Fannin County, Texas -- All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting held Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Andrew Malone, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bonham, and pledges were led by Major James Manis (Ret.).
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Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham introduced 336th District Judge Christine Tillett and Joe Petree, mayor of Savoy, Texas, in attendance.
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In public forum, Fannin County Sheriff Cody Shook introduced the county's new Chief Deputy, Mike Ditto, a veteran of 50 years in law enforcement.
Pct. 1 Commissioner Troy Waggoner said he visited with officials from a proposed sand plant on FM 274 and was assured the company would present any relics they find to the Fannin County Museum of History.
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At 9:06 a.m., commissioners court went into executive session to consult with their attorney.
Commissioners court reconvened in regular session at 9:44 a.m.
Regular items
Commissioners court approved payment of bills totaling $217,615.14; payroll was $407,324.32.
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Commissioners court approved minutes from a regular meeting held July 30, 2024.
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Michael Gilbert of Allegiance Mobile Health presented the EMS monthly report for December 2024.
Gilbert reported 215 calls and 168 transports, an average of 2.3 calls per unit per day.
"We did see a bit of an increase in calls in December," Gilbert noted.
Judge Cunningham thanked Gilbert for adding an extra ambulance at no additional cost during a recent snow and ice event.
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Paul Chandler, Veterans Service Officer for Fannin County, presented the 2024 year-end summary report.
"There are a lot of veterans moving to this county," Chandler noted.
Chandler estimates that his office helped veterans obtain approximately $30 million in services during 2024.
"Who do you suggest I talk to about bedbugs?" Judge Cunningham asked.
Cunningham has received complaints of an "ongoing" infection that impacts local nursing homes when veterans return from care at the VA.
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Discussion items
Commissioners court discussed an internal audit of the Tax Assessor-Collector Department.
"Amber [Amber Sutherland, Fannin County Tax Assessor-Collector] and her staff do an excellent job," remarked Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple.
"Amber, thank you," Judge Cunningham added.
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Judge Cunningham gave an update regarding Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s case involving the courthouse electrical issues.
The State of Texas opened this case two years ago and it is now under review.
"A lot of our electrical issues are getting fixed for free," Cunningham stated.
Pct 3 Commissioner Kurt Fogelberg III asked at what point the county would file on the electrician's bond?
Cunningham said the county wouldn't file as long as repairs are done in a timely manner.
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Discussion, consideration and action items
Commissioners court approved keeping the bulk fuel tank at the sheriff's office, but also approved a fuel card system through TXB/McCraw Oil.
Sheriff Shook explained that the fuel card system is a practical move that will allow deputies to get fuel anywhere in the county at 3 cents off the pump price. Each deputy enters a pin number, number of gallons and vehicle mileage when getting fuel and that information goes to the sheriff as well as the county auditor.
Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple said she was "in favor" of the fuel card option.
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Commissioners court approved purchasing sheriff’s office phones within the current budget using unutilized Wi-Fi hotspot funds.
Shook said he discovered the sheriff's office has been paying monthly for Wi-Fi hotspots that haven't worked in two years; that money will be applied to phones.
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Commissioners court approved a 6-month contract from Brazos Trailers regarding renewals for all precincts. The deadline to renew is January 23, 2025.
Brazos Trailers has increased its monthly fee from $500 to $700, but after comparing rates from other companies, Fannin County Purchasing Agent Julie Criswell believes this is currently the best option for the county.
The county will lease six trailers for six months for $25,200, up from approximately $21,000 in the previous contract.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding a replacement boom mower.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding fuel and oil bids received.
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Commissioners court approved Wilson Culvert as the preferred vendor to supply culverts. Of the three bids submitted, Wilson Culvert was the lowest bidder.
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Commissioners court approved selling commercial kitchen equipment in old jail.
Sheriff Shook said the South Jail on CR 2200 has very nice commercial kitchen equipment that has been unused since 2009 and this space is needed for detainees and their lawyers
Shook said the commercial kitchen has "potentially tens of thousands of dollars" of equipment, including a freezer unit that originally cost $50,000.
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Commissioners court approved a Resolution allowing Fannin County to enter agreement with TXDOT for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).
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 will meet January 23 at the Derrell Hall Education Center.
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"The project is moving along," Cunningham said in reference to work at the Justice Center. Cunningham met with the contractor manager at risk (CMAR) last week, but the county is still waiting on the price of modifying a third courtroom into a climate-controlled storage area.
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In regard to the county budget and revenue sources, Cunningham said the county continues to look at selling land in an effort to house as many county employees as possible at the Justice Center.
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The Fannin County Water Supply Agency will meet at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23 at the Derrell Hall Education Center.
Judge Cunningham said he met recently with representatives of North Texas Municipal Water District and expressed appreciation for the regional water district's cooperation, but noted that it will take three years to implement changes when the county notifies NTMWD of water requirements.
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In regard to Fannin County road issues, Cunningham stated that the county is dealing with a myriad of issues on state highways, farm-to-market roads and county roads.
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In regard to countywide Emergency Medical Services, Cunningham said, "I think we are on track. We are getting our reports on time."
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Executive session(s) and action if needed
Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, Fannin County Commissioners Court entered into executive session at 10:49 a.m. to consult with their attorney regarding Fannin County Courthouse litigation.
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Commissioners court reconvened in regular session at 11:47 a.m. to announce no action was taken in executive session.
