The Erath County Historical Commission has plenty to celebrate as they have been awarded a 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Historical Commission.
This annual award affirms Erath CHC for their exemplary initiation and execution of comprehensive programs that preserve Texas’ multitude of historic and cultural resources. In 2025, statewide CHCs contributed an impressive 266,045 volunteer hours, translating to an in-kind donation to the state valued at $9,311,575. This award acknowledges the substantial time investment and adherence to preservation and organizational standards CHCs utilize in their projects.
Only 62 of Texas’ 254 Counties were recognized with this distinction.
This award, presented by County Judge Brandon Huckabee during the Erath County Commissioner’s court on June 8 acknowledges the substantial time investment and adherence to preservation and organizational standards utilized by ECHC in their projects.
ECHC appointees present for the award included ECHC Chair Larry Smith, ECHC Cemetery and Marker Chair Cindy Shipman, ECHC Secretary Janae Smith and appointees Terry Gibbs and Ben Pate.
A variety of other items were also discussed and approved at the Monday, June 8 commissioner’s court including approving an interlocal agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and the Dublin Police Department.
Sheriff Matt Coates explained that two of their deputies were now employed by Dublin PD, and their bullet proof vests would not fit anyone else. The interlocal agreement will allow DPD to purchase the vests at a cost of $900.
Commissioner Albert Ray abstained from voting on the motion due to conflict of interest. (Ray’s son is the Dublin Police Chief.)
The sheriff’s office also sought approval to sell a white 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe that is no longer being used and is in poor condition.
A couple of items, including a yoga ball chair and a pickup cover were declared zero value, which will allow them to be sold or disposed of.
Ken Luker was reappointed as a director to the board of directors of Erath County Development No. 1.
After consideration of several bids, a $608,000 bid from Bosque River Construction in Hico was unanimously accepted for the Precinct 1 Maintenance Barn Construction Project.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Dee Stephens explained the bid was the lowest, and it kept money local.
“We appreciate the companies who submitted their bids,” he said.
Approval was also given to precinct 1 to allow access onto private property on CR 308 to clean out the area to improve drainage.
Judge Brandon Huckabee explained that the county had officially closed on the building at 240 West Green for the juvenile probation office. It was sold at a cost of $525,000.
The joint unified dispatch project is moving along with it being up and operational hopefully by August.