Fannin County, Texas -- All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting held Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham and pledges were led by Army veteran and Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness.
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Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham introduced Commissioners-elect Kurt Fogelberg II (Pct. 3) and Troy Waggoner (Pct. 1) in attendance.
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In public forum, Pct. 1 Commissioner Dale McQueen reported that approximately 50 people enjoyed tours the courthouse Saturday. He invited visitors to check out the Christmas decorations in the courthouse during regular working hours.
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Routine items
Commissioners court approved payment of bills totaling $993,304.05; payroll was $416,987.62.
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Commissioners court approved minutes from regular meetings on July 9, 2024 and December 3, 2024.
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Commissioners court approved Auditor Monthly Reports for October 2024.
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Report of monies received by the District Clerk office for November 2024; $15,904.33.
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Report of monies received by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office for November 2024; $15,643.75.
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Report of monies received by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 office for November 2024; $7,165.00.
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Report of monies received by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 office for November 2024; $4,021.00.
Discussion items:
Fannin County Commissioners Court took a moment to recognize the success of the 2024 Honey Grove Warriors football team.
Shane Fletcher, head football coach and athletic director at Honey Grove, introduced members of the regional finalist Honey Grove Warriors.
"Thank you for having us here today," Coach Fletcher told the court. "This is an honor."
Fletcher has been an influential coach for several area teams, including Howe, Bonham and Leonard, before taking the helm at Honey Grove three years ago.
Honey Grove's 12-2 record is even more impressive when you consider that their only losses came against Winnsboro, a Class 3A program and Joaquin, one of the four teams still in contention for the 2024 Class 2A state championship.
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Discussion, consideration and action items:
Commissioners court discussed increasing the budgeted amount for the Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department now that they are qualified to be a First Responder Organization.
Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steven Hasten said that state certification has been approved and asked for this department to be budgeted.
Randolph and Ladonia VFDs are going through this same process.
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to increase the annual budgeted amount for all three departments.
The pro-rated amount will be $6,796.44 for each of the three departments, with the money to come out of contingency.
Judge Cunningham encouraged all VFDs to qualify for the state certification and he complimented the Ravenna VFD for accomplishing this task.
"We appreciate our volunteer fire departments," remarked Cunningham.
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Commissioners court decided that it isn't necessary to implement a countywide burn ban at this time.
The Forest Service is planning prescribed burns beginning Wednesday, with heavy smoke expected to the north of FM 409.
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Commissioners court approved a tower site lease agreement between Fannin County and 360 Broadband, LLC on CR 2100 in Ivanhoe.
This agreement was originally with 903 Broadband, which has merged with 360 Broadband.
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Commissioners court approved keeping the salary for the County Court at Law (CCAL) bailiff at a rate consistent with the annual budget of $45,963.75; new hire.
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Commissioners court discussed sales of county-owned real estate as it liquefies some assets to make certain the justice center can be completed without borrowing any more money.
In November, commissioners court accepted a cash offer to purchase five acres of county-owned property on FM 897 for $375,000.
The contract for the 119-acre tract near the Multipurpose Complex is expected to close next week. Fannin County is selling the property to Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) for $1.6 million.
The county is asking $89,900 for a 1/2-acre lot on the corner of Third Street and Chestnut Street in Bonham, and the county is asking $30,000 per acre for five acres on Silo Road with road frontage.
The county has received one offer for the lot on Chestnut Street and one offer on the five acres on Silo Road; in both cases the prospective buyer is requesting the county to provide surveys and title policies.
If both properties sell, it would net the county approximately $220,000 after expenses.
Commissioners court also discussed county-owned property near Ector.
"Let's take a look at putting it on the market," Judge Cunningham suggested. "Let's look at what we can get for it."
Officials will study other county-owned property that could be marketed.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding the retention of Enterprise Fleet Management for Fannin County.
Pct. 1 Commissioner Dale McQueen and Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness asked the court to hold off on this decision until they are replaced by Commissioner-elect Troy Waggoner (Pct. 1) and Kurt Fogelberg II (Pct. 3).
Commissioner McQueen suggested that, after the county examines the details, perhaps it would be best to initiate this contract at the start of the budget year and include all county vehicles.
This agenda item will be revisited in January after the two new commissioners are seated.
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Commissioners court voted to reduce the speed limit to no more than 30 m.p.h. on CR 4205 in the unincorporated area of Bonham.
Open discussion items
Open discussion items will be passed on unless discussion requested by a member of the court or a citizen.
The Fannin County Subdivision Committee has a meeting on Thursday at Derrell Hall Education Center.
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In regard to the county budget and revenue sources, training continues with the vendor retained to collect the Hotel Occupancy Tax.
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In regard to Fannin County road issues, Judge Cunningham remarked, "Roads remain in terrible shape - we need some planning."
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In regard to Emergency Medical Services, the county judge said he received a good written report this week.
Executive session(s) and action if needed:
Fannin County Commissioners Court entered into executive session at 10:20 a.m. to consult with their attorney.
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Commissioners court reconvened to announce it had voted to approve entering the Kroger Texas Opioid settlement, which will net the county approximately $9,000.
