On Tuesday, Jan.7, 2020, there will be a sheriff’s sale at 10 a.m. at the north door of the Fisher County Courthouse.
There are many parcels of land up for bid. One parcel is in Roby, at 306 SW 1st; the others are out in the county, in the Eskota, Royston, McCaulley, Longworth and Sylvester areas.
For more information on the parcels, look in the Double Mountain Chronicle or go to Public Notices. Use the parcel numbers (leave off the letter in front) to do a search on the Fisher County Appraisal District website.
To find out the location of a piece of property, use the Fisher CAD interactive map. In the search box on the map, use the city name (ex: Eskota) instead of the property id number. Once the right vicinity is found, peck around on the map to find the relevant parcel.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Rotan School Board meeting Dec. 16, 2019
The Rotan school board met for a regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday night.
Present for the meeting were Vice President Britt Sipe; Secretary Monica Carillo; members Millie Warren, David Posey and Hunter Helms; Superintendent Greg Decker; Principal Jody Helms; and District Counselor Katrina Jarvis. Member Rodney Denton was absent.
Principal Helms presented elementary and junior high students who won medals in Universal Interscholastic League Academics .
Reorganization of the board was approved, moving Sipe to president and Hunter Helms to vice president.
A bid from Milton Wood on foreclosed property was approved.
A proposal for the Senior Class trip to New Braunfels was presented by students and approved by the board. The estimate for the trip was $5,905, to be paid out of the Senior Class fund.
The purchase of house and property located at 804 E. Johnston, for $28,900, was discussed, then tabled until appraisal district records for the property could be attained. The property would be used to house school staff.
Principle Helms reported on the finals test schedule and maintaining the district's Texas Education Accountability rating of 80.
Jarvis reported on donations and gifts for families in need, and read a letter from a grateful recipient. She also reported that ACT will be February 15.
Decker discussed bringing in consultants to prepare for issuing a bond and putting together a packet for using Chapter 313 tax abatement funding; UIL alignment and the district position; the possible purchase of equipment; plumbing; evaluations; and moving board meetings to the second Monday of the month.
The board then discussed the vacancy left by the resignation of member Guy Nelson and reorganization of the board. They voted not to fill it, approved 3 to 2. Posey and Sipe opposed.
The board then went into closed session.
Decker said the superintendent evaluation and contract is to be put on the agenda and discussed at the next meeting, scheduled for January 13.
Present for the meeting were Vice President Britt Sipe; Secretary Monica Carillo; members Millie Warren, David Posey and Hunter Helms; Superintendent Greg Decker; Principal Jody Helms; and District Counselor Katrina Jarvis. Member Rodney Denton was absent.
Principal Helms presented elementary and junior high students who won medals in Universal Interscholastic League Academics .
Reorganization of the board was approved, moving Sipe to president and Hunter Helms to vice president.
A bid from Milton Wood on foreclosed property was approved.
A proposal for the Senior Class trip to New Braunfels was presented by students and approved by the board. The estimate for the trip was $5,905, to be paid out of the Senior Class fund.
The purchase of house and property located at 804 E. Johnston, for $28,900, was discussed, then tabled until appraisal district records for the property could be attained. The property would be used to house school staff.
Principle Helms reported on the finals test schedule and maintaining the district's Texas Education Accountability rating of 80.
Jarvis reported on donations and gifts for families in need, and read a letter from a grateful recipient. She also reported that ACT will be February 15.
Decker discussed bringing in consultants to prepare for issuing a bond and putting together a packet for using Chapter 313 tax abatement funding; UIL alignment and the district position; the possible purchase of equipment; plumbing; evaluations; and moving board meetings to the second Monday of the month.
The board then discussed the vacancy left by the resignation of member Guy Nelson and reorganization of the board. They voted not to fill it, approved 3 to 2. Posey and Sipe opposed.
The board then went into closed session.
Decker said the superintendent evaluation and contract is to be put on the agenda and discussed at the next meeting, scheduled for January 13.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Rotan school board meets tonight
The Rotan Independent School District School Board will meet at 7 p.m.
Among items on the agenda are reorganization of the board and consideration for bids on foreclosed properties.
The meeting will be held in the RISD Board Room.
Among items on the agenda are reorganization of the board and consideration for bids on foreclosed properties.
The meeting will be held in the RISD Board Room.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Gillespie permit submitted
Mineral leasing has been heavy for the past few months in the Gillespie County School Land Survey area in southern Fisher County. An application for a vertical oil well was submitted yesterday, for drilling in the southwest portion of the survey. The proposed well depth is 7,999 feet. It is currently being mapped and has not yet been approved. The Texas Railroad Commission W-1 application form identifies Cholla Petroleum as the operator.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Rotan City Council meeting Dec. 12, 2019
The Rotan City Council convened for a regular meeting Thursday, 7 a.m., at City Hall.
Mayor Pete Garcia and council members Frank Miranda, Zachary Johnson and Scott Toliver were present. Also in attendance were City Manager Carla Thornton and City Public Works Director Rodney Denton.
Denton reported that a 10-inch water main had been damaged at Camp Springs by an oil company, that Precinct Two had hit a water line, and that the pump used for working on the sewers needed some work and would probably need replacing soon.
Denton then addressed comments that were made in the last commissioners meeting regarding the way the city was handling repairs. He and Thornton both said that they had not heard any complaints from the commissioners about the water lines. Denton indicated that he had to be informed about problems in order to fix them.
There was no update on grant funds for replacing water lines at this time.
Mayor Garcia said there was a complaint regarding mowing and repairs needed on Florence Street. Denton said he agreed, there was a big drop off there and would work on it. He also said that he wanted to let people know that they are responsible for trimming the alleys behind their houses, that it's hard to read meters and work in overgrown areas.
The Rotan Volunteer Fire Department reported that they received a grant and were in the process of interviewing vendors. They also said that they had a person coming to certify their pump .
The financial report was approved. Thornton said she expected it to be higher next month because of all the repairs.
There was a discussion about a piece of property up for bid in Rotan. The bid was deferred to the Rotan School Board.
Regarding labor for the golf course, Thornton said dimensions were needed for signs to advise citizens that all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles were banned from the course, and which entrance was to be used. No action was taken.
A bid from Garden World of $1,899 for planting trees in the park was discussed and tabled until Councilman Messick could be in attendance, because he knew more about the project.
Denton said he was enjoying the new excavator, but that a larger trailer was needed for towing it.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Mayor Pete Garcia and council members Frank Miranda, Zachary Johnson and Scott Toliver were present. Also in attendance were City Manager Carla Thornton and City Public Works Director Rodney Denton.
Denton reported that a 10-inch water main had been damaged at Camp Springs by an oil company, that Precinct Two had hit a water line, and that the pump used for working on the sewers needed some work and would probably need replacing soon.
Denton then addressed comments that were made in the last commissioners meeting regarding the way the city was handling repairs. He and Thornton both said that they had not heard any complaints from the commissioners about the water lines. Denton indicated that he had to be informed about problems in order to fix them.
There was no update on grant funds for replacing water lines at this time.
Mayor Garcia said there was a complaint regarding mowing and repairs needed on Florence Street. Denton said he agreed, there was a big drop off there and would work on it. He also said that he wanted to let people know that they are responsible for trimming the alleys behind their houses, that it's hard to read meters and work in overgrown areas.
The Rotan Volunteer Fire Department reported that they received a grant and were in the process of interviewing vendors. They also said that they had a person coming to certify their pump .
The financial report was approved. Thornton said she expected it to be higher next month because of all the repairs.
There was a discussion about a piece of property up for bid in Rotan. The bid was deferred to the Rotan School Board.
Regarding labor for the golf course, Thornton said dimensions were needed for signs to advise citizens that all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles were banned from the course, and which entrance was to be used. No action was taken.
A bid from Garden World of $1,899 for planting trees in the park was discussed and tabled until Councilman Messick could be in attendance, because he knew more about the project.
Denton said he was enjoying the new excavator, but that a larger trailer was needed for towing it.
The meeting was then adjourned.
March 2020 local primary candidates
All Fisher County incumbents have filed for their current positions.
These are Sheriff Allan Arnwine; Precinct One Commissioner Gordon Pippin; Precinct Three Commissioner Preston Martin; Tax Assessor-Collector Jonnye Lu Gibson; and County Attorney Michael Hall.
Two seats are being challenged: precinct one commissioner, by Dakota Rasberry; and precinct three commissioner, by Georgie McGough.
District Attorney Ricky Thompson and District Judge Glen Harrison have also filed for their current posts. These officials serve the 32nd Judicial District, encompassing Fisher, Nolan and Mitchell Counties. Thompson and Harrison are running unopposed.
All candidates are running as Republican nominees, with the exception of Hall, who has filed for the Democratic ballot.
The primary elections will be held March 3.
Candidate information can be found on the Texas Secretary of State website, under Candidate Listing Information.
These are Sheriff Allan Arnwine; Precinct One Commissioner Gordon Pippin; Precinct Three Commissioner Preston Martin; Tax Assessor-Collector Jonnye Lu Gibson; and County Attorney Michael Hall.
Two seats are being challenged: precinct one commissioner, by Dakota Rasberry; and precinct three commissioner, by Georgie McGough.
District Attorney Ricky Thompson and District Judge Glen Harrison have also filed for their current posts. These officials serve the 32nd Judicial District, encompassing Fisher, Nolan and Mitchell Counties. Thompson and Harrison are running unopposed.
All candidates are running as Republican nominees, with the exception of Hall, who has filed for the Democratic ballot.
The primary elections will be held March 3.
Candidate information can be found on the Texas Secretary of State website, under Candidate Listing Information.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Gillespie still in demand for November
The county records are up for the month of November. To access them, click on the Fisher County Records tab above.
Activity continues in the Gillespie County School Land survey area, in the southern part of the county, and in the H&TC RR surveys, in the western part. There were quite a few right-of-way easements granted to Big Country Electric, activity that can be substantiated by the number of electric crews that have been spotted putting new lines into the system.
The record pages on this site contain reports for the previous month. The reports are only a notation of information. Extensive documentation can be found on the websites for the Texas Railroad Commission and for Texas File. Links to those websites are listed in the right-hand column of this site, under Other Links.
Activity continues in the Gillespie County School Land survey area, in the southern part of the county, and in the H&TC RR surveys, in the western part. There were quite a few right-of-way easements granted to Big Country Electric, activity that can be substantiated by the number of electric crews that have been spotted putting new lines into the system.
The record pages on this site contain reports for the previous month. The reports are only a notation of information. Extensive documentation can be found on the websites for the Texas Railroad Commission and for Texas File. Links to those websites are listed in the right-hand column of this site, under Other Links.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Fisher CAD Board meeting Dec 10, 2019
 |
| - Appraisal district parking - |
Board Chairman Richard Gaona, Vice Chairman Vick Burk, and members Preston Martin and Charles Cleveland were present. Kevin Stuart, who was approved by the commissioners court to serve on the CAD board, was also present. Secretary Terry Coker was absent. Chief Appraiser Kellen Walker directed the meeting.
Discussed and approved were previous meeting minutes, the financial report, payment of bills, line item adjustments and securities. Texas Tax Code 25.25b corrections and changes were approved, which included mineral account ownership changes, homestead changes, and a clerical error.
Walker commented that at this time internet service is slow because digging is being done on the line.
Next, a multi-county lawsuit being brought by Mid Coast Pipeline, after they protested valuation, was discussed. Approximately 37-39 miles of the company’s pipeline is running through Fisher County, according to Walker. Discussion on the matter was halted and saved for an executive session to be held at the end of the meeting, when a lawyer from Pritchard & Abbott could be conferred.
An issue regarding obtaining a credit card for recurring bills was brought to the board’s attention. Staff and members agreed that a debit card might be the solution. Walker said a resolution for the credit/debit card issue would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
Policies were approved for resolving public complaints, Texas House Bill 490 (relating to the administration of the ad valorem tax system), limitation on the appraised value of a resident homestead, acceptance and crediting of partial payments, supplements and corrections, fund balance, and investment.
The chief appraiser said that an extension had been requested and granted from the state for the 2020-2021 Methods and Assistance Program review, changing the due date from December to March.
The appraiser also noted that new board members would need to take training for open meetings within 90 days of taking office.
Chairman Gaona expressed concern that entities may have difficulty interpreting budget allocations. Staff member Shannon Stuart explained that the information was split out by appraisal, collections, and then by the total.
The next board meeting date was set for January 14, 2020.
The meeting then went into executive session.
No actions were taken after reconvening.
The chief appraiser evaluation was on the agenda, but not discussed in the open meeting.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Fisher County Commissioners Court December 9, 2019
The Fisher County Commissioners Court met Monday, December 9, at 8 a.m. in an open meeting.
Commissioners Gordon Pippin, Precinct 1; Dexter Elrod, Precinct 2; Preston Martin, Precinct 3; and Kevin Stuart, Precinct 4, were all present.
Departmental reports were approved for the offices of the tax collector, appraisal district, extension agent, county finances, and the sheriff. Bids were accepted for foreclosed properties in Rotan and Sylvester that were on auction through the appraisal district. Extension Agent Nick Dickson reported that stock shows would start in January. The bills and expenses report was pushed to the end of the meeting to enable all commissioners to look over them. Sheriff Allan Arnwine reported three prisoners currently in the county jail and that the facility is fully staffed. He said he is short one deputy. He also said that he expects to receive a previously ordered new vehicle for the sheriff's department at the beginning of next year, with one more to come after that.
Items for deliberation and consideration were presented after the department reports.
A budget amendment was approved for Information Technology services; the burn ban was re-enacted; Commissioner Stuart was approved to serve on the Fisher County Appraisal District Board.
There was not a representative present for the Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy Program public hearing. The court approved establishment and administration of the program.
Sue Mercer Thompson, representing Red Dirt LLC, appeared before the board to ask the commissioners to take full control of the fair grounds in Rotan, and to request use of the grounds for mud bog races next year. The requests were tabled until next year, when contracts for the current year have expired.
A motion for pipeline permit collections to go to precincts was approved, at this time going to precinct four. Judge Ken Holt suggested putting a provision in place to direct permit money in the future, either to the precinct it was collected for, or divided between all precincts evenly.
No decision was made after a discussion regarding law enforcement holiday pay.
Commissioner Stuart expressed a need for clarification on the travel policy for hotels.
There were discussions between commissioners and Fisher County Tax Auditor Becky Mauldin regarding purchase orders and credit card bills.
Motions were made and approved to declare surplus of old metal from precinct four and the sale of said metal.
After a break, commissioners inspected and approved bills.
Special revenue, which was on the agenda, was not discussed.
Commissioners court convenes regularly the second Monday of each month.
Commissioners Gordon Pippin, Precinct 1; Dexter Elrod, Precinct 2; Preston Martin, Precinct 3; and Kevin Stuart, Precinct 4, were all present.
Departmental reports were approved for the offices of the tax collector, appraisal district, extension agent, county finances, and the sheriff. Bids were accepted for foreclosed properties in Rotan and Sylvester that were on auction through the appraisal district. Extension Agent Nick Dickson reported that stock shows would start in January. The bills and expenses report was pushed to the end of the meeting to enable all commissioners to look over them. Sheriff Allan Arnwine reported three prisoners currently in the county jail and that the facility is fully staffed. He said he is short one deputy. He also said that he expects to receive a previously ordered new vehicle for the sheriff's department at the beginning of next year, with one more to come after that.
Items for deliberation and consideration were presented after the department reports.
A budget amendment was approved for Information Technology services; the burn ban was re-enacted; Commissioner Stuart was approved to serve on the Fisher County Appraisal District Board.
There was not a representative present for the Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy Program public hearing. The court approved establishment and administration of the program.
Sue Mercer Thompson, representing Red Dirt LLC, appeared before the board to ask the commissioners to take full control of the fair grounds in Rotan, and to request use of the grounds for mud bog races next year. The requests were tabled until next year, when contracts for the current year have expired.
A motion for pipeline permit collections to go to precincts was approved, at this time going to precinct four. Judge Ken Holt suggested putting a provision in place to direct permit money in the future, either to the precinct it was collected for, or divided between all precincts evenly.
No decision was made after a discussion regarding law enforcement holiday pay.
Commissioner Stuart expressed a need for clarification on the travel policy for hotels.
There were discussions between commissioners and Fisher County Tax Auditor Becky Mauldin regarding purchase orders and credit card bills.
Motions were made and approved to declare surplus of old metal from precinct four and the sale of said metal.
After a break, commissioners inspected and approved bills.
Special revenue, which was on the agenda, was not discussed.
Commissioners court convenes regularly the second Monday of each month.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Commissioners and CAD meetings next week
The Fisher County Commissioners Court will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, December 9 at the Fisher County Courthouse. There is a full agenda, including a public hearing regarding the Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy program. According to the Texas PACE Authority website, this program would allow commercial, industrial, agricultural, nonprofit, and multifamily
property owners to voluntarily tie the obligation to repay the cost of
energy and water efficiency improvements to their property with a
property assessment.
The Fisher County Appraisal District Board will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, at the Fisher CAD office. One of the items being discussed in open and executive sessions is a lawsuit with Midcoast Pipelines.
The Fisher County Appraisal District Board will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, at the Fisher CAD office. One of the items being discussed in open and executive sessions is a lawsuit with Midcoast Pipelines.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Sheriff’s sale tomorrow in Roby
Two pieces of real estate will be up for auction tomorrow at the north door of the Fisher County Courthouse.
The two properties to be auctioned off are a .259 acre portion of a .482 acre lot at 902 East Johnston and a .434 acre lot at 1111 Sammy Baugh. Both are in Rotan.
The auction will be at 1 p.m.
The rest of the story
I waited around the rest of the afternoon, with my eyes on the north door of the courthouse, but no one showed up. I called one of the mortgage companies around 1:30 p.m. to verify the sale, and I was told it was still on. At four I called back and was told it was not a sheriff's sale, but a trustee sale. The lady was right, the notice from the bulletin board at the court house read "Notice of Substitute Trustee's Sale". The date was given as December 3, the time as 1 p.m. or three hours after that, and the place as an area designated by the commissioners court or the north door of the courthouse. I now interpret this as meaning a sale would take place Dec. 3, sometime, at some place. It seems a call ahead of time and a request to speak to the specific sale trustee would be in order if I wish to attend any future sales.
P.S.S.
I was going through the county files and found a document from mid-November naming a substitute trustee for the property mentioned above. Now I know to check county records for designated trustees for property sale notices. I just laughed and laughed when I realized why a certain name in the records seemed so familiar to me. It was the property owner's name.
The two properties to be auctioned off are a .259 acre portion of a .482 acre lot at 902 East Johnston and a .434 acre lot at 1111 Sammy Baugh. Both are in Rotan.
The auction will be at 1 p.m.
The rest of the story
I waited around the rest of the afternoon, with my eyes on the north door of the courthouse, but no one showed up. I called one of the mortgage companies around 1:30 p.m. to verify the sale, and I was told it was still on. At four I called back and was told it was not a sheriff's sale, but a trustee sale. The lady was right, the notice from the bulletin board at the court house read "Notice of Substitute Trustee's Sale". The date was given as December 3, the time as 1 p.m. or three hours after that, and the place as an area designated by the commissioners court or the north door of the courthouse. I now interpret this as meaning a sale would take place Dec. 3, sometime, at some place. It seems a call ahead of time and a request to speak to the specific sale trustee would be in order if I wish to attend any future sales.
P.S.S.
I was going through the county files and found a document from mid-November naming a substitute trustee for the property mentioned above. Now I know to check county records for designated trustees for property sale notices. I just laughed and laughed when I realized why a certain name in the records seemed so familiar to me. It was the property owner's name.
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Eskota leads permits for November
 |
| - Huddleston -A- 4R - |
There were three permit applications for western Fisher County.
All permits from October have been approved, except for the cathodic well north of Roby. All permits for November have been approved, except for one, west of Rotan.
Operators listed on the permits are Clear Fork Incorporateed, L.S.C. Production Company, Scout Energy and Browning Oil Company.
Permits are listed by API number, district, lease, well number, permitted operator, county, status date, status number, wellbore profile, filing purpose, amend, total depth, and status.
All information comes from the Railroad Commission of Texas website.
15133148 7B WELCH 3 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 10/29/2019 Approved: 11/04/2019 858580 Vertical New Drill N 5500 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133149 7B WELCH 2 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 10/29/2019 Approved: 11/04/2019 858579 Vertical New Drill N 5500 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15100153 7B CEDAR BREAKS WD 1WD CLEAR FORK, INCORPORATED(159500) FISHER Submitted: 11/13/2019 Approved: 11/19/2019 859080 Vertical Reenter N 7500 APPROVED
8 miles west of Rotan (permit says Roby, but it's just east of Scott's Corner)
15133149 7B WELCH 2 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/14/2019 Approved: 11/14/2019 858579 Vertical New Drill Y 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133150 7B CARTER, B. F. 9 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/15/2019 Approved: 11/20/2019 859183 Vertical New Drill N 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133151 7B WELCH 4WI L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/15/2019 Approved: 11/21/2019 859187 Vertical New Drill N 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133152 7B WELCH -A- 1 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/15/2019 Approved: 11/21/2019 859195 Vertical New Drill N 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133143 7B WELCH 1 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/21/2019 Approved: 11/22/2019 857208 Vertical New Drill Y 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133153 7B HUDDLESTON -A- 4R SCOUT ENERGY MANAGEMENT LLC(760218) FISHER Submitted: 11/22/2019 Approved: 11/25/2019 859381 Vertical New Drill N 6000 APPROVED
12 miles SE of Sylvester
15133154 7B WELCH 5 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/22/2019 Approved: 11/25/2019 859393 Vertical New Drill N 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133148 7B WELCH 3 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/22/2019 Approved: 11/25/2019 858580 Vertical New Drill Y 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133149 7B WELCH 2 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/22/2019 Approved: 11/25/2019 858579 Vertical New Drill Y 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133154 7B WELCH 5 L.C.S. PRODUCTION COMPANY(479574) FISHER Submitted: 11/22/2019 Approved: 11/25/2019 859393 Vertical New Drill N 5990 APPROVED
7 miles NE of Eskota
15133155 7B ACADIA 65 1H BROWNING OIL COMPANY, INC.(103088) FISHER Submitted: 11/26/2019 Approved: 11/26/2019 859454 Horizontal New Drill N 7700 APPROVED
9.57 miles SW of Rotan
No API 7B CEDAR BREAKS 104 1H BROWNING OIL COMPANY, INC.(103088) FISHER Submitted: 11/27/2019 859513 Horizontal New Drill N 7700 MAPPING
8 miles west of Rotan (permit says Roby, but it's just east of Scott's Corner).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)