Commissioners discuss disaster funds, various topics

The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, May 22, 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).

Regarding declared disaster areas from the February storm, Sue Tacker, Mayor of Lott, expressed concerns of the whereabout of American Rescue Plan funds totaling $183,857.17 allocated for the city that were not received. 

Because funds were used on the water tower, Judge Elliott recommended she speak with Jerri Gauntt, ARPA Project Manager to retrieve the balance.  In addition, when Mayor Tacker questioned additional disaster funds, Judge Elliott noted based on rural population, FEMA funds have not been received since 2017.

In other matters, Commissioner Albright moved to accept the donation of a concrete bench to Falls County and the Falls on Brazos Park in memory of Phillip Alfano. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion was carried. Commissioner Albright also moved to approve the annual distribution of permanent school funds. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion was carried. 

After reviewing the statement letter that Bell-Milam-Falls WSC has the capacity and ability to provide water for 16 meters inside the proposed Travis Estates Subdivision plat, Commissioner Willberg moved to approve the action, seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. Commissioner Albright moved to accept the TWDB Grant Falls County Outlay 5 Flood Plan. Seconded by Green, the motion carried. 

Jeff Jackson, Road and Bridge Administrator, noted work funded through the American Rescue Plan was completed on Bridge 124 and will began on Bridge 220 during this week. Because of weather hinderance and lack of manpower, Jackson reported the county still has work to do. He acknowledged the purchase of Ford 4-wheel drive pickup for the county. In reference to a county vehicle involved in an accident, Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the $15,000 bid for repairs. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion passed. 

Commissioner Green moved to transfer Road and Bridge payroll funds to assist with the purchase of R&B vehicles. Seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, the motion carried. There will be a full day TACH safety meeting June 1 that will include inspections and safety simulators. 

Commissioner Wuebker moved to pay all bills, payroll, and budget amendments. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. Seconded by Commissioner Willberg, Commissioner Wuebker moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

An Executive Session pursuant to section 551.071 of the government code, the Commissioners held an Executive Session to meet with its attorney to receive legal advice re: County of Falls v. Purdue Pharma, Inc. After returning from closed session, Commissioner Green moved to authorize the County Judge or other authorized officials to execute the settlement participation and release forms regarding settlement offers in the matter of Texas opioid multi-district litigation for the County in the matter of County of Falls v Purdue Pharma, L.P. et al. Seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, motion carried. 

With no further agenda items, the meeting was adjourned by County Judge Elliott.

 

 

 

 

 

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
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