Commissioners discuss ARPA payments, museum

The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on June 12, 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). 

The elected official report concerned the old Post Office availability for the Falls County Historical Museum. No action was taken.  

Commissioner Green moved that the 16 nonprofit organizations, who were recipients of the American Rescue Plan Grant, will receive 25 percent upfront of their scheduled allotments with proper paperwork. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried. 

In other matters, the Commissioners accepted the $93,392 bid from RS&L Company for museum renovations. Commissioner Green moved to accept, seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. 

A special city design presentation was made by former Marlinites, IT Technology Consultants, Lonnie Johnson, Founder/CEO of GoExtele and partner, Andre Butler. Their goal is to share a broadband wireless solution, projected employment, and grant funding for Falls County. It was noted $42 billion in funds is available through American Rescue Plan. 

As stated by Mr. Butler, from an educational perspective, “We want the local students to be globally competitive.” 

Commissioner Wuebker suggested the commissioners establish the status of another group with a similar plan.