Falls County to move back to courthouse in September
The Falls County Courthouse should be ready to be moved back into soon.
Falls County Commissioners met Monday, Aug. 23, in the District Courtroom of the County Anne with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding.
To ensure proper drainage and prevent basement flooding at the Courthouse, Judge Elliott reported four drainpipes will be re-routed. The turn-key date is Sept. 1 however, the move-in is scheduled Sept. 13-17.
Currently, Falls County has 90-active cases of COVID and remains as the county with the lowest numbers in the surrounding area. Sheriff Lopez reported as of January there has been one inmate and four staff who tested positive.
A$300,000 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and Texas Department of Agriculture was presented. The project will include Chilton Wastewater Treatment Plant, Intersection of Texas Highway 7 and County Road 4007 Generator Replacement. As a condition of funding, Falls County must comply with Section 3 of the Housing & Urban Development Act. Section 3 Housing is in Marlin, Lott and Rosebud. Commissioner Wuebker moved for approval. Motion was seconded and carried.
Commissioners discussed compensatory time earned during a holiday week, comp time and updating county policy emphasizing “Paid Quarantine Leave for Fire Fighters, Peace Officers, Detention Officers and Emergency Medical Technicians.” As of June 14, 2021, Falls County must provide quarantine leave ordered by supervisor or health authority. Off duty exposures are not covered and leave doesn’t count against sick leave. It was agreed to update the current policy booklet.
An interlocal agreement with the City of Marlin was discussed but no action was taken until more details of actual costs and materials are included in the agreement. County employee costs will not be included.
Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the Falls County Emergency Services District #2 Audit with the motion seconded and carried.
The final draft establishing procedures for abatement and disposition of junked vehicles was discussed. Commissioner Green moved the adoption of transportation code. Motion was seconded and carried. The Road & Bridge Director reviewed precinct work reports including the replacement of bridge on FM 504. New shredder has been ordered and the purchase a John Deer grader was approved.
Reports concerning the approval of payment of bills, including reimbursements and transfer of funds were discussed. Commissioner Green moved to approved insurance claims to suggested designated funds. Motion was seconded and carried. Dialogue concerning the 2021-2022 budget resulted in amendments to a department budget.
Commissioner Green moved to accept the 2021-2022 budget including anticipated income and expenses. Motion was seconded and carried. Posting the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2021-2022 budget and setting date of public hearing and subsequent vote on the budget was discussed. It was emphasized there are no salary pay raises. Commissioner Green moved to accept the hearing date as Sept. 13 and subsequent voting Sept. 27. Motion was seconded and carried. The Sept. 13 hearing will be at the Courthouse Annex; the voting will be held at the Courthouse downtown.
Commissioner Albright moved to accept publishing of public notice and setting of public hearing regarding proposed tax increase. The proposed tax rate is .93061 per $100 value. Motion was seconded and carried with 5:0 voice votes.
Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept minutes of prior meetings of the Commissioner’s Court. Motion was seconded and carried.
Since all agenda items had been discussed, Judge Elliot adjourned the meeting at 10:33 a.m.