Commissioners extend burn ban until April 11

The Falls County Commissioners Court met on Monday, March 28, and approved funds for the Falls County Volunteer Firefighters Association and passed a burn ban until April 11.

County Judge Jay Elliott confirmed the American Rescue Plan two-part application for Non-Profit organizations is on the county website and due on or before Thursday, April 21. 

Commissioner Milton Albright moved that all outdoor burning is prohibited in Falls County until April 11, 2022. Authorized burning under the supervision of the Volunteer Fire Department is excluded. Commissioners approved. In accordance with Local Government Code, a violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.  

Albright also moved to approve the Tri-County Special Utility District underground Road Bore on CR 144. Motion carried. 

The Falls County Volunteer Firefighters Association requested budgeted $35,000 county subsidy monies paid by Falls County to the VFFA for emergency services provided to Falls County citizens. The funds will include insurance for emergency vehicles and workers compensation. From Oct. 1, 2020, to Sept. 30, 2021, the County Fire Department responded to 814 documented emergency calls including wildland fires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, emergency medical calls, public assistance calls, and any calls dispatched by the Falls County Sheriff’s Office. Albright moved to approve the request. Motion carried. 

Commissioner Nita Wuebker moved to accept a gravel donation by Jason Farmer, because the gravel is suitable to aid road building or maintenance and the application to CR 432 and CR 453 would improve the all-weather capabilities. The market value will be determined upon submission of paperwork. Motion carried.  

In other matters, Commissioner F.A. Green moved the transfer of $59,406.20 for the Falls County Intergovernmental Indigent Health to the Falls Community Hospital & Clinic. Motion carried.  Because it is in the best interest of the county, citizens, Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace and Constable, Commissioner Wuebker moved to adopt the interlocal agreement to place officials within the Golinda City Hall, and for the county to work jointly with the City of Golinda in the development and maintenance of facilities. Motion carried. 

Jeff Jackson, Road and Bridge Administrator, reported no major damage from recent thunderstorms. He also recommended exterior building painting and roof improvements. Requests for bids will be published in the newspaper.

The Falls County Free Trash Day has been moved to Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to noon or until dumpsters are full. Locations are Falls County Jail Site and Waste Collection Station in Lott. Tires, chemicals, hazardous waste and roofing materials will not be accepted.