Fannin County, Texas -- All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting held Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The meeting opened with an invocation by David Woodson and pledges were led by Major James Manis (Ret.).
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Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham introduced Troy Waggoner, Pct. 1 Commissioner-elect.
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In public forum, Molly Hayes reminded residents there will be a very important election in eight weeks; October 7 is the final day to register.
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Routine items
Fannin County Commissioners Court approved payment of bills totaling $133,633.60.
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Commissioners court approved minutes from special meetings held June 5, 2024 and June 11, 2024.
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Commissioners court approved dates, pay periods and holidays for calendar year 2025.
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Report of monies collected by Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 office for August 2024; $2,091.50.
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Report of monies collected by Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 office for August 2024; $4,880.80.
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Discussion, consideration and action items
Commissioners court approved a proclamation declaring September 2024 to be Suicide Prevention Month in Fannin County.
Bill Wilson of Fannin Behavioral Health Leadership Team pointed out this is an important topic that impacts a lot of families. Fannin County has a higher suicide rate than the rest of the state and country.
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Commissioners court unanimously voted to extend the current Fannin County burn ban.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item that would have authorized the county auditor to move $1,000.00 from Forfeiture Funds (560-103-560) to Miscellaneous (560-560-4900) for the payment of a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Fee.
The date to appeal this fee has passed; it related to someone hired in 2024. The sheriff did not attend the meeting to expound on the situation.
Judge Cunningham offered to study the legal implications of not paying the fee.
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Commissioners court approved the TAC County Information Resources Agency (CIRA) services agreement for website hosting at a cost of $1,550.00 annually.
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Commissioners court approved soliciting a quest for Proposals (RFPs) for outside audit services, including single audits.
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Commissioners court voted to retain Steven L. Crain Consulting for Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) schedule.
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Commissioners court voted to retain Steven L. Crain Consulting for the Custodial Funds.
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Commissioners court voted to retain Steven L. Crain Consulting for assistance with Trial Balances, Capital Assets, Payroll, Fines Receivables, Accounts Payables, etc.
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Commissioners court approved the Bois d’Arc Lake Zoning Commission recommendation for Special Exception application to reduce road frontage from 100’ to a minimum of 60’ on cul-de-sacs and curved roads; Bridgewater: ID# 75376, 548 CR 2945 in Dodd City, TX.
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Commissioners court approved the Bois d’Arc Lake Zoning Commission recommendation for Special Exception applications to reduce road frontage from 100’ to a minimum of 60’ on cul-de-sacs and curved roads.
a. Cypress Point: ID# 81843, CR 2955 in Honey Grove, TX
b. Cypress Point: ID#’s 81844, 128261, 128422, 128425, CR 2955 in Honey Grove, TX
c. Cypress Point: ID# 128916, CR 2960 in Honey Grove, TX
d. Cypress Point: ID# 81847, 1604 CR 2955 in Dodd City, TX
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Commissioners court approved the rental of Hitachi ZX60 Mini Excavator with a 48” ditch bucket from ASCO Rentals for one month; $3,198.00 from fund 210-621-4600 (Rentals/Leases).
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Commissioners court approved distribution of $2,311.56 received from the 2024 Comptroller Capital Credits for Fannin County.
Last year's distribution of approximately $100,000 was an anomaly.
Commissioners court voted to distribute this money to Fannin County Children's Center.
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Commissioners court passed on possible action regarding GovOS and Fannin County.
The county initially paid $28,000 to this vendor under the impression the county would receive approximately $100,000 annually from collections of the countywide Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT).
Judge Cunningham said the county won't incur additional costs to see if this vendor can bring this revenue stream to fruition.
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Commissioners court approved having all agenda items for the October 1, 2024 Commissioners Court due by noon on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
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Open discussion items
Open discussion items will be passed on unless discussion requested by a member of the court or a citizen.
Courthouse repairs and litigation are "moving forward" according to Judge Cunningham.
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Fannin County Water Supply Agency will meet Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the Derrell Hall Education Center.
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In regard to solar and wind farms, Judge Cunningham said he is working with state representatives to get a bill passed that would limit the proliferation of solar and wind farms.
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Jason Walker of Ravenna, Texas questioned the reliability of Allegiance Emergency Medical Services to meet response times to northern Fannin County.
Executive session(s) and action if needed:
Fannin County Commissioners Court entered into executive session at 10:04 a.m. to consult with their attorney.
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Commissioners court reconvened in regular session at 10:24 a.m. to announce the hiring of a forensic expert for $17,500 to be paid out of contingency next year.
In addition, Judge Cunningham said the county will proceed with additional 202 depositions, initially with Pct. 2 Commissioner A.J. Self, possibly to be followed by two more depositions yet to be determined.
