Kent County considers fate of historic bridge; meets in closed session with department personnel

In a called meeting of May 11, 2022, Kent County commissioners canvassed the results of the recent election.

In its regular meeting of May 23, 2022, the court handled a variety of routine maintenance and investment matters but also spent about half of its 3-hour meeting time in closed executive session on two separate issues.

A question of historical interest came before the court on the 23rd. The historic steeltruss Woodson Bridge across Duck Creek, on CR 112 in the northeastern part of the county near Girard, was on the TxDOT list for repair, but repair costs, said county judge Jim C. White, might be in the neighborhood of $35,000. The county’s share of costs for TxDOT to repair or replace a bridge runs about 20%, White said. Commissioners generally expressed little inclination toward spending that level of funds to bring the little-used, one-lane bridge up to standards, but instead might instead leave it in place with load-zoned or “closed” signage. No immediate decision was required, said Judge White, and no action was taken.

Also regarding roads, the judge reported a notification from TxDOT of proposed widening State Hwy 115 in Dawson and Martin Counties, adjoining Kent County school lands. TxDOT plans to conduct shovel-dug probes in the affected area; Judge White proposed the agency contact the county’s tenant and inform them.

The court approved a request from Jayton-Girard ISD for a withdrawal of $53,501.65 from permanent school funds for purchase and repair of five houses to be used for school faculty/staff housing.

The court also approved an investment of school funds, $500,000 reinvestment plus $200,000 in new revenue, for a total of $700,000, at the Bank of Texas for 1 year at 0.75% interest.\ No There were no new applications for use of road machinery before the court. The court approved payment of bills, and extended a countywide burn ban for the next 90 days from May 26.

In its report to the court, Kent County Nursing Home staff noted a patient census of 42 as of the coming afternoon, with four new Medicare admissions. The facility reported one new hire, Belle Smith of Spur, and no current job openings. A transfer of funds from the QIPP program netted $176,737.63 for the month. The facilty had submitted documents in response to a complaint made May 13.

Court convened in executive session with county Emergency Medical Services staff at 10:18 a.m., then immediately went into a second executive session at 11 a.m., which wrapped up just after noon. No court action was taken following either executive session.

Present for the court in addition to Judge White and county clerk Craig Harrison were commissioners Roy Chisum, Robert Graham, Daryl Ham and Don Long. County judge-elect Lane Coulter, who has attended numerous sessions since the recent election, was also present to observe.