Members of the Dickens County Commission fussed and fidgeted Monday morning with the Windows tablets they had been forced to use to conduct Zoom meetings during the height of the Covid pandemic. Commissioners hunted for missing emailed document packets even while debating whether to equip all courthouse staff with the portable computers. It’s an efficiency in paperless communication whose time has likely come, and the court did indeed approve the purchase of three more, about $3,300 out of $214,730.50 in American Rescue Plan funds received for 2021.
Next year, when the other equal installment arrives, the county—like many other small communities—may apply the money to the purchase of a new ambulance, officials said. But for now, as the Dickens County EMS report noted, it plans to reapply for an emergency grant in September after being denied one this spring was down. In March, it was reported, the county went five and a half days without a running ambulance (and, thankfully, no emergency calls during that stretch). The cost of a new ambulance is approximately $200,000. In January the department ordered two refurbished defibrillators (with trade-ins, the cost was $22,000, a reduction from the going rate of $50,000), but equipment has not yet arrived. The February 2021 freeze caused over $8,000 damage to water systems in the Spur facility; insurance proceeds to cover repairs have been received, and work should be completed soon. Commissioner Jerry Alexander upgraded electric lighting in the building.
For the tax assessor/collector’s report, Rebecca Haney noted that the appraisal district had over-assessed some properties, and the reported figure has been discounted. Tax delinquencies are down considerably over last year.
County and district clerk Becky Hill reported that new voting equipment has been received; training for it will be scheduled in October.
Treasurer Darla Thomason said the county had received the first payment (50%) of American Rescue Plan emergency funding, $214,730.50. The money has been invested in a certificate of deposit pending decisions on how the funding will be used.
On behalf of the county extension office, County Judge Kevin Brendle reported that several local students attended Roundup recently, and several students will be going to Teen Leadership Lab next week. Brendle congratulated Brandi Abbott on organizing attendance at these events.
There was no report from TxDOT.
For Wildlife Services, Judge Brendle reported on behalf of Clint Martin that nine coyotes and six pigs had been trapped recently.
For Emergency Management, Wess Abbott reported on the need to upgrade or replace communications equipment; replacement of old repeater could run as high as $22,000, and Judge Brendle asked Abbott to present a written plan at a future meeting. No action was taken.
Commissioners reported that roads and bridges in their precincts were mostly in good condition, considering recent rains—“a lot better condition than we thought we would be,” according to Precinct 1 commissioner Dennis Wyatt:
A proposal to purchase new pallet forks for the county’s frontend loader, at a cost of between $900 and $1,600, was moved from the consent agenda to the discussion agenda.
Numerous reports and proposals were brought before the court on the discussion agenda.
For McAdoo Volunteer Fire Department’s annual report, Mack Gardner said they were “rocking along about how we were,” with 17 full-time members despite hard hits in the community by Covid-19. Gardner expressed his appreciation to the county for the portion of funding it provides. Plans to replace bunker gear week put on hold, but all trucks have been maintained and ready to go in case of fire. The McAdoo VFD will not hold its customary July 4 hamburger fund-raiser this year, remaining cautious during what they hope is the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic. They will probably aim for September instead. Gardner also wanted to remind neighboring communities that McAdoo keeps a 96,000-gallon water tanker loaded and ready for deployment to any fire in the area, and could reach any site within 30 to 40 minutes if needed.
Dickens VFD was not present and will give its annual report in July.
For the Dickens County Extension Service, district 3 administrator Lorrie Koop introduced Seminole, Texas, native Rusty Lanier and presented him as candidate for the Dickens County agent position. A Texas Tech graduate two years ago, Lanier has already been undergoing orientation in Dickens County and will shadow area agents before attending training at College Station in August. The court approved hiring Lanier, who will officially start July 1.
Coop also presented a memorandum of understanding for the court’s future consideration that details employment arrangements.
The court approved a request by the Palace Theater, via Dickens County Historical Commission chair Harry Bob Martin, to fund needed improvements to the theater with the balance of insurance claim funds after repairs related to February water damage have been completed. The proposal was approved unanimously, and Precinct 4 commissioner Charlie Morris thanked Darla Thomason for her work as an appointee to that group.
The court reaffirmed its support for a resolution in support of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The motion carried.
The court opened and discussed in detail four sealed bids to provide a variety of fuels to the county, moving to accept all bids, in order to provide flexibility of buying from any eligible bidder.
The court approved a letter engaging the firm of Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP for the fiscal year ending Sept. 31, 2021.
The court then approved the existing health and employee benefits pool insurance plan as administered by the Texas Association of Counties, for 2021-22.
The court considered and ultimately took no action on a
deed giving a Spur tiny house and the lots on which it sits, to the county, as the owner and previous resident has moved outside the U.S. The court will explore options and return to the matter next month.
The court discussed the option of renewing its tax abatement guidelines and criteria in advance of considering any development project, such as the one being presented in the afternoon by Broad Reach for a battery storage facility. No action was taken at present.
The 2021-22 budget planning calendar was discussed and approved.
Regarding needed repairs on Dickens Springs Road, Doug Shaw of TxDOT has offered his personal help, using county equipment. The court took no action at present.
Commissioners recessed at noon for lunch and anticipated returning to handle payment of bills and to hear a presentation regarding the proposed Broad Reach project.
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