Commissioners tackle several topics at meeting
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Oct. 23, 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).
Under the American Rescue Plan, the Reagan Fire Department received their portion of a $32,000 check for the new structure. Commissioner Green moved to approve the payout of compensatory time for the Dispatcher/Jailer. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried.
The Commissioners agreed to accept the East Bell Water Supply Corporation Road cut/bore on CR 373. Concerning investments and pilot payment, Commissioners approved investing $258,000 in a six-month Certificate of Deposit.
In other matters, Judge Elliott noted all employees had signed the addendum to the County Handbook except for one who refused to sign. The addendum is based on the Senate Bill 1893 to be put into policy effective June 14, 2023, that prohibits the installation or use of the social media service TikTok to any county devices.
Commissioner Green moved to approve that all employees are subjected to termination if they refuse to acknowledge by signing the County Handbook and/or for addendums. Seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, motion carried. It was stated the County Handbook denotes that all addendums will need to be signed by employees.
The Road & Bridge Department will be working with a full crew as of Nov. 1, 2023. Administrator Jeff Jackson will meet at Pct. 4 (CR 452) with representatives re: road/bridge usage. Commissioner Green moved to accept the payment of bills. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. County Wuebker move to accept the minutes of the previous meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried.
The Court when into executive session to meet with attorney to receive legal advice about the Road & Bridge uniform agreement. Upon returning to regular session, Judge Elliott reported no action to the Executive Committee meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:50.
The Falls County Commissioners Court met on Oct. 9.
Agenda items included replacing air conditioning units at the Lott tower which were hit by lightning. With a $25,000 insurance deductible, Commissioner Albright moved to approve the purchase for the air conditioners provided an invoice for pay including labor is received. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion was carried. Rollback funds and courthouse renovation funds (if needed) will be applied. Commissioner Albright moved to approve the purchase of a new computer for the DA’s office to be used by 2nd Assistant District Attorney Steve Sharp. Seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, motion carried.
In other matters, the County 2024 holidays was discussed and unanimously approved. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept Constable (Pct. 4) Jerry Wood’s Chapter 59 seizure report for 2023. The Commissioners approved the 2024-2025 Appraisal District nominations. Concerning the 2024 Falls County Resolution, Indigent Defense $25,000 Grant Program, it was moved by Commissioner Albright and seconded by Commissioner Wuebker to approve the resolution.
The Commissioners discussed the temporary closure of State right-of-way for the October 15th World Triathlon Corporation Ironman Waco. There will be no need for Falls County to provide anything but agree to permit the race to move through off/on county roads via Hwy. 77.
Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator, discussed the November 18 Free Trash Day in Marlin and Lott. Trash and tires will be collected however, patrons will need to unload their own items. Commercial businesses are not permitted. Jackson noted Road & Bridge is still waiting on pickups from the Sheriff’s office. Wait time is for lights from Cap Fleet. Jackson noted he is accepting applications for CDL positions. In addition, as recommended by the Commissioners, he will check on cost of CDL training and more information.
After a brief discussion regarding bills, Commissioner Albright moved to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, the motion carried. Commissioner Court adjourned by Judge Elliott at 10:17 a.m.