Commissioners reinstate burn ban until Feb. 14

Falls County Commissioners voted to reinstate the burn ban in the count on Monday during a regular meeting. The burn ban will be in effect until Feb. 14.

Commissioners met at the Falls County Courthouse with Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners Milton Albright, F.A. Green, Jason Willberg and Nita Wuebker were present.

Elliot announced under the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the project for Falls County bridges was approved. A Feb. 10 meeting with a representative is scheduled. Four years are allocated to expend $3.35 million for the project under the ARP.

Other actions included the approval to accept the final plat of the Rudloff Addition in Westphalia and accepting the Q & B Water Supply Corporation Road Bore, CR 383. 

Commissioner Green moved to approve enrollment for the Texas Association of Counties’ free cybersecurity course, which requires all county elected officials and any local government employees who has access to a local government computer system or database to complete an annual cybersecurity training by Aug. 31. 

Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the resolution authorizing and approving the execution of an agreement with BancorpSouth Equipment Finance for the purpose of presently leasing with an option to purchase equipment. Motion carried. 

Wuebker moved to accept the Texas Department of Agriculture Texas Community Development Block Grant Program Amendment 1 approving the extension of time to ensure that the Chilton Water server project is fully accomplished ending June 30, 2022.

Resolutions approved included the Youth Victim Services for 2023 agreeing to provided applicable matching funds as required by the Victims of Crime Act Formula grant application; Youth Intervention Services for 2023 designating the Falls County Judge as the grantee’s authorized official who will have the power to apply for, accept, reject, alter or terminate the HOTCOG grant; Victims Assistance - General Direct Services grant project to be operated 2022-2023 fiscal year; grant application for the Special Crimes Investigator—Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program. The court approved the purchase of additional car seats supporting the Ag Extension car seat program.

Jeff Jackson, Road and Bridge Administration, reported the department worked on a water leak on Bluebonnet Drive interlocally with the City of Marlin whose equipment was non-operable. Jackson requested confirmation on Falls County COVID-19 policies. He also updated the status of equipment inventory. Commissioner Albright agreed to meet with Jackson and Copperhead Solar representatives to provide expectations.

Commissioner Albright moved to approve the payment of all bills, budget amendments, payroll and other department and non-departmental budgeted line items, seconded by Commissioner Green. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the Jan. 10 minutes followed with the meeting adjourning.