Commissioners set budget meetings, approve several items

Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on July 22 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).

Elected officials confirmed attendance at the TAC workshop in August and no action was take on Highway 77 closure. Judge Elliott will be in Austin on Aug. 1 regarding the re-application for the Falls County Jail Inspection. Per Commissioner Green there is only one entity that has not met the deadline for criteria for the American Rescue Plan Grant.

In other matters, a thorough and appealing rural-focused Net Link Internet grand opportunity was presented by a company representative. No action was taken.

Commissioners approved the Rosebud Ranches plat and the Chapter 50 Asset Forfeiture Report by law enforcement and Falls County Constable Pct. 4. The findings of the Falls County Appraisal District financial audit ending in December 2024 were presented and approved. Significant risks identified included management override of control and loss contingencies required reasoning special audit considerations, Also approved was the ESD #2 2023 Financial Report.

The 2024-25 Commissioners Court budget meeting were discussed. They will be Aug. 1-21 at 9 a.m. The formal adoption of budget and formal adoption of tax rate is scheduled for Sept. 9. Visit the Falls County website for additional details. The Order of Appointment of Election Judges and alternatives one-year term was submitted. Commissioners also approved the total loss of one county vehicle for an insurance claim.

Commissioners approved updates to the employee handbook to include county usage updates, law enforcement overtime intreat to 171 hours and bereavement. 

The bond was approved for Venessa Dodd, Deputy County Clerk for Kayci Nehring, Tax Assessor Collector. The interlocal agreement for assessment and collection of taxes for Emergency Services District #3 was approved.

Road and Bridge precinct work was reviewed by Administrator Jeff Jackson. Various bridges still need repairs, and the county is still working on FEMA recovery. He noted that water wells are the responsibility of the owners, not the county.

Commissioner Albright moved to approve the paying of bills and the motions was seconded by Commissioner Green.