Fannin County, Texas -- All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The invocation was given by Kevin Lane, pastor of Bois d'Arc Creek Cowboy Church, and pledges were led by Major James Manis.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to extend the countywide ban on outdoor burning.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court approved payment of bills totaling $236,788.97.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to approve the Interlocal Agreement between Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and Fannin County to utilize the SCOFFLAW Program to flag and hold vehicle registration renewals of vehicle owners who have unresolved violations in Fannin County.
Mitchell Smith addressed the court to ask if there was any opposition voiced by justices of the peace and was informed there was none.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court discussed distribution of the 2023 Capital Credits received by the Texas Comptroller’s Office in the amount of $120,880.75
Malinda Allison spoke on behalf of Fannin County Museum of History, a 501(c)3 organization that operates by donations and welcomes school tours. The museum actively promotes tourism.
Mitzi Sherwood, Director of Honey Grove Library told of a myriad of exhibits and free programs available at the library.
Fannin County Commissioners Court set aside $10,000 from the capital credits for courthouse display cases on the third floor.
Distribution of 2023 Capital Credits
$18,480.12 CHILDRENS CENTER
$18,480.12 3 LIBRARIES (Bonham, Honey Grove, Leonard)
$18,480.12 CHILD WELFARE
$18,480.12 4 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (Bonham, Leonard, Ladonia, Honey Grove)
$18,480.12 CREATIVE ARTS CENTER
$18,480.12 FANNIN MUSEUM OF HISTORY
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted 3-2 to use $980.20 from the District Clerk’s Fund 193, Records Management and Preservation, to increase part-time employee Fran Matchett’s salary by 5%; from $19,604.00 to $20,584.20.
Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham and commissioners Dale McQueen and A.J. Self voted in favor of the pay increase; commissioners Jerry Magness and Doug Kopf cast opposing votes.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court observed an order signed by 336th District Judge Laurine Blake hiring Edwina Lane to the office of Purchasing Agent of Fannin County at an established rate of pay of $56,700.00 annually beginning August 21, 2023.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to go out for fuel and oil bids for all precincts and the sheriff's office.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to go out for Requests for Proposals for a John Deere motor grader for Precinct 3.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to purchase materials needed to build an office enclosure for the county Facilities Manager in the warehouse located at 200 E. 1st Street in Bonham. Materials are estimated to cost $2,300. Commissioner Magness volunteered to donate some insulation, plywood and labor.
*****
Report of monies received by the Fannin County Clerk’s office for August 2023; All courts combined $16,306.000 and land records $40,034.50.
*****
Report of monies received by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office for August 2023; $11,815.70.
*****
Report of monies received by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 office for August 2023; $4,938.20.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to approve the 2024 TAC (Texas Association of Counties) County Choice Silver Program, at no cost to the county.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to move $25,556.01 from Contingency (100-509-4750) to Professional Fees (100-409-4260) for GovOS invoice.
This unbudgeted item compensates the company that has started collecting the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) for Fannin County.
After this expenditure, the county has $75,000 remaining in contingency.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court approved an Interlocal Agreement between Fannin County and Texoma Council of Governments for GIS Services October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 at a cost of $48,000.00; this is for 9-1-1 services.
*****
The court discussed health insurance benefits for new employees and will continue to consider options, including a 30-day probationary period or a 90-day probationary period.
*****
Regarding courthouse repairs, Judge Cunningham said he should have more information within the next day or so.
*****
The court held a lengthy discussion regarding Fannin County road issues and "looking at ways to do more with less" the county judge reiterated.
Paul Ivey, a local attorney who often assists the county during deliberations, discussed four systems to maintain county roads and stated that he favors the county road department system, sometimes referred to as unitization.
"I think the county road department system would provide citizens with better roads at a lower cost by consolidating equipment," Mr. Ivey suggested.
Commissioner Magness questioned Ivey's perspective in light of his lack of experience at road repair and construction.
Judge Cunningham noted commissioners' "desire for independence" that is apparent whenever this subject is broached.
"Unitization has its upsides and downsides," Cunningham remarked. "It needs to be thought through and considered."
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court entered into executive session at 10:20 a.m. 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.
*****
Fannin County Commissioners Court reconvened in regular session at 11:14; no action was taken in executive session.