number for the public to report unfavorable truck routes.
Accepted by the Commissioners, a detailed Motor Vehicle Racial Profiling Report was submitted prior to the meeting by Falls County Constable PCT. 1 Johnathan D. Shoemaker, Chief Administrator. Also approved was the Indigent Health Care $97,922.61 payment. Commissioners approved Mundo and Associates, Inc. to prepare the USDA Rural Business Development Business Opportunity Grant. The grant is an effort to prepare for future grants for site improvements and actions that lead to jobs and new investments. Deadline is Feb. 28, 2024.
The Commissioners approved bonding Madison Elliott (JP #4), Farris Reeves, Keenin Ringo, Natalie Scott, and William Johnson (Sheriff’s Department), Ernestine Downes (Deputy. Co. Treas.) and Melissa Fulton (Ag. Extension Office). In addition, the Commissioners discussed suggested guidelines concerning county required driving history for affected employees. They approved, per active employee, the $7 credit card payment to be paid every three years through designated county budgets.
In his absence, the report of Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator, was shared by Judge Elliott. Due to the weather, work on CR 493 bridge was delayed. The status of the employee uniforms will be included on the next meeting agenda. During an Executive Session, the Commissioners approved Falls County Judge Jay Elliott and County Attorney to negotiate the offer to contract to purchase commercial building and lot at 111 6th Street, Chilton. for proposed precinct location.
Commissioner Albright moved to approve the payments of bills, payroll, and budget amendments. Seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried. Commissioner approved the minutes of prior meeting, seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried. Judge Elliott adjourned the meeting.