Fannin County, Texas -- All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting held Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Cody Nelson, pastor of 7th & Main Baptist Church in Bonham, and pledges were led by Air Force veteran and Fannin County Clerk, Jenny Garner.
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Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham introduced Pct. 1 Commissioner-elect, Troy Waggoner in attendance.
"I appreciate his early involvement," Judge Cunningham remarked. "He can hit the ground running."
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In public forum, Cunningham noted that Fannin County Sheriff Mark Johnson was in a traffic accident and is in the hospital.
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Routine items
Commissioners court approved payment of bills totaling $243,793.44.
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Commissioners court approved minutes from a special meeting on July 23, 2024 and a budget meeting held July 23, 2024.
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Commissioners court approved the Treasurer’s Financial Report for October 2024, as well as the Treasurer’s Investment Report for October 2024.
Fannin County Treasurer David Woodson reported receipts of $1,308,129.19 in October, with property tax revenue $114,973.73 and sales tax receipts of $160,531.22.
Interest on TexPool accounts was $55,674.53, with an average interest rate of 4.913%.
Total interest for October was $86,325.88.
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Report of monies collected by the County Clerk’s office for October 2024; Land records, $37,219.51 and All courts, $18,308.05.
Discussion items:
Commissioners court received a monthly report by Michael Gilbert, Regional VP of North/West Operations for Allegiance, of EMS services by Allegiance for October 2024.
Mr. Gilbert noted that Allegiance started providing countywide EMS services October 1, 2024, with ambulances in Savoy, Leonard and Honey Grove.
Gilbert reported 174 calls and 137 transports, with an average response time of 13 minutes and 13 seconds.
A letter was led into the record thanking the Allegiance medical technicians for responding quickly to an emergency and saving the life of a Fannin County resident.
Jason Walker expressed concerned about dispatch procedures and response times and also questioned the alleged average response time of 13 minute, 13 seconds.
"I think there is still a lot of investigating that needs to be done," Mr. Walker suggested.
"We do have issues to fix and we are working on it," Gilbert responded.
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The court received an update by Pct. 1 Commissioner Dale McQueen regarding courthouse decorations for the holiday season.
A citizen donated several Christmas trees, including an Angel Tree for donations.
The county has permission to place Christmas lights and decorations on the balconies around the courthouse.
Commissioner McQueen said there are tentative plans to open up the courthouse for tours December 7 during the holiday events that evening in Bonham.
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Discussion, consideration and action items:
Commissioners court approved the canvass for the November 5, 2024 General Election – County Clerk
Fannin County Clerk Jenny Garner reported that, out of approximately 25,000 registered voters in the county, 16,453 ballots were counted, equating to 65.83% of registered voters in the county participating in the general election.
Ms. Garner said there was a heavy turnout of early voters, but a lighter-than-expected turnout during election day, and she thanked commissioners court, cities and churches for assistance, as well as the county election team.
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Commissioners court reappointed Pct. 2 Commissioner A.J. Self to the Fannin County Subdivision Committee, and appointed John Keene to replace Jarrett Tucker.
The committee thanked Mr. Tucker for his years of service.
The bylaws state that a commissioners court member serves until they are no longer a court member.
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Commissioners court voted to accept excess proceeds of from $2,909.10 from Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson LLP.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding the salary of the SB22 Investigator in the district attorney’s office.
This subject will be discussed in executive session later in the regular meeting.
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Commissioners court approved a maximum bid of $6,500.00 for a 2006 Gradall XL3100 Excavator through Rene Bates Auctioneers, Inc.; auction ends November 20, 2024.
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Commissioners court approved modification of Intergovernmental Agreement by the United States Marshals Service with Fannin County, Modification No. 10, to increase the per diem rate from $97.93 to $102.55 and the hourly guard and transportation rate from $26.73 to $29.65 to reflect Department of Labor Wage Determination Number 2015-5273 (Rev 27); effective 09/15/2024.
Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple explained that the increase in per diem rate is the responsibility of the U.S. Marshals Service, but the hourly guard and transportation rate will impact the county budget.
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Commissioners court approved going out for bids for culverts; all precincts.
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Commissioners court approved going out for bids for fuel and oil; all precincts.
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Commissioners court approved roof repair for Precinct Four barn. Three companies submitted a bid.
The court approved the low bid of $1,699 which was submitted by T&R Roofing.
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Commissioners court discussed possible action regarding access for employees from secure to non-secure areas at the justice center, as well as drainage plans at the justice center, but will need reliable cost estimates to take action.
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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.
In regard to the Fannin County Subdivision Committee and Subdivision Policy, the county's civil attorney, Andy Garner, and Di Hopkins, Development Services Director for Fannin County, are updating policy language.
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Judge Cunningham said litigation continues regarding courthouse restoration.
County employees have found that banisters to the railing on the courthouse balconies were not properly attached.
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In regard to work at the justice center, Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness remarked, "There's a lot going on inside that building."
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In regard to water issues affecting Fannin County, the Fannin County Water Supply Agency managed to have a quorum at its last meeting.
"Everybody now recognizes that Fannin County needs surface water," Judge Cunningham stated.
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In regard to Fannin County road issues, Judge Cunningham warned residents that FM 1396, a TxDOT road, has dangerous crevasses.
"It is dangerous and it needs to be fixed," Cunningham said.
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Executive sessions and action if needed:
Commissioners court entered into executive session at 10:12 a.m. to discuss personnel issues.
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Commissioners court reconvened in regular session at 10:43 a.m. and approved a $60,000 starting salary for the DA investigator.
