Falls County Commissioners extend burn ban
Falls County Commissioners extended the burn ban during a meeting on Monday, Nov. 12.
County Judge Jay Elliott presided. 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 not in attendance.
Due to circumstances present in the county that could create a public safety hazard, the burn ban is still in effect until further notice.
Concerning the Appraisal District Board of Directors, Commissioners approved Byrleen Terry and Ian Giesler as nominees on the 2025-2026 ballot.
Commissioner Green moved to accept the changes to the Falls County Employee Handbook regarding employees or individuals that owe a debt to the county including delinquent taxes, fines, fees, and indebtedness arising from written agreements with the county. Disbursements to people with outstanding debt is prohibited. Commissioner Willberg seconded and the motion carried.
Pertaining the January 2025 resale of tax trust properties, 16 properties were approved. Opening bids will start with 20 percent of the value. Commissioners approved the 2025 Cybersecurity training for employees. Also passed was the December payroll modification. Employees will be paid Dec. 23 instead of Dec. 31. Due to the holiday, the second Commissioners Court date in December will be Dec. 18. The Employee Appreciation Luncheon is Friday, Dec. 13.
Commissioners approved the resolution for the 2025 Home-Delivered Meal Grant Programs, Meals on Wheels. This program includes meals to be delivered to County homebound people who are elderly and/or have a disability. Commissioners also approved a $84,858.05 payment to the Falls Community Hospital and Clinic for indigent health care. Re: Sheriff Lopez, the Falls County Jail Commission report included a shortage of jailers and no more than 48 inmates. Concerning canvassing the votes, Commissioner Albright approved to accept, seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, the motion carried.
In other matters, Commissioner Willberg moved to purchase a power washer for Road & Bridge. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. Commissioner Albright moved to purchase two motor graders, two from Caterpillar and two John Deere. Commissioner Willberg seconded and the motion carried. Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator, noted an auction after Jan. 1, 2025.
Commissioner Green moved the payment of the bills. With the second by Commissioner Willberg, the motion carried. Commissioner Wuebker moved the approval of the minutes of prior meeting. Commissioner Willberg seconded and the motion carried. The next meeting is Monday, Nov. 25, at 10 a.m.