Commissioners discuss ARPA funds
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, May 8, 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).
Kaycee Nehring , Tax Assessor-Collector, announced due to training in Bryan, the tax office will be closed Thursday, May 18. Business will resume Friday, May 19. Dr. Donald Kelm, District Extension Director Central District 8, presented the annual Texas A&M AgriLife Extension interpretation. Highlighting Agriculture Literacy, Dr. Kelm thanked the Falls County Extension office for the programs made available to the local community.
There was discussion and amendments concerning the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for two groups. Due to lack of rentals because of the pandemic, the Falls County Youth Fair will use the ARP awarded $60,000 to fund scholarships and pay operational expenses. The Marlin Men’s Civic Association will use the AMR $15,000 to pay for scholarships and operational expenses. Moved by Commissioner Green and seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, the motion was carried. In addition, to keep track of time being spent and not to exceed $100,000, Commissioner Wuebker moved to contract with HESCO, LLC for ARPA Projects. Commissioner Willberg seconded. The motion carried. Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator noted instead of working on FM 166 bridge, the department will work on the FM 151 Bridge project. These projects will be expenses paid by ARP Grant.
ESD #3 submitted their amended budget to accommodate change in ambulance cost. Moved by Commissioner Wuebker to accept and seconded by Commissioner, the motion passed. Commissioner Albright moved to approve Sheriff Joe Lopez, Falls County Sheriff Department, as the Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA) for the purposes of the Rabies Control Act of 1981. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion passed. Commissioner Green moved approval for bids for museum renovation. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried.
In other matters, Commissioner Green moved to approve the authorized list of Broker/Dealers as Montandon & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC. Falls County approved to use additional funds from sales tax, solar contract, and American Rescue Plan rollover to purchase Certificates of Deposits, $880K for three months and $1 million CD for six months, both at 5 percent interest.
Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator, reported the May 6 Trash Day was slower than normal and offered equipment updates. The department will work with the Sheriff’s office to remove old generator. The generator will be in the upcoming auction. The Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2018 or 2019 V8 pick-up company truck before the May 22 meeting.
Commissioner Albright moved to pay all bills, payroll, and budget amendments. Seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried. Commissioned Wuebker moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried. With no further agenda items, the meeting was adjourned by County Judge Elliott.