In a busy agenda, commissioners court tackled a slew of items at their Monday, Oct. 23 meeting.
Erath County Emergency Manager Chris Brooks addressed the court on the purchase of a new fire truck for Erath County Volunteer Fire Rescue. The county had already earmarked $850,000 from ARPA funds for the truck and Brooks explained the fire engine that had been located was under that.
“If approved we are expecting delivery in March or April instead of a three year waiting period,” he said.
The custom cab engine with a 1,500 gallon tank will replace a 20 year old truck for ECVFR. The commissioners unanimously voted in approval of the fire engine.
Subdivision Coordinator Jason Gardner addressed court on two items including a replat in Mountain Lakes. The two lots were being replat because the owner simply wanted more property.
A variance for Brady Dowell was approved on CR 415 for road frontage. Gardner explained there was a piece of property that does not meet 200 foot road requirements but there was no risks or hazards associated with the variances.
The court approved a bid for the Justice Center Remodel to Iron Horse Mechanical and Plumbing at a cost of $241,094.23 at the lowest bidder.
The commissioners court also unanimously approved an extension on seeking bids for road materials until Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. to allow bidders to have more time to submit them.
In public comments, Attorney Ryan Taylor spoke on behalf of a group of individuals that are having problems on County Road 180.
Taylor alleged that Jay Mills Contracting Inc. was moving CR 180 approximately 30 to 50 feet to the west without any approval from the county. The piece of property was originally purchased from Steve and Lanette McCoy.
“The road is where it was for the past 50 to 100 years,” he said. “He gave no notice to land owners. Why weren’t the land owners contacted?”
Taylor said that the company was utilizing a faulty survey that incorrectly states where the road should be.
“How do we know they are right? We don’t,” Taylor said.
Taylor explained that Kenneth Leatherwood surveyed and the road shows to be in its correct place.
The attorney has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Bill Pace, who owns land on one side of the road, and a temporary restraining order to stop work has been signed by District Judge Jason Cashon. Damage has been done to trees alongside the roadway, Taylor said, and asked who is responsible for the damages. Two agenda items involving the roadway were pulled from the agenda after a 20-minute closed executive session. Agenda items were, “discussion and action to accept donation by Jay Mills Contracting for the material and labor to update County Road 180” and “Discussion and action to approve and ratify that County Road 180 was moved to the correct location.”
In other business the court:
■ approved monthly/ quarterly departmental reports
■ approved action to adopt FY2024 TIDC’s Formula Grant Resolution
■ approved four additional cash drawers for the new Tax-Assessor Collector office and one additional cash drawer for the Tax Assessor office in Dublin received
■ filed the Sept. 30 investment report