By V. Hugh Lewis II, publisher
Publishers Note: The video of the meeting is in 3 parts due to the length of the meeting and loss of battery power. I didn’t bring a charger with me to this meeting. lol.
The Marion County Commissioners Court had a rare tie vote on rejecting the 2021 Marion County Appraisal District Budget causing Judge Leward LaFleur to vote to reject the proposed budget.
The budget had no bottom line changes from the 2020 budget, Chief Appraiser Ann Lummus told Commissioners.
LaFleur had requested MCAD reduce the budget by 10 percent due to potential changes in valuations in 2020 because of the Coronavirus impact.
“I can take the request to my Board of Directors,” Lummus said. “We started this process before any of this situation, and I had some idea of the impact.”
Commissioners Joe McKnight and Glenn Dorough made a motion to not approve the proposed budget and voted in support of the motion. Commissioners JR Ashley and Charlie Treadwell voted against the motion. LaFleur cast the deciding vote.
Earth Week
Setting a date for Earth Week 2020 for Marion County was again put on hold as Commissioner Ashley moved to table setting a date until the last meeting in June.
“We should have a better idea of what’s going on and what’s allowed,” Ashley said. “Until we’re able to open at 100%, it’s going to be hard to do.”
Commissioners have delayed setting a date since March. Normally Earth Week is the week containing April 22, Earth Day. Due to Shelter-in-Place orders, Commissioners decided to delay the annual event.
Jimmy and Michelle streets closures
Commissioners approved declaring portions of Jimmy and Michelle streets in Precinct 1 abandoned and closed and conveyed the property to the adjacent property owners. The US Army Corps of Engineers requested a 25 foot wide portion of Jimmy Street remain open so they can access Corp property.
COVID-19 Related Grants and Expenditures
Commissioners approved two grants giving the County additional funding for COVID-19 efforts, yet delayed approving the bulk purchase of surgical masks using the grant funds until the money had been received.
“We don’t have the money yet,” said McKnight. “And until we do I don’t want to spend any extra funds.”
Providing masks to those required to attend court, which resumes in early June, is required for courts to restart. LaFleur said the County has enough masks on hand to get them through the first court date, but that is all.
LaFleur and Emergency Management Coordinator David Capps found surgical masks at $0.95 each. LaFleur said most masks are currently at $1.25 each. The mask bid was received by Golden Imports in Hughes Springs.
Prior to tabling the masks purchase, Commissioners approved accepting two grants for COVID-19 related expenses.
The 2020 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Cares Act grant is for $11,060.47 with the county putting up $2,212.09. A portion of the County match is being provided by Marion County Tax Assessor/Collector Karen Jones’ election budget, the remainder will most likely come from the election budget, according to County Auditor Shanna Solomon. Per Solomon, she and County Clerk Vickie Smith, the $11,060.47 will most likely be used for additional required cleaning supplies to sanitize equipment between voters, , gloves, masks, shields for voter check-in, increased costs in absentee voter mailings and support documents, and costs associated with hiring additional poll workers.
The second grant, the Coronavirus Relief Fund, is an initial grant of $85,000 with reimbursement of up to an additional $425,000. All the monies must be used for COVID-19 related expenses. The funds are Federal supplied funds to the State of Texas which is distributing them.
McKnight said he wanted to make sure Emergency Management Coordinator Capps was involved in the expenditure of the funds. LaFleur and Ashley both said Capps has been heavily involved in funds oversight.
Solid Waste, Road and Bridge Supplies, Fuel Bids
Commissioners tabled a three year contract with Republic Waste for Solid Waste Disposal services at the various Precinct Barns, citing a new charge of Container Wash-Out at $175 per occurrence.
“This is a new charge this year,” said Solomon. “I can ask them if it’s every time.”
“If it’s each time, that would more than double the dump fee,” said McKnight.
Commissioners chose to extend the bid deadline until June 8 for the Road and Bridge Supplies and Fuel Bids due to the bids not containing a cost for oil dirt. They were also concerned that no bids were received by their current suppliers for fuel or supplies.
Solomon consulted with County Attorney Angela Smoak over options the Commissioners had in extending or rejecting the bids.
Other Business
- Commissioners approved accepting Unclaimed Property Capital Credit from the Texas Comptroller. Solomon said these funds normally go to the airport fund and come from various utility companies.
- Smith entered into the minutes a letter from Texas Secretary of State deeming “Successful Status” for Marion County and allowing continued use of the Countywide Polling Places.
- LaFleur reported that paint is starting to go up on the walls in the Courthouse.
- Finally Commissioners accepted the letter of resignation from Sheriff David McKnight, effective May 31. Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Thursday to appoint an interim Sheriff to serve until January 1, 2021.