Emergency Services tax cap election set for May
n BY elizabeth richardson
Staff Writer
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on Monday, Feb. 27, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Commissioners not in attendance were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F. A. Green (Pct. 2).
Judge Elliott presented a short overview of the status of the Emergency Services Districts (ESD) upcoming May 6 Ad Valorem Tax Cap Election.
Early voting will be at the Falls County Courthouse Annex. Locations for the May 6 election are ESD #1: The Methodist Church - Pct. 101 and BTW Alumni Bldg; Pct. 203 - Chilton ESD #2 and Rosebud ESD #3.
Commissioners approved the signing of the Finance Contract to purchase an excavator and the Mental Health Counseling Services Agreement. Falls County will receive $1494.08 for the reimbursement of mental health counseling services during the fiscal year October 2021 to August 2023.
Funds are provided by HOTCOG’s JJDP project through the Juvenile Justice Alternative grant program. Also approved were payments to the Meals on Wheels program and acceptance of donation of road building materials for CR 427 by Jason Farmer, owner. The County will have permission to perform necessary work related to the building or maintenance of the private properties on the county road. Commissioners approved the purchase of a printer and business grade money counter-counterfeit detection machine for the Tax Office.
In other matters, the Commissioners approved the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department License Agent Agreement. The agreement is good for five years.
The Falls County Rural Emergency Services District #1 financial statements and accountant’s reports for 2021 and 2022 were presented. They are now caught up with annual reporting. Bid for the county depository contract was discussed. The county will remain with its current contract with Cadence Bank.
Concerning elective insurance plans, a MetLife Insurance spokesperson represented a proposal on dental coverage comparing MetLife to current plan. Judge Elliott requested a better comparison of the two. The representative agreed to make available. Open enrollment starts April 4, 2023.
Jeff Jackson, The Road & Bridge Administrator, noted the crew is still working on fallen limbs and trees from the ice storm. Jackson recommended the purchase of an additional chipper. Presently, the County has one. Three bids were received for air conditioning replacements. Jason Brown was awarded the contract.
Commissioner Wuebker moved to approve the payment of all bills, budget amendments and payroll. Commissioner Willberg seconded; the motion carried. The minutes from the last meeting were approved.