Falls County submits Disaster Declaration

Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouseon Monday, May 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).

As a result of flood, tornado, excessive rain, and wind that occurred in the months of April and May, Falls County has faced damage to homes, businesses, public works, and utility systems.

Commissioners approved the local state of disaster hereby declared for Falls County for a period of not more than thirty days from the date of the declaration unless continued or renewed by the Commissioner Court. There will be a Special Agenda meeting Wednesday, May 15, at 8:30 a.m. to approve a 30-day extension concerning the Disaster Declaration for Falls County.

Regarding SB 22, Commissioners agreed to pay salary increases for the DA’s office, Deputy, Constable, and fully licensed certified jailers. Temporary jailers must submit paperwork (certification) prior to receiving backfill. Other actions approved included Tri-County S.U.D. Road bore on CR 129 for customer water utility line, approved plat to be known as County Road 102 subdivision on Rock Dam Road and approved to request the unclaimed property capital credits for counties through the Texas Comptroller’s office.

Commissioners approved the resolution for submittal of an application to the Bureau of Reclamation to support Falls County in the creation of a county-wide water resources group through the WaterSMART program.

The program can be supportive in preparing long-term sustainable water supply plans providing resiliency during drought conditions. The Commissioners approved the annual distribution of permanent school funds by way of lease and oil contracts. Over 2819 students from eleven districts will benefit from the $269,910 funds. The Supreme Court of Texas Confidentiality Policy and Agreement was reviewed affecting judges, JPs, county clerks and clerks. It was noted confidential information will be added to the employee handbook and Auditor’s office re: documents properly filed.

Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Director Administrator shared a short overview of the maintenance and operations of the department. He reported a need for a new brush cutter and three roads are closed for repairs due to the excessive rains including CR 452 and CR109.  The scheduled May 4 trash day went well. Tire disposal will be delivered in increments.

Due to Memorial Day, the next Commissioner’s meeting will be May 28.

Commissioner Albright moved the payment of bills, seconded by Commissioner Willberg, motion carried. With the exception of an agenda item on the April 22, 2024 minutes, Commissioner moved to accept the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried.  With no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Judge Elliott.