The Fisher County Commissioners Court met Tuesday, October 15, 9 a.m., at the Fisher County Courthouse. All commissioners were present, along with: County Judge Ken Holt; Jessika Daniel, filling in for County Clerk Pat Thomson; Joy Dennis, filling in for County Auditor Becky Mauldin.
After a call to order, an unnamed young man made a public comment. Topics he covered: housing inmates; public vote to close jail; use of funds; his former employment at precinct 2 (some back and forth between precinct 2 commissioner and this fellow afterward, shut down by the judge reminding the commissioner this was a public comment); the new budget; Senate Bill 22 funds; staff undeserving of budgeted 5% raise; ashamed to live in this county. Those in the courtroom gallery applauded when he finished.
Departmental reports were made by: Extension Agent Nick Dickson; an unnamed representative standing in for County Treasurer Jeanna Parks; Dennis (Mauldin) for the county auditor; Sheriff Tom Pohlman for the Law Enforcement Center. There was no report for the Senior Citizens Center. The reports were unanimously approved by commissioners.
New business items started off with conflict of interest bills, which Dennis (Mauldin) reported none.
Dennis (Mauldin) then reported line item transfers. Three items were transferred from non-departmental funds for shortfalls : $5,000 to maintenance; $10,000 to IT, for a bill from last year; $20 to the district clerk. Commissioners approved unanimously.
Each precinct's Tax Increment Financing left over from last year was moved to the new budget: precinct 1, $9,309.88; precinct 2, $15,518.66; precinct 3, $54,837.63; precinct 4, $13,077.38. Commissioners approved unanimously.
The burn ban was reinstated, approved unanimously by commissioners.
Dennis (Mauldin) came before the court to explain and ask for approval for the difference in price for the LEC (sheriff's department) Kologic contract ($10,000 line item transfer). The court previously approved $54,270 for the contract, but the latest invoice was for $55,350, a difference of $10,080. Kologic said it was for a new user. Commissioners approved unanimously.
Dennis (Mauldin) asked commissioners to approve the annual financial report for publication. There were questions from Commissioner Preston Martin regarding reconciliation of accounts. The item was tabled.
Judge Holt brought the next item to the court: the usage of Morgan Brooks for Fisher County Attorney, beginning January 1, 2025. Brooks won the March primary, and is currently running unopposed in the upcoming election for Nolan County Attorney. Cost for Brooks will be $3,500 per month. Commissioners approved unanimously.
Deliberation put forth by Commissioner Gordon Pippin, regarding the One Way building and the sheriff's storage building, was concluded by being tabled until work bids are received.
Commissioners unanimously approved the 2025 Indigent Defense Grant program.
Use of $100,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds, for purchase of a new John Deere dozer to be shared amongst the precincts, was passed with three votes; Commissioner Martin voted against getting a new tractor. The total cost of the equipment is projected to be $286,000.
Commissioner Micah Evans gave an information only report regarding millings that the Texas Department of Transportation donated to the county, before court was adjourned.
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