Falls County Burn Ban Ordered, County Employees Awarded Extra Holiday

The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse, Marlin, TX October 13, 2025, 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). ADA Steve Sharp was present.

Elected official reports included a thankyou from the Boys & Girls Club for the monetary donation as a result from the Unclaimed Property Funds and Commissioner Wuebker gave an update on volunteer donations assisting a family with septic system issues. The Falls County Workforce Solutions Center, 230 Coleman, is disposing of surplus equipment and furniture in Marlin October 22. Disposition details: 9:0010:30am-City of Marlin and FC Offices; 10:3011:30am-Public Library and eligible Child Care Providers; 11:3012:30pm-All Non-Profit Organizations and 2:003:00pm-General Public.

The Circle T Travel Center Tax Abatement was discussed. No action was taken. Commissioners approved a December Strike-off Tax Resale. The Sheriff Office will oversee the sales which are resales from previous auctions. Opening bids will be 25% of appraised value. On behalf of Falls County, a letter of support of NextLink Internet’s application to the Texas Middle Mile Grant Program was approved.

Commissioner Albright moved the approval for the County Jail to purchase with Commissary Funds Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) for the jail as well as a repair part valve for the emergency water tank system. The latter will be a building maintenance expense. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. Regarding Trunked Voice Radio System, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Waco, 800MHZ Trunked Voice Radio System was approved. It is imperative and beneficial both to Waco and Falls County that their public safety radios are interoperable.

Jerry Wood, Constable Pct. 4, submitted the Asset Forfeiture Report with no entries. The Commissioners discussed the Camino Solar Project LLC Solar Farm located in Milam. Since some Falls County roads will be traveled with the project, Milam County engaged with Falls County in a Road Use Agreement in maintaining the roads.

Commissioners approved the Optional Health Care Services Notification with no changes. Also approved was the Record Archive Fee for the Falls County Clerk’s office. The fee was set as $10.00 per filing. Commissioner Green moved to accept the Lumen Serve contract which utilizes Dialight LED lighting systems across all tower types including an ongoing maintenance and repair of the Lighting System. Second by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried. Commissioners approved the resolution authorizing Falls County Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program. The elderly and/or those who have a disability qualify for the program. A $2500 grant will be issued to the organization to be used between Feb. 1, 2026-Jan. 31, 2027. The County must certify the approval of the organization’s accounting system or fiscal agent who meets financial management system requirements.

The Commissioners approved names of three candidates to fill a directorship on the 2026-2027 Falls County Appraisal District Board of Directors: Jace Albright, Charleen Prince, and Jeff Martent. Linda Mitchell and Jesse Martinez are not seeking re-election.

In other matters, the Commissioners moved to adjust the Falls County holiday schedule to include Thurs., Jan. 1 & Fri., Jan. 2 as holidays. The Falls County Emergency Service District #3 (ESD) Budget, October 1, 2025- September 30, 2026, was approved indicating total expenses of $359,100.00. Pertaining to the County Health Official, Commissioners moved to maintain the current County Health Official, Dr. Downing.

An order by the Commissioners Court declared that outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated area of the county 90 days from the date of adoption, October 13, 2025. Free Trash Day is December 6 in Lott and Marlin.

No tires will be accepted.

Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator, presented updates on bridges and personnel. Due to the difficulty in locating parts, there is a plan to trade in a tractor for a Kubota brand. Only one proposal was received regarding a motor grader. One has been priced, however, will require a loan. Payment plan will be discussed at the next meeting.

Commissioner Albright moved to approve the payment of all bills, budget amendments and payroll. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. Commissioner Wuebker moved to approve the minutes from the September 22 and September 29 meetings. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned. The upcoming meeting will be Monday, October 27 at 9:00 am.