Fannin County, Texas -- Fannin County Judge Randy Moore and county commissioners A.J. Self and Jerry Magness were present for a regular meeting of Fannin County Commissioners Court held Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Commissioners Edwina Lane and Dean Lackey were absent in order to attend classes.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. Cindy Baker Burnett.
Pledges were led by Commissioner Self.
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A brief update of the ongoing restoration of the 1888 Fannin County Courthouse included:
Exterior
Begin excavation of asphalt in the parking lot for new concrete.
Pull wire to complete exterior lighting.
Interior
Millwork install trim, doors, wood flooring.
Stain and finish installed millwork.
Install cast iron treads, riser, and handrail on west stair from 2 to 3.
Electrical install various items to complete on all levels.
"The concrete parking lot will cost a little more, but it will last a lot longer," stated Judge Moore.
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Bonham Fire Chief Scott Ridling presented the EMS monthly report for January 2022.
Chief Ridling reported that a recently acquired new ambulance cost $198,000 and will require another $160,000 in equipment.
Ridling expects to have all equipment installed and have the new ambulance ready for service in a couple of weeks.
EMS made 70 COVID-19 calls in the last 90 days, as compared to 98 COVID calls in previous 90 days. Hospital capacity is easing, resulting in fewer long-distance transports.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court ordered the May 7, 2022 Special Election.
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Several citations were issued during last week's ban on outdoor burning.
Residents were advised that ice expected beginning Wednesday and possible through Thursday.
"People need to be cautious," warned Judge Moore.
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The District Clerk’s office reported $23,124.23 collected for January 2022.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court reappointed Monica Kissling to the Fannin County Hospital Authority for a three year term beginning March 28, 2022.
"I think she has done a really good job," remarked Moore. "This is a volunteer position and we appreciate the service of volunteers throughout this county."
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved a short plat consisting of seven lots ranging from 1.02 – 3.0 acres on County Road 4027 in Savoy.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved a one-time severance of 3.639 acres from a 14.352 acre lot, Property ID# 82944, on Highway 56 in Savoy.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved a modification of Intergovernmental Agreement between Fannin County and the United States Marshals Service, Modification No. 3, addition of language to Sections: Medical Services, Guard Services, Restrictive Housing and Suicide Prevention and adding Sections: Video Conferencing, Voter Registration, Body Camera Information Requests.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved payment of bills.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court went into executive session at 9:23 a.m. to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property in regard to property for a future justice center.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court reconvened in regular session at 10:09 a.m.
Judge Moore said the county is attempting to acquire property for a justice center and is considering to make an offer. He predicted action in next week's regular meeting of commissioners court.
The county judge also thanked Newt Cunningham and Richard Glaser for participating in negotiations.
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Commissioners urged caution during this next round of freezing weather and asked the public to report downed trees or other obstructions on roads by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at the sheriff's office - 903-583-2143.
Judge Moore said the county is considering closing county offices if roads become dangerous.
He also noted that courts have removed the mask mandate when entering the complex.
Moore suggested that Fannin County residents contact their U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators in regard to action needed in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.