Fannin County, Texas -- Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham presided over a regular meeting of a regular meeting of Fannin County Commissioners Court held Tuesday, December 17, 2024, with commissioners Dale McQueen, Jerry Magness and Doug Kopf present; A.J. Self was absent.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Tiffany Mathenia, associate pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bonham, and pledges were led by Navy veteran Larry Standlee.
*****Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham introduced 336th District Judge-elect Christina Tillett, Fannin County Sheriff-elect Cody Shook, Pct. 1 Commissioner-elect Troy Waggoner and Pct. 3 Commissioner-elect Kurt Fogelberg III.
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Routine items
Commissioners court approved payment of bills totaling $876,448.90.
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Commissioners court approved minutes from regular meetings held October 17, 2023; November 14, 2023; and December 3, 2024.
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Commissioners court approved the Treasurer’s Financial Report for November 2024, as well as the Treasurer’s Investment Report for November 2024.
The September sales tax revenue that the county recently collected was $286,404.88, which may be the largest in the county's history.
The county also received the $1.5 million payment for the sale of land near the Multipurpose Complex.
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Discussion items:
In regard to compliance at the Fannin County Jail, Judge Cunningham said, "We are in compliance -- that's good news."
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Commissioners court discussed a permit to TCEQ for another sand plant in the Ravenna area.
"We've apparently got a large sand plant going in, which will mean more big truck traffic and more road damage," Cunningham remarked.
Malinda Allison presented the court with a copy of a map from Gregory Hall and Hall believes there was a cemetery as well as a Native American burial site and campsites at this location.
"I would like to suggest the precinct commissioner meet with officials from this sand plant to see what their procedures are for artifacts," Allison requested.
Cunningham said sand plants don't bring many jobs, the heavy trucks damage roads and the sand operations are not what he considers good development.
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Commissioners court acknowledged the significant contribution of officials, retirees and citizens to Fannin County.
Robert Fleckenstein helped the county identify substantial electrical issues after the courthouse was restored and advised the county to call in state inspectors to ensure repairs are made.
Ruben Moreno is addressing a number of issues with the courthouse.
Judge Cunningham reiterated that he is trying to make sure residents don't have to pay for substandard work.
On behalf of the court, Cunningham awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Larry Standlee for work with Fannin County Historical Commission and called Dale McQueen "a valuable asset" to the county.
Cunningham went on to thank McQueen for his service, along with Richard Glaser, Laurine Blake and Mark Johnson.
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Discussion, consideration and action items:
Commissioners court approved Fannin County Historical Commission members for 2025-2026.
Judge Cunningham thanked Larry Standlee, who will be stepping down as Fannin County Historical Commission Chair.
"I love the history of Fannin County, but I can't do it all," Larry Standlee remarked in recognition of the work done by all the members of the Fannin County Historical Commission.
The membership of Fannin County Historical Commission for 2025-26 will be: Malinda Allison, President; Larry Standlee, Marker Chairman; Stacie Flood, Barbara McCutcheon, Margo McCutcheon, Mart Means, Audrey Rayford and Tom Thornton.
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Commissioners court voted to approve writing a letter to the Fannin County Central Appraisal District in favor of a 100% tax exemption request from Indian Creek Baptist Church, property ID# 75528, which is considered as a historical property by the State of Texas.
The church was built in 1887.
Allison noted that the former church now functions primarily as a cemetery and cemeteries aren't taxed.
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The court discussed offers on two county-owned properties and addressed how to proceed on a third tract of land.
The county has an offer of $89,900 for a lot on Chestnut Street in Bonham, and an offer of $150,000 for five acres with frontage on Silo Road.
The county was also deeded 40 acres near Ector with the condition that proceeds of the land's eventual sale must benefit children.
The county is considering selling the land for $10,900 per acre.
Pct. 1 Commissioner Dale McQueen suggested selling the 40 acres and using the annual interest of approximately $17,000 to fund different options that would benefit children.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding a special exception application to reduce road frontage from 100’ to a 30’ access easement or 30’ road frontage, Property ID# 84518 on CR 2745 in Windom.
Fannin County civil attorney Andy Garner stated that he wasn't in favor of an exemption because full compliance with subdivision regulations is possible.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding additional secure storage areas at the Justice Center.
The county is still waiting on a cost estimate.
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Commissioners court voted to approve sending an invitation to the French Consulate and Caddo Nation to attend a Bois d’Arc Commemoration event 2025.
"Out of the 254 counties in Texas, Fannin County has the closest connection to the French," David Keene stated.
Keene told how the French trappers had named this unique wood bois d'arc, roughly translated as wood of the arc, because of how the Caddo craftsmen were fashioning powerful bows out of this yellow wood.
"They grew their cash on trees," Keene said of the way the Caddo Nation traded in bois d'arc products such as bows and war clubs.
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Commissioners court voted to approve an Advanced Funding Agreement with Texas Department of Transportation for the installation of advanced warning signs on various off-roadway systems in Fannin County; provided that language specifies there will be no cost to the county.
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Commissioners court approved new and re-elected officials’ bonds for the following offices and terms: Christina Tillett, 336th District Judge, 4-year term – John Skotnik, Criminal District Attorney, 4-year term, Paul Ivy, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, 2-year unexpired term – Troy Waggoner, Commissioner Precinct 1, 4-year term – Kurt Fogelberg, Commissioner Precinct 3, 4-year term – Cody Shook, Sheriff, 4-year term - David Thompson, Constable Precinct 1, 4-year term - Jimmy Helms, Constable Precinct 2, 4-year term – Kevin Mayberry, Constable Precinct 3, 4-year term – Jenny Garner, County Clerk, 2-year unexpired term – Amber Sutherland, Tax Assessor-Collector, 4-year term.
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 courthouse repairs and litigation, Judge Cunningham said repairs will continue through January.
"I still have questions about other things and litigation will continue," Cunningham added.
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In regard to the Justice Center, Cunningham said he is waiting on construction estimates.
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Executive session(s) and action if needed:
Fannin County Commissioners Court had no need for executive session.
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"It's been an honor to serve Fannin County for 12 years," said retiring Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness.
With that being said, Commissioner Magness made his final motion -- a motion to adjourn -- and Commissioner McQueen's final official action was to second the motion to adjourn.
