Commissioners take care of county business at meeting
Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Sept. 23, at 9 a.m. with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F.A. Green (Pct. 2), and Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4) was not in attendance. ADA Steve Sharp was present.
Under official elected reports, Commissioner Albright requested the amendment of property line 120C be included on the Oct. 14 meeting agenda. Regarding the American Rescue Plan Grant, there is an unobligated $2,025 balance. It was suggested by Judge Elliott to add to the Park Improvement line-item. Moved by Commissioner Green and seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried to allocate unobligated funds for Falls on the Brazos improvement. Unless noted by Commissioners, all unobligated funds should be returned if not used. The grant manager will be on site at the Oct. 14 meeting for questions and answers.
Attorney Sharp noted concerning the ESD #1 audit that as accounts over $200,000 require certified audits every two years. Commissioner Albright moved to act on the audit, seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. The Commissioners also approved the Texas Water Development Board Amendment with the contract expiration date of March 31, 2025. Commissioners approved the Interlocal Agreement for Assessment and Collection of Taxes for Marlin ISD and Rosebud-Lott ISD.
Other approvals included the bonding of Shurita Dorsey, Deputy County Clerk, and Terri Irvin, Assistant County Auditor, and the county investment renewal of three Certificate of Deposits for six months. The internet link between the courthouse and Sheriff Department/Jail is poor. An invoice was submitted by the Sheriff Department for the purchase of safety equipment using SB22 Grant funds. Commissioners approved equipment replacement and safety equipment.
The attorney questioned the county employee policy manual relating to Local Government Code 154.025. This is regarding whether county elected officials who have back taxes due while serving in that capacity can purchase property at sales or if employees are included. An executive session will be held prior to the Oct. 14 meeting.
Commissioner Green moved to distribute the unclaimed capital credits revenue of $24,049.02 between Faith, Hope & Charity, Boys and Girls Club, County Child Protective Services and two libraries. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried. Concerning the purchase of Halloween candy, decorations, etc. with county funds, Commissioner Green moved that county funds will not be used for such purchases, seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried. Commissioner Albright moved to accept the $1410 purchase of jury summons, seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried.
In other matters, Commissioners approved the payout of county compensatory time as of Sept. 30, 2024. Commissioners also approved the page insert in the Employee Handbook regarding employee payments for Special Circumstances. Commissioners approved the Appraisal District nomination resolution form for the two FCAD Board positions that expire on Dec. 31, 2024, Byrleen Terry and Ian Giesler. Both have agreed to continue serving. Nominations will be submitted at the Oct. 14 meeting.
The Road & Bridge report was presented by Jeff Jackson, administrator. Debris still needs to be collected. The county is up to date on FEMA paperwork. He requested the approval to purchase a 2004 Freight Liner at $24,300. Commissioner Willberg moved to accept the report, seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried.
Commissioner Albright moved the payments of bills and amendments and minutes from prior meeting, seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.