Fannin County, Texas -- Senior Fannin County Commissioner Jerry Magness presided over a regular meeting of Fannin County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, with Pct. 1 Commissioner Dale McQueen, Pct. 2 Commissioner A.J. Self and Pct 4 Commissioner Doug Kopf present.
Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham was absent
The meeting opened with an invocation by David Woodson, and pledges were led by Commissioner Kopf.
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Routine items
Commissioners court approved payment of bills totaling $171,684.65.
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Commissioners court approved minutes from regular meetings on August 27, 2024 and October 10, 2024.
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Discussion, consideration and action items
Commissioners court approved the bailiff salary for the new hire at 336th District Court at a rate consistent with the annual budget of $48,887.63.
Wayne Shouse, the current 336th District Court bailiff is retiring and will be replace by Joe McIntyre, the current County Court at Law bailiff.
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Commissioners court approved a Proclamation declaring December 2024 to be Fannin County Highway Safety Month.
Since June 1, the county has reported 258 motor vehicle accidents and approximately two dozen fatalities. There has been an ongoing discussion to lower the speed limit on Hwy 121 in Fannin County and Collin County in an attempt to mitigate deadly accidents.
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With badly needed precipitation forecast for this week, commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding a countywide burn ban.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding the hiring of Enterprise Fleet Management for Fannin County. The court expressed a desire to have Judge Cunningham's input before rendering this decision.
Nick Hardwick of Enterprise Fleet Management gave a presentation detailing how he believes Enterprise can reduce the overall cost of operating the county fleet. The company plans to replace vehicles more frequently and use that equity to leverage the purchase of new vehicles.
In most cases, Enterprise will recycle vehicles every four years, although high-use vehicles would need to be recycled more often. The company contracts local mechanics to perform maintenance.
"I sat through his presentation and it makes financial sense for the county," recommended Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple.
Ms. Whipple added that Fannin County Sheriff-elect Cody Shook also attended the presentation by Enterprise Fleet Management.
Mr. Hardwick said Enterprise would like to replace 21 of 30 vehicles in the first year and he estimated the county would recoup $189,000 in equity that could go toward the purchase of new vehicles.
At next week's meeting, Commissioner McQueen asked for a report on how Enterprise's initial equity estimates for other counties actually worked out.
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Commissioners court approved a one-time severance of two acres from a 10-acre tract on CR 1105 in Ravenna; Property ID# 71989.
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Commissioners court accepted a bid of $81,000 from Trust the Process Logistics for a 2021 Kenmore, powered by a 450 Cummins.
Commissioner McQueen has inspected the vehicle and stated, "It met every requirement we had."
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding additional secure storage areas at the Justice Center.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding the creation of an Elections Administrator position in Fannin County.
Open discussion items
Open discussion items will be passed on unless discussion requested by a member of the court or a citizen.
The next meeting Of the Fannin County Subdivision Committee will be 9:00 a.m. Thursday, December 12 at the Derrell Hall Education Center.
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Commissioner Magness said litigation regarding restoration of the 1888 courthouse is "ongoing."
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In regard to work at the Justice Center, Magness remarked, "You can't tell from the outside, but there is an awful lot going on inside. "It is really taking shape."
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In regard to Emergency Medical Services, Magness stated, "I think they [Allegiance] are doing an excellent job."
Executive session(s) and action as needed
Commissioners Court had no need for executive session.
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Commissioner McQueen reminded residents that the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Bonham Holiday Wine Stroll and Taste of Bonham this Saturday, December 7, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Fannin County Courthouse will be open Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. for tours of the building's Christmas decorations.
