Commissioners rescind burn ban, discuss ARPA funds
The Commissioners Court of Falls County met on Monday, Feb. 14, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners Milton Albright and Jason Willberg were present. F.A. Green and Nita Wuebker were not in attendance.
An American Rescue Plan (ARPA) representative was available to address questions and concerns regarding the project. Over $3.35 million has been allocated for five years. A March 7 workshop is planned welcoming non-profit groups to discuss county bridges and roads.
Other actions included the approval to accept the National Family Care Cafeteria Plan for county employees. A cafeteria plan allows employees to pay for certain expenses, like health insurance or childcare, with pre-tax dollars. Commissioners approved to accept the adoption of Administrative Leave and Mental Health Leave-Peace Officers to be included in the employee handbook. With the recommendation of the supervisor, administrative leave can be granted only by the County Judge. An officer directly involved in a traumatic event may request the use of mental health leave without a deduction in pay. It was noted the updates were approved in 2017 but were not added to the handbook.
The Commissioners voted to lift the burn ban but advised citizens to continue safety practices when burning. Because the onsite building operations maintenance supervisor already performs the upkeep of the Courthouse elevator, the Commissioners voted not to accept the KONE Care Passenger Safety Maintenance Module. It was understood KONE will continue bi-annual inspections. The Court was updated with the Verizon renewal contract with the State of Texas. Cell phones will be replaced every two years and recovery fees for devices terminated prior to contract end dates were made available.
Other business involved the removal of a trailer home left stranded on FM 431 easement. It will be torn down on site and materials will be disposed of by the county. For information purpose only, the suit filed against the Magellan pipeline road damage is moving forward. The Commissioners agreed to accept the adoption of road cuts crossing CR 475 and CR 476 and utility/pipeline location policy provided by Atmos Energy and Tri-County Special Utility District. This would assure that lines placed in the right-of-way of County Roads do not interfere with road maintenance.
After much discussion, Commissioner Albright moved to use available salary money for part-time positions including two election judges and one part-time District Clerk worker. Seconded by Commissioner Willberg the motion carried. Regarding proceeds from tax sales in 2021, it was also approved to place the excess in the contingency account. Special thanks to JP 1 Kaylah Rosas and JP 2 Debra Trotter who are currently overseeing operations in Precinct 4 until after the March primary. Judge Rosas is managing tickets and Judge Trotter Civil cases.
Jeff Jackson, Road and Bridge Administration, reported the department is working with TxDOT with bridge repairs. The Court approved the payment schedule for the John Deer lease from January 2022 to October 2024.
Commissioner Willberg moved to approve the payment of all bills, budget amendments, payroll and other department and non-departmental budgeted line items, seconded by Commissioner Albright. Commissioner Albright moved to accept the Jan. 24, 2022, minutes followed with the meeting adjourning.