Falls County Commissioners approve invitations for bids

Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on Monday, June 10. In the absence of County Judge Jay Elliott, Pct. 1 Commissioner Milton Albright presided over the meeting. Commissioners present were F. A. Green (Pct. 2) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) was not in attendance. Judge Elliott participated via phone conference.

Regarding the American Rescue Plan, grant recipients received letters regarding unused allocated funds resulting in good feedback. Commissioners approved several items including the renewal of the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool. There is no change to the coverage however, there is an increase in premiums paid by the county. They also approved a $68,973 payment concerning the Comprehensive Hospital Increase Reimbursement Program (CHIRP) for indigent care; and oil, gas and mineral lease in Wise County. Also passed was the cremation by Adams Funeral Home of an indigent who died at the local Marlin Inn.

Commissioners approved the grant agreement and Certification Regarding Lobbying with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Falls County to include the construction of an ADA-compliant boating access ramp and parking facility on the Falls on the Brazos. Commissioners also approved a road building donation from Levi Water District. It was agreed the gravel is suitable to aid road building or maintenance and would improve the all-weather capabilities of public CR 431.

In other matters, due to 80 hours plus, the payout of compensatory time for three Road and Bridge employees was approved.

Commissioners also granted advertisement and invitation for separate bids for gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, additional road and bridge materials. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 5, at  9 a.m., Road & Bridge Department or Monday, July 8, at the Commissioner’s Court meeting at 9 a.m. In addition, advertisement and invitation for bids for construction services for bridge and culvert repair and replacement was approved. The deadline is July 3. The project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Director Administrator, shared a short overview of the maintenance and operations of the department. All employes are off restrictions. To assist with the many fallen trees and debris, Jackson reported a need for additional excavation equipment with an estimated $90K cost. There was a question as to the new law guidelines re: bids. Commissioners approved to purchase the equipment via contingency funds.

Commissioner Wuebker moved the payment of bills and May 28 minutes, seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion carried. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Commissioner Albright.