Commissioners discuss solar abatement, sets holidays
The Commissioners Court of Falls County met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Dec. 13.
County Judge Jay Elliott noted public comments could be presented under public comments or during the designated agenda line item. Commissioner Nita Wuebker noted proposal of $13 million infrastructure grant for high-speed internet for Precinct 4 and grant proposal for Falls on the Brazos Park.
It was approved to accept a contract for professional services between Falls County and Allison, Bass & McGee LLC for assistance with issues regarding Blevins Solar, LLC Application for Tax Abatement.
Over 30 Falls County Precinct 4 citizens and school district representatives were in attendance to voice their concerns of the adoption of a Tax Abatement Agreement with Blevins Solar LLC and creation of Reinvestment Zone.
“The decision would be based on what’s best for the county, yet each individual has the right to what to put on their land,” Commissioner F.A. Green said.
After much discussion, no motion was made, and the adoption failed.
Other discussions and actions approved were: Joint Resolution and Statistical Information for Joint Primary Joint Resolution (Democrats/Republicans agreed to joint voting); changes in election precincts where those who voted at the Marlin Housing Authority will now vote at the BTW Alumni building and Pleasant Grove will vote in Rosebud, the Cowboy Church was added as a polling site in the Durango area; as mineral owner, Falls County contracted an agreement with Scott Conners, property owner, to separate the surface rights from the subsurface rights on property In Lott where plans are to build a Dollar General; and sponsorship dues to the Central Texas Resource Conservation and Development (RC & D) were approved to pay.
Commissioners agreed to modify December payroll to Dec. 22 and approved the 2022 holiday schedule replacing Columbus Day with Good Friday as a holiday. The second and fourth Mondays will continue as Commissioners Court meeting dates wherein if a holiday occurred on a Monday, the Court would meet the subsequent Tuesday. Due to the upcoming holiday, the next Commissioners Court is Dec. 21, 2021. An Execution Resolution was approved authorizing Judge Elliott as the designated Falls County representative to execute agreement with the Texas Water Development Board for $738,000 project funding. The County’s share of costs for the project is $82,000.
Falls County will receive $1,494.08 for the reimbursement of mental health counseling services during the fiscal year 2022 (Oct. 1, 2021 to Aug. 31, 2022). Funds are provided by HOCOG’s project through the Juvenile Justice Alternative grant program. There were no updates on the anticipated new business, Brazilian Rifle Admonition Company, moving to Marlin. Commissioner Jason Willberg moved to accept the Falls County Rural Emergency Service District #3 2020 Audit Report, seconded by Commissioner Albright; motion carried.
Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator, gave a departmental report. He thanked the precinct workers for their assistance and described the tire collections as labor intensive. There was a concern re: tire companies dumping tires at the collection site. Commissioner Green moved the payment of all bills, budget amendments and payroll, seconded by Commissioner Albright; motion carried. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the Nov. 22 minutes, seconded by Commissioner Albright; motion carried, followed by adjournment.