V. Hugh Lewis II
Jefferson Jimplecute
Commissioners formally declared February Black History Month during Monday’s regular meeting.
“In recognition and commendation of the enormous contribution of Black Americans to every basic element of our daily lives, including Science, Education, Politics, Journalism, Entertainment, Law and Technology and the effort put forth to raise the level of awareness of those contributions, the Commissioners Court of Marion County, Texas, does by resolution acknowledge February as Black History Month, and does proclaim it’s support for a year round effort by all to express a Country’s gratitude for the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans,” the resolution read.
Marion County Constable Ed Baird presented his 2022 Racial Profiling report citing 139 traffic stops, most of which occurred in the school zones. Of those stops, the report shows that 5 were Alaska Native or American Indian, 25 Asian or Pacific Islander, 25 Black, 61 White, and 23 Hispanic or Latino. Of those, 39 were female and 100 male.
The county also accepted the Full Exemption Racial Profiling Report for the Pct. 2 Constable as he does not perform traffic stops in the normal execution of his duties.
Commissioners also approved the renewal of the lease with Ruby Bailey for her property to continue to be used for the Precinct 3 Solid Waste location.
The County purchased property in 2022 to move the solid waste location, but, the time required to clear the land, fence, and build appropriate structures require the county to lease for an additional year.
In other business the county
• Accepted the reports dealing with county finances and authorized payment
• Accepted CEU hours for Ralph Meisenheimer, Gered Lee
• Accepted Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act training for Lee, Kimberly Wise, Billie Jo Westbrook, and Jan Weesner
• Approved bond for Shanna Solomon, county auditor
• Accepted the Asset Forfeiture Reports for the Sheriff, and both constables
• Approved a resolution for Texas GLO Hazard Mitigation Plan program grant #22-130-023-D898
Lastly, Commissioners approved a resolution for contract administrative services for a grant application for Harleton WSC. The grant is for TxDept Agriculture TxCDBG grant. No county funds will be used for the grant, as Harleton WSC is paying any associated costs, but the county is required to sign on to the grant.