Falls County Commissioners take care of business
Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse, Marlin, Texas, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F.A. Green (Pct. 2), and Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). ADA Steve Sharp was present.
Under elected official reports, Commissioner Willberg thanked the Sheriff’s Department who helped with traffic control at a local event. Commissioner Wuebker announced funds were available for removal of tires. A thank you card was received from the Marlin Public Library for the donation it received.
Concerning the American Rescue Plan, specifics were given regarding excess funds. Commissioners moved to accept required MOU to disperse estimated $2,025 and follow through with plans by December 2026.
In other matters, the Records Preservation/Archives fees are $10 per file. Records are available Sept. 21, 1970 to present. Otherwise, for older archives, other options are available for research in the Falls County Clerk’s office.
Concerning the Falls County Appraisal District, the Commissioners approved the nominations of Ian Giesler and Byrleen Terry to the Board of Directors. Commissioners approved and authorized online instruction for the continuing education of county commissioners, except for a county commissioner in the first 12-month period of the commissioner’s first term.
As a reminder, Judge Elliott noted the Falls County 2025 Holiday Schedule reflects employees will not be off on Christmas Eve but will still have four-day weekend. Concerning early voting security, it was noted the need for a full-service hour on site deputy. Commissioners approved the Falls County Emergency Service District 3 budget and the Indigent Defense Grant Program. The program will assist the county in the implementation and improvements of the indigent criminal defense services in Falls County. The purchase of Spindlemedia LLC, comprehensive computer-aided Tax Collection software, was approved by the commissioners.
Commissioner Wuebker moved to approve the Rodeo Springs Addition plat. Second by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. It was noted that the land runs over a pipeline. Commissioners approved the Bahia Pipeline, LLC road bore/cut for several county roads in Precints 3 and 4. Complaints affecting loose livestock around CR 935, were shared. Policy and procedures were discussed, and Sheriff Lopez reported some animals have been impounded and some owners fined. Patrolling will continue. Application for structural repairs to dams in Cow Bayou Watershed was approved. The repairs are state funded.
Energiekontor (solar electric) US Texas SP 16 LLC applied for a tax abatement. The location is NE Falls County (CR 423) and within Chilton ISD. Application fee of $1K was provided. The OAG Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service (SAVNS) Maintenance Grant Contract was approved by the Commissioners. The Fifth Renewal Term is Sept. 1, 2024, to Aug. 21, 2025. The purpose of the program is to assist Texas counties and other entities in maintaining a statewide system that will provide relevant offender release info, notification of relevant court settings or events to crime victims and other interested individuals, promote public safety, and support the rights of victims of crimes.
Because the end of the John Deere lease will expire in January 2025, Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator, noted Caterpillar offers better purchase and service agreements. Commissioners were reminded by ADA Sharp that public notice is required. Before going into Executive Session, Commissioner Albright moved to pay the bills, seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, the motion passed.
Executive Session pursuant to section 551.074 of the government code, the Commissioners Court held an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and local government code 154.025. The next Commissioners Court regular meeting is Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.