In its regularly scheduled meeting of April 8, 2024, the Dickens County commissioners court authorized a resolution approving a special budget for the sheriff’s office, using Texas SB 22 funds, including use of the funds for an additional deputy sheriff position. A motion made by commissioner Charlie Morris and seconded by Greg Arnold passed with two opposing votes.
Prior to the motion a public hearing was held, with no comment offered.
Spur swimming pool.
In other business, the court heard an informational presentation by Spur mayor LouiseJonesandswimming pool committee member Marcella Bilberry on how the pool would be managed once it’s completed and opened this summer. The city of Spur, which will own and operate the pool, requested funding assistance from the county, as with past arrangements before the old pool shut down in 2015.
Mayor Jones asked for a county contribution of $1,000 monthly ($12,000 per year) to supplement its income from revenues that would include admission fees, concessions and private party rentals. While that income is not expected to be enough to run the facility in the black, Jones explained, patrons from beyondSpuralonewouldbe able to make use of the pool.
Jones noted that the $14,577.15 in the city’s pool fund—including the $400 per month that the city currently sets aside as well as private donations made in recent years—is currently held in a certificate of deposit at present and will be available as seed money.
The city expects to hire a managerandfourlifeguards for the summer; year-round maintenanceofgroundsand pool will be handled by city technicians.
No action was taken.
City of Spur code compliance manager Barry Ferguson discussed options with the commission for disposal of condemned and demolishedbuildingsunder several scenarios. Both the city and Dickens County are short on disposal space to support an aggressive program of demolition (especially under the emergency abatement ordinance), said Ferguson, and various regulations pertain to different circumstances for either entity. The court will continue to consider solutions.
Inthemeantime,County Judge Kevin Brendle reminded the court of the importance of being prepared for growth in the coming years from the Lubbock exurbs. The potential does exist, he said, for the county’s communities to capitalize on demand for affordable, buildable lots if substandard properties can be systematically taken care of. “Set a goal every year,” he advised Ferguson. “It’s going to be costly, but city needs to address it incrementally.”
Other business.
The commission approved replacing a water well pump in McAdoo Water at a cost of $875, from ARPA funds.
The court approved a change in Friday public hours for the Dickens County courthouse, to remain open during the lunch hour but close at 3 p.m.
The court tabled discussion regarding closing a
county road.
The court appoved payment of approximately $12,000 to Caprock Waste Management for the county’s roll-off disposal container, which the company had not billed since the start of the year. The amount due would be divided among participating entities — school, cities, county.
The court accepted two bids on in-trust properties via Texas Communities Group: $487 for parcel 5397, Franklin Ave., Spur; and $355 from Kevin Walkup for parcel 5438, Franklin Ave. south of East Harris.
The court reviewed its ARPA fund balances; both tranches of funds have been received, and the county now must report expenditures.
The court approved the cost of a major oil change on a loader that exceeds the county spending policy.
Departmental reports.
Monthly reports that were submitted via departments’ laptopsandnotimmediately available to the public were thesheriff’sreport(approved as submitted), justice of the peace report (approved as submitted), tax office report, (approved as submitted, with Tax Assessor/Collector Rebecca Haney, noting that collections for 2024 are almost $49,000 ahead of the same time for 2023); and countyclerkoffice(approved as submitted).
Treasurer Brandi Abbott was absent. There was no TxDOT report for the month.
For the County Extension office, agent Amanda Spiva reported that in March, 4-H held a community Easter egg hunt and also held a garage sale fundraiser for Panhandle fire departments that raised $500; they will also participate in the upcoming Highway 70 Garage Sales. Meat teams brought home awards and have District competition coming up. Fashion show State competition is coming up, and it also looks like Food Challenge may go to State.
Spiva reported receiving a $1,500 grant to support a 4-H animal event this summer. Roundup will be in May, with approximately 10 kids giving presentations.
For Emergency Services, coordinator Matt Hindman reported that the communications tower is still awaiting inspection, but he had contact during the meeting from the inspector to set that up and look for a solution to a few radio communication gaps.
Commissioners all reported roads graveled and maintenance scheduled on maintainers; rain later this week may pose challenges.
All reports were accepted and approved unanimously.
Minutes of the two March meetings were accepted and approved unanimously.
