V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
Elevators in the Courthouse Annex and Jail are going up – along with the costs of modernization – as Commissioners approved the single bid from Camco in Texarkana of $238,143.
Both elevators have had numerous problems over the last several years requiring high maintenance costs and minor upgrades. The County requested bids to modernize both elevators but only received one bid.
Work is projected to start in 10-12 weeks once parts are received, and then each elevator will be out of commission for 6-8 weeks for the work.
Commissioners are also looking at ways to use the former Mims VFD building situated on US Army Corps of Engineers property after it was discovered regulations do not allow the building to be used as general storage.
The lease on the property ends in July of this year, and the County initially intended to use it for additional storage. The County was required to do several thousand dollars in repairs to the building to stay in compliance with the terms of the lease. However, if the lease is not renewed, with a usage geared to “benefit the public, or for national defense,” the property must be returned to it’s original state, which means removing the building.
The Corps apologized for the oversight on the future intended use as storage, indicating they would have notified the County before the repairs were done to avoid possible wasted costs.
Pct. 1 Commissioner J.R. Ashley and Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur said they would work with the Corps to try and find a workable solution. LaFleur suggested the possible use by the Lake O’the Pines Chamber of Commerce which has been asking the County for any available space to use for offices. Ashley indicated he too would be looking at possible uses for the building.
Commissioners plan on selling part of the timber located on the Pct. 3 property scheduled to be the new County Yard. The county is required to request bids on the timber.
Vehicle Maintenance received a boost of $6,451.26 following the payment of insurance on a wrecked 2020 Ford Interceptor which hit a deer last year. The funds were authorized under LGC 111.0108 for unbudgeted revenue received after start of 2023 Fiscal Year.
Commissioners also received a briefing from Trey Fleming of Purple Wave Auction on what he can provide to the County to assist them in disposing of assets.
Fleming said his company is offering to list items for online sale at no cost to the county on titled assets and no commission fee on the sales, and that assets remain in County possession until after the sale so there are no transport or storage fees. He said they are currently working with Bowie, Shelby, and Panola counties on their sales. Marion County Sheriff David Capps is working with Fleming on the sale of some unused boats. Sales can be found at purplewave.com
In other business, Commissioners:
• approved notification of all education requirements for 2022 for former Marion County Clerk Vickie Smith had been received;
• approved submitting the Liability Renewal Questionnaire for General Liability and Public Officials Liability insurance through TAC. The renewal rates are not provided until after the questionnaire has been submitted;
• approved all financial reports and bill payment;
• and approved by resolution the Engineering Services for Harleton WSC 2023-24 TxCDBG Grant