Fannin County, Texas -- All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting held Tuesday, May 30, 2023. The meeting opened with an invocation by Cody Austin, student pastor at Boyd Baptist Church, and pledges were led by Col. Walter Goodwater (Ret.).
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Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham introduced Turner Coleson of State Representative Reggie Smith's office and Erik Simien of U.S. Congressman Pat Fallon's office.
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In public forum, Mike Nejtek reminded potential candidates of the complex issues the county will face and the responsibilities of elected officials.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to approve the annual financial report from Rutledge Crain & Company, PC for fiscal year 2022.
"This place is just magnificent," Lewis Crain said of the restored 1888 Fannin County Courthouse as he began what turned out to be a very favorable review.
Fannin County has a General Fund balance approaching $6 million.
Counties are recommended to maintain a surplus balance of at least 25% of annual expenditures in order to fund government through emergencies; Fannin County currently has a surplus of 43% of its annual expenditures.
"You are above that minimum," Mr. Crain noted. "I commend you on having that fund balance."
In fiscal year 2022, Fannin County brought in $660,000 more than budgeted, while spending $844,000 less than budgeted.
Crain said that Fannin County is in the top 25% of the counties his firm audits.
Judge Cunningham expressed hope that the county's conservative stance will help mitigate a miscalculation of $1.3 million in ad valorem revenue.
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Carla Easton of EST Engineering gave the court a progress report on the updated Fannin County Subdivision Regulations.
Judge Cunningham stressed the importance of transparency and asked Ms. Easton about her company and this project, in particular.
EST Engineering is based in Melissa, Texas, Easton said and the firm began communicating with the Fannin County Subdivision Committee in January 2023.
After reviewing the county's current subdivision regulations in comparison to state law and compared to adjoining counties, Easton feels the regulations are consistent with state law, however there is a need to better define private and public subdivisions, clarify distinctions between a public road and a private driveway, and include specific drainage requirements.
Easton told the court that the next step would be to finalize a mock-up of revisions for the Subdivision Committee to examine and send to commissioners court for possible approval.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to authorize the county judge to execute the settlement participation and release forms regarding settlement offers in the matter of Texas opioid multi-district litigation; County of Fannin v. Perdue Pharma, L.P. et al.
The terms call for a $15,880 direct-share payment to be used as the county wishes. Fannin County will also have access to as much as $3.363 million available through the application process in Region I tied to opioid reduction.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved minutes from special meetings and a regular meeting held May 16, 2023.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to pay bills.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court observed an order signed by 336th Judicial District Judge Laurine Blake to set the salary of the county auditor to $101,510.02 beginning October 1, 2023.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court observed an order signed by 336th Judicial District Judge Laurine Blake to set the salary of the County Auditor’s Assistants to $65,413.72, $58,392.93, $47,250.00 and $47,250.00 beginning October 1, 2023.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court observed an order signed by 336th Judicial District Judge Laurine Blake to set the base salary of the Official Court Reporter to $107,452.58 as of October 1, 2023.
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In a discussion regarding the future of the Multipurpose Complex and adjoining properties, Bonham City Manager Sean Pate said the city is willing to discuss a partnership that puts the city in charge of managing the Multipurpose Complex. The county owns approximately 100 acres of land that surrounds the county's only facility that is adequate to host large events.
Judge Cunningham expressed a desire to put an arrangement in place that would guarantee operation of the facility in perpetuity.
"We need to do what is best for the county," Cunningham stated, adding that it is important to both the city and county to have a plan in place for an orderly transition.
Jennifer Morris, treasurer of the Fannin County Fair Board, voiced concern about a tent resident living in the ag barn in front of the Multipurpose Complex manager's office, dilapidated campers, a registered sex offender living on the grounds, overgrown grass, and other deterrents that greatly detract from the facility.
Ms. Morris pointed out that the Fannin County Fair Board is charged $10,000 to use the grounds for the fair, even though the fair board members must bring their own equipment to mow and clean up before the fair. Morris said she has no problem with the City of Bonham managing the Multipurpose Complex as long as it continues to be available for entities throughout the county.
"I think the city taking it over would be good," Jason Walker remarked to commissioners court.
Mr. Walker questioned the Multipurpose Complex board's decision to raise the facility manager's salary from $52,000 to $66,000 and he suggested that the first step should be to dissolve the board.
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A discussion clarified the $3,500 purchase limit in regards to potential repair and service invoices.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to approve Judge Cunningham writing a letter on behalf of Fannin County to support the City of Bonham’s application for a Transportation Alternative Grant thru TxDOT.
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The Office of Fannin County Clerk reported monies collected for April 2023; all courts combined - $18,767.26; and land records - $33,487.75.
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A lengthy discussion regarding future space in the Justice Center underscored the need for a secure conference room at the justice center in order to ensure adequate space and better conditions for election workers.
Fannin County Clerk Tammy Biggar told the court that usage is a high priority for the Signature Verification Committee and the Early Voting Ballot Board throughout the year. These folks review the applications to vote by mail and compare with the envelopes that came in the mail. They also verify qualifications of provisional voters. This happens during early voting, on election day and after election day.
Secondary usage is training city/school staff and later their election workers. Next is the Party election workers and then in the fall county election workers. Setting up test equipment for them to use over several days is paramount.
Next would be training for volunteer deputy voter registrars.
Ms. Bigger noted there are other uses, but it's critical we have a secure place for the Signature Verification Committee and the Early Voting Ballot Board.
"Elections should not have to compete for use of the room; however, we are delighted to share with other departments if we are not using the room!"
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to move $3,000.00 from Contingency (100-509-4750) to line item 100-403-3100 (County Clerk office supplies) due to deficit created by loss of funding for the administration of Vital Statistics.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court discussed action regarding developers who do not adhere to the Fannin County Subdivision Rules and Regulations.
"It's important that we have rules and it's important that people comply," Judge Cunningham remarked.
One glaring example is property in Pct. 3 with a 30-foot easement, instead of the required 60-foot wide easement.
Di Hopkins, Fannin County Development Services Director, said the surveyor apparently disregarded subdivision regulations.
The developer said he hired a surveyor who is also an engineer and expected the surveyor to be compliant.
"I understand it's a bad place to be in, and it's a bad place for us to be in," Judge Cunningham stated. "My advice would be for you to retain an attorney."
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to accept a $42,300.00 payment from Upper Trinity Regional Water District to Fannin County Road and Bridge Precinct 3 for added rock and work on CR 3365 and CR 3331; roads will be in place by the end of fiscal year 2023, weather permitting.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to accept a $290,795.00 payment from Upper Trinity Regional Water District to Fannin County Road and Bridge Precinct 4 for added rock and work on County Roads 3330, 3335, 3340, 3341 and 3735; roads will be in place by the end of fiscal year 2023, weather permitting.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to reappoint Harold Latham as representative for Fannin County to the Red River Groundwater Conservation District Board for an additional four-year term; September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2027.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to appoint Judge Newt Cunningham to the Tri-County Senior Nutrition Project Board (SNAP) as representative for Fannin County per SNAP Bylaws.
Greg Pittman, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Texoma, explained the eventual need for a county-matching grant of $2,240.75 to enable MOWOT to apply for a grant that could result in as much as $35,000 to help local seniors.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to reappoint Dr. James E. Froelich, III as Health Authority for Fannin County; effective March 26, 2023 – March 25, 2025.
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In a discussion regarding Trenton High Meadows Special Assessment Liens, the county judge received a request to release a lien in Trenton High Meadows special assessment area. The request for a lien release was in regard to $40,000-$50,000 that was owed to the county for approximately 10 years.
"We will talk about this in executive session," Judge Cunningham said.
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Commissioners discussed an agreement with Firetrol Protection Systems for courthouse fire safety inspections of equipment and monthly pump runs.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved a service contract between Fannin County and H&G Systems, L.P. for annual HVAC inspections; June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024, $6,429.72.
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In a discussion regarding the justice center, Judge Cunningham said the project is on track, but different concepts are being explored.
"I want everybody to have enough space, but I also want to stay on budget," Cunningham said.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court entered executive session at 2:10 p.m. for (1) deliberation of personnel matters regarding the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or (2) to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court held a subsequent executive session to (1) seek the advice of its attorney regarding: (A) pending or contemplated litigation; or (B) a settlement offer; or (2) on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court reconvened in regular session at 3:03 p.m.
"We want county employees to be current on property taxes," Judge Cunningham stated in regard to the executive session to discuss personnel matters.
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted unanimously that all county employees must be current on property taxes.
Fannin County Commissioners Court approved advertisement for another purchasing agent to begin after June 9.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court authorized the DA to prepare letters to people who owe liens and determine how much money is owed.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court adjourned at 3:09 p.m.