Commissioners tackle several topics at meeting
Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on Monday, Feb. 10, 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). ADA Steve Sharp was in attendance.
Elected official reports included a NetLink update.
Commissioners approved several agenda items including the Falls County Emergency Service District #3 budget and 2024 audit, District Clerk’s office copier lease agreement renewal with Zerox and the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool Reporting and Tracking Service (ARTS).
Commissioner Wuebker moved to approve the request for proposals with specification sheet for the management of the Falls on the Brazos Park located off FM 712. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. Proposals deadline is March 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the County Judge’s Office.
An estimate to improve the District Courtroom sound system, the Commissioners approved the $49,000 quote from Brazos Media Technologies.
The Commissioners approved the resolution supporting Kim Stevens to fill the position on the City of Waco Director’s Board of Directors of the Heart of Texas Housing Finance Corporation. Counties serviced by the agency includes McLennan, Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill and Limestone. In the interest of the health and convenience to Falls County citizens and Falls County employees, for food and/or drink accessibility, the Commissioners approved the placement of automated vending machines in the County Courthouse. It will be located on bottom floor.
In other matters, concerning the ATLIS FY 2025 Indigent Health Care, a $45K payment was agreed by the Commissioners. County officials’ bonds for the Sheriff’s Department, including Joe Lambert, Michael Irving and Dana Crump, were approved. Also, the Bell Milam Falls WSC CR 385 road bore was approved. Regarding ESD #3 vacancies, Commissioners accepted the appointment of Scott Hoelscher. Resignation letters will be approved on Feb. 24 meeting.
A copier lease agreement for the County Clerk’s office was approved. Jeff Jackson, Road and Bridge Administrator, presented updates on roads and bridges and supplies. The online surplus auction was discussed. A date has not been selected.
The Falls County Jail is still pursuing meeting expectations at the state level including staffing and inmate population. Commissioners approved compensatory time payout for two jail employees. Falls County houses Milam, Limestone, and McLennan Counties. Commissioners agreed to enter into an agreement, Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2032, with the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services to establish and maintain a Child Welfare Board to administer a county wide, jointly financed, state administered, and regionally operated child welfare program to meet the needs of children in the county who are in need of protective services.
Falls County appointments to the CPS Board include Lisa Watkins, Kelly Szelestey, Sharon Scott, Sheryl Pringle, Elizabeth Perez, Molly Downes, Shurita Dorsey, Vanessa Dodd and Brittany Coker.
Commissioner Albright moved to approve the payment of bills, budget amendments and payroll. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the Jan. 27, 2025, minutes. The next Commissioners meeting is Feb. 24 at 9 a.m.