Falls County Receives Final FEMA Reimbursement Payments
The Falls County Commissioners Court met on April 27, with 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). ADA Steve Sharp was in attendance.
Commissioner Wuebker moved to approve the minutes from the previous meetings. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried. Distribution of the final FEMA reimbursement payments for award 4781(Texas severe storms, straightline winds, tornadoes and flooding) resulted in precincts reimbursed for employee labor only and large portion put into a pool, not as equipment labor and equipment line items. A grant total of $745,372.45 was awarded to Falls County.
In other matters, Commissioners approved (1) the purchase of a new computer for the DPS office (2) Compensatory time for the Elections and Maintenance departments, (3) Chilton ISD CDBG Contract Draw Request for $36,980. The State directly pays for contracts and (4) bonding for Sheriff Department, Tina Nicholas, William D. Johnson, Joshua David and Annie Teakell-Deputy District Clerk.
Commissioner Green moved to utilize the Mental Health Services of the Licensed Professional Counselor as Mental Health Director of the Inmate Health Care program for Falls County. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried. Funds will be allocated from the Inmate Welfare account. Commissioners approved the first-year service and maintenance agreement for the Jail Camera System to be funded by Inmate Welfare funds.
Based on the expenditure statement submitted, Falls County will receive $20,701.03 pro rata share in the Tobacco Settlement Distribution Program. Funds will be used for law enforcement. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the Community Development Block Grant Lift Station/Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements change order request. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. Additional global settlements in the Opioid Litigation will result in Falls County allocation approximately $2,100. Commissioner Wuebker moved the County to apply for unclaimed property capital credits for Counties. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried. Concerning payment for election workers, Commissioners voted the County will pay for overtime during early voting only. The State pays for 12 hours of service. Regarding the Camino Solar Project, LLC, Commissioner Willberg moved to approve the project owner to place the funds in an escrow account with the County Treasurer. The final agreement has not been received. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried.
Spearheaded by Congressman (TX-17) Pete Sessions office, the County approved the sole source documentation considering Lockwood, Andrews & Newman (LAN) to begin the WaterSMART project funded by DOI federal grant.
The Road & Bridge report presented updates on County bridges to be replaced by the State and bids for additional bridges. Commissioner Albright moved the payment of bills, budget amendments and payroll. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion passed.
The Commissioners convened into Executive Session pursuant to section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss consultation with the attorney concerning County Road 468. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.