Fannin County, Texas -- Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham presided over a regular meeting of Fannin County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, with Pct. 1 Commissioner Dale McQueen, Pct. 2 Commissioner A.J. Self and Pct 4. Commissioner Doug Kopf in attendance; Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness was absent.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Andrew Malone, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bonham, and pledges were led by Major James Manis (Ret.).
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Judge Cunningham recognized Pct. 1 Commissioner-elect Troy Waggoner in attendance.
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In public forum, Cunningham advised the public of a meeting Tuesday, March 26 at Solid Rock Church from 6:00-8:00 p.m. to talk about the danger of human trafficking. County representatives will attend.
The county judge also informed the public that Texas Historical Commission reported at least one state historical marker was apparently destroyed by developers; the county will pursue legal action.
"That's our history," Judge Cunningham remarked sternly.
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Routine items
Fannin County Commissioners Court approved payment of bills totaling $138,395.70.
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Bonham Fire Chief Scott Ridling presented the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) report for February 2024.
Chief Ridling said his department received 366 calls in February, a little below the average of 390 calls per month. The department is fully staffed and currently working on its proposal for the county EMS contract.
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Commissioners court approved the Treasurer’s Financial Report for February 2024, the Treasurer’s Investment Report for February 2024, as well as the Treasurer’s 2023 Fiscal Year Investment Report.
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Report of monies received by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 office for February 2024; $1,162.00.
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Discussion, consideration and action items
Commissioners court approved going out for bid for a used Ram 5500 Pickup truck for Precinct 2.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved a non-exclusive license agreement between Fannin County and Healthcare Solutions, Ltd. for access to Healthcare Solutions Software as a Service (SAAS) from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.
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Commissioners court approved an interlocal agreement between Fannin County and the City of Trenton related to development and implementation of regulations in Extraterritorial Jurisdictions (ETJ).
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Discussion items
Fannin County Commissioners Court discussed an Internal Audit Report regarding the Office of the County Treasurer.
Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple noted that the biggest issue was that the county was not in compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act, but noted that the treasurer's office is now working into compliance.
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Commissioners court delved into the confusing situation regarding a former roadside park on the west side of the State Highway 78 bridge as you enter Texas.
While the entrance to Texas on U.S. 75 is something to be proud of -- it has a visitors center and is well maintained -- the former roadside park on Hwy. 78 is plagued by littering and the "Welcome to Texas" state marker has deteriorated to the point of being almost unreadable.
Several years ago, Fannin County asked TxDOT for use of the property in order to give the public access to Red River and apparently was given approval to put in a park.
When a closer examination proved that part of the former roadside park had been built on the land of an adjoining landowner, the initiative stalled and ensuing agreements have been difficult to locate.
While the 50-foot bluff overlooking Cottonwood Creek and Red River is one of the most scenic spots in the county and the public has no access to a unique natural resource -- Red River -- Judge Cunningham estimates this would be a $500,000 project, even if the county could manage to jump through the hoops required in this convoluted predicament.
Questions abound regarding the deed issues and a possible requirement to provide ADA access to the river, which would be costly.
"It leaves us an opportunity, but the question is, do we want to take advantage of the opportunity?" Cunningham questioned aloud.
"I don't think it is feasible for the county to do this," stated county resident Rusty Deets. "Make the state do its job," Deets added in regard to the dilapidated "Welcome to Texas" marker.
Commissioners court may discuss this again in two weeks.
Open discussion items
(Open discussion items will be passed on unless discussion requested by a member of the Court or a Citizen.)
In regard to the Fannin County Subdivision Committee and Subdivision Policy, Judge Cunningham reminded developers that Texas Historical Commission markers belong to the State of Texas and there will be consequences when they are damaged.
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Cunningham said he expects to have construction-cost estimates for the justice center to share at the next regular meeting of Fannin County Commissioners Court.
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Cunningham said he will meet with the vendor that was expected to have the oft-delayed Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) in effect.
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In regard to water issues, county resident Sarah Richardson said that when a sand plant near Ravenna went into operation, its impact on Wolf Creek and Lake Bonham was obvious.
Richardson is also concerned what impact proposed deep wells near Ivanhoe for Twin Creek Municipal Utility District will have on her two private wells.
Red River Groundwater Conservation District advises residents to have private wells registered to protect them.
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In a brief discussion regarding Fannin County road issues, Pct. 4 Commissioner Kopf told of an opportunity to widen a 35-foot-wide county road and increase easement.
Judge Cunningham advised commissioners to properly document agreements with landowners.
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In regard to the total solar eclipse April 8, Cunningham said the county and its residents need to make certain they have adequate resources.
"As we approach the weekend of the eclipse, let's make sure our tanks are topped off and make sure we are stocked up with food," Cunningham stated. "Be aware and be prepared."
Of course, no one can predict the impact of this event until it becomes clear if the weather will cooperate to allow viewing of this historical event.
In a worst-case scenario, there is a chance that fuel might not be readily available for 4-5 days.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court entered in executive session at 10:13 a.m. to consult with their attorney and to discuss personnel issues.
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Commissioners court reconvened in regular session to announce that the Office of Fannin County Criminal District Attorney Richard Glaser will investigate any case of destruction of Texas Historical Markers in the county.
