Falls County Commissioners discuss several topics
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Feb. 13 with 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).
After returning from Executive Session, Emergency Service District (ESD) updates were discussed. Concerning the ESD’s tax increase May election, Judge Elliott reiterated the need to expedite the process yet follow protocol to ensure all guidelines are followed. He also recommended for the ESDs to reach out to Falls County as needed.
Commissioners approved, if the loss was not the result of negligence or criminal action, the authority to indemnify elected and appointed county officers against personal liability for the loss of county funds, or loss of or damage to personal property, incurred by the officer performing the duties. In addition, it approved the request to purchase two counterfeit machines for the tax office. Due to a counterfeit bill received for payment, a County Funds Indemnification Request for $100 from the County Tax Assessor-Collector was approved. Funds will come from contingency.
In other matters, Commissioners accepted the Racial Profiling Report from Constable Precinct 4 Jerry W. Wood, certifying it is not policy to make traffic stops in the routine performance of the officers’ official duties, approved the purchase of a larger generator at the Sheriff’s Department which also services the Net Data system and approved the Net Data contract renewal. Commissioners approved the 2023-24 Southern Health Partners contract for the Sheriff Office. The new fee description included a three percent annual adjustment increase.
Due to a few months from retirement and because of age, Commissioners approved to transfer narcotics detection K9 Thor to Investigator Officer Keaton Smith for use and care. Officer Smith is a certified trainer to work with law enforcement animals but is now located in the DA’s office. Commissioners also approved the following grant resolutions: Courthouse Security System and County Victims’ Assistance Program designating County DA Kathryn J. Gilliam as the authorized official.
Required by the IRS, Commissioners approved The Affordable Care Act and Tracking Service (ARTS) Renewal Information which will enable the county to produce forms required by IRS regarding payroll and health benefits-eligible employees.
Commissioner Green moved to accept resolution and financing of an Excavator and related equipment by Government Capital Corporation. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. Commissioners agreed on the expediate work of the County workers during the ice storm, especially the fallen trees/limbs.
Commissioner Albright moved to approve the payments of bills, including reimbursements, late charges, transfer of cash or funds from any line item or departments. Seconded by Commissioner Green, motion carried. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the minutes of the prior meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried. Judge Elliott moved the meeting adjourned.