Fannin County, Texas -- Fannin County Judge Randy Moore presided over a regular meeting of Fannin County Commissioners Court held Tuesday, March 29, 2022 with commissioners Edwina Lane, A.J. Self and Jerry Magness present; Dean Lackey was absent.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Mark Posey, pastor of Congregational Methodist Church in Bonham.
Major James Manis (Ret.) led the pledges.
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Judge Moore opened the meeting by expressing his sympathy to David Woodson for the recent loss of Mr, Woodson's wife, Charla.
"We all offer our condolences to you," said Moore. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
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A brief update of the ongoing restoration of the 1888 Fannin County Courthouse included:
- Testing the fire alarm system
- Woodwork and flooring continues
"Eventually we will get in there folks," said Moore. "I guarantee you."
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Dusty Baker, EMTB/Captain at Bonham Fire Department, presented the EMS report for February 2022.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved minutes, with corrections, from regular meetings held February 15, 2022 and March 22, 2022, as well as minutes from a special meeting held February 15, 2022 and minutes from two special meetings held March 8, 2022.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved the Treasurers Financial Report for February 2022 and the Treasurer's Investment Report for February 2022.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to move $8,055 from 210-364-1630 [Sale of Equipment (auction)] to 210-621-5710 (Purchase of Equipment).
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to move $5,200 from 100-364-1630 (Sale of Equipment) to 100-406-4540 (R&M Auto, Emergency Management).
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Fannin County Commissioners Court discussed April 25 as a possible move-in date to Fannin County Courthouse.
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The proposal recommends "relocating outpatient services, CLC (VA nursing home) and RRTP (domiciliary) from the Bonham VAMC to current or future VA facilities and discontinuing those services at the existing Bonham VAMC."
Judge Moore stressed that the Bonham VA is not closing, although the VA is taking a hard look at the nursing home and domiciliary services located in Bonham, which equates to approximately half the jobs at the Bonham VA.
"We don't want this to get a foothold," Moore stated. 'Watch for upcoming VA public hearings and get your congressmen and senators involved now -- tell them that we don't want our nursing home or domiciliary to move."
"We don't need to become complacent," stated Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness. "Stay on top of it. Contact your representatives."
The county judge pointed out the need to get all local veterans registered; only 2,000 veterans are currently registered.
"We could easily double that," Magness remarked.
Moore suggested that veterans contact Paul Chandler, Fannin County Veterans Service Officer to make certain they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled. Call (903) 583-2111 x 36390, email vso@fanninco.net, and visit the Fannin County Veteran Services webpage for additional information.
Fannin County Sheriff Mark Johnson commended the outstanding staff at the local VA nursing home.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved the renewal of TAC Risk Management Pool's Property and Mobile Equipment Coverage for period July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved the payment of bills.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to issue an Invitation to Bid for a dump truck for Precinct 3.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court tabled an agenda item regarding the approval of a 2023 maintenance contract with Otis Elevator Maintenance for the courthouse pending further review.
The first year of maintenance is free. For 2023, Otis Elevator Maintenance is offering a maintenance contract of $285 a month, although the company wants it signed by April 1, 2022. The monthly fee could go to $340 if the county waits.
Fannin County Criminal District Attorney will review the contract and Fannin County Purchasing Agent Michelle will research prices and services by other elevator maintenance companies.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to purchase body cameras for all Precinct Constables at $695 each and a one-time training and set up fee of $1,890 (same training amount regardless of the number of users) at a total not to exceed $4,000 taken from CARES Act funds.- All law enforcement officers who interact with the public are required to be equipped with body cameras.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted down an agenda item that would have changed the Commissioners Court meeting location to the Fannin County Courthouse beginning the first Tuesday after either a Certificate of Occupancy is issued or a temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
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In public forum, Sheriff Johnson reminded residents that, beginning April 1, 2022, law enforcement to take into custody any individual found to have an Arrest Warrant for unresolved Misdemeanor Class C cases filed in these courts throughout Fannin County
Major Manis noted that March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. He also pointed out that COVID-19 numbers have drastically decreased, although numbers in Austin have climbed.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court entered into executive session at 10:01 a.m. to deliberate property for a future justice center.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court reconvened in regular session at 10:39 a.m. to discuss deliberations for real property.
"We are in negotiations with the person who owns the property," explained Judge Moore. "I think the county is getting really close to making a decision."
Moore said there could possibly be an announcement next week. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Glaser and attorney Newt Cunningham for assisting in the process.
Commissioner Lane said that workdays at Lake Fannin are scheduled for Saturday, April 2, from 9:00 a.m. until noon and Sunday, April 3 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Lane also noted that TCOG will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste collection event in Sherman April 30. Appointments are required.
