Sheriff’s Department receives grant funds
Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Aug. 26 with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were F.A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Milton Albright (Pct. 1) was not in attendance. ADA Steve Sharp was present.
Commissioners approved a $350,000 grant to fund the Rural Sheriff’s Officer Salary Assistance Grant FY25.
Funds may only be used to provide minimum annual salary of at least $75,000 for County Sheriff, $45,000 for each deputy sheriff who performs motor vehicle stops in routine performance of their duties and $40,000 for each jailer whose duties include the safekeeping of prisoners and security of jail operated by the county. Purchase of vehicles, firearms, hiring of additional deputies or staff at the sheriff’s office and safety equipment for the sheriff’s office are included.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of storage containers, safety equipment and data management access with Sheriff SB22 grant funds. The purchase of a $2,850 water storage tank was approved. SB22 funds are not applicable for payment, however, contingency funds may be used. Three new computers for the Sheriff and Jail Departments were approved.
Regarding the American Rescue Plan, all non-profits have met completion status. Changes to the Falls County Employee Handbook were approved.
The Commissioners approved the bonding of Sharon Scott, Chief Deputy County Clerk, and Sheriff’s Department Virden Hill, Rebecca Lord, Cederia Taylor. $256,386.80 was approved as the final payment to the Falls Community Hospital for indigent health care.
Falls on the Brazos donations were received from Thigpen Ranches, LTD ($500) and the National Grid Renewables ($5,000). For water meter service, the Cego-Durango WSC Road cut/bore on CR 484 was approved.
It was noted that the first lease payment of $70,028.84 for the MowerMax Boom Mower is due Aug. 26. This $257,400 equipment cost is leased through Cadence Equipment Finance for four years.
Jeff Jackson presented the Road & Bridge Administrator’s progress report. Jackson is still searching for a truck that has been previously approved. He commented on burning debris out of ditches that TCQ had to be contacted and the process required approval by the Historical Commission.
Concerning the approving of payment of bills, including reimbursements, transfers of cash or funds from any line item, Commissioner Green moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried.
2024-2025 Budget items included anticipated income and expenses: Falls County Detention Center; department line items; all funds, including general fund and Farm-to-Market Lateral Road Fund, upcoming year’s Appraisal District Budget; fees for processing payroll; and as relevant, expected charge to school districts for assessing and collecting taxes, and/or other services. It was moved by Commissioner Green and seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, to add a $1 line item for ninth deputy to be taken from contingency. Motion carried.
The 2024-2025 Budget-related process:
1) Filing with County Clerk’s office the proposed budget.
2) Recorded vote on consideration of proposed tax rate (0.73509). The budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget.
3) Publishing of public notice regarding proposed tax increase.
4) Setting of public hearing on Monday, Sept. 9 at 9 a.m. and voting on the adoption of the budget Sept. 9 at 9 a.m. All actions will be conducted at the Falls County Courthouse.
The minutes of the prior meeting were approved. The next meeting will be Sept. 9 at 9 a.m.