Liberty County Commissioners Court, in a meeting on Tuesday, July 23, was briefed on the master plan for Sterling Traditions, a sprawling 600-acre development in Dayton that promises to bring 1,600 single-family homes to the community.
Sterling Traditions will be strategically located on SH 146, just one mile north of the River Ranch community and south of Dayton. One of the most compelling features of this new development is the planned construction of a thoroughfare that will link SH 146 to FM 1409 south. This thoroughfare, in effect, will serve as a bypass, providing two entry points into the development and enhancing traffic flow in the area.
The thoroughfare will be built in stages, starting from the west side and progressing eastward. The new thoroughfare is expected to have a significant impact on local traffic patterns, offering a more direct route for residents and visitors alike.
By connecting SH 146 to FM 1409, it will facilitate easier access to and from the development, reducing congestion on local roads and potentially spurring further economic growth in the area.
The presentation of the master plan for Sterling Traditions, although not an action item on the agenda, sparked interest among the commissioners.
The commissioners also approved a comprehensive list of election precinct judges, alternates, and other election appointments, including positions for the Early Voting Ballot Board and the Central Count Judge. These appointments are set to begin on Aug. 1, 2024, and will last for a one-year period.
County Clerk Lee Chambers emphasized the importance of these appointments, citing the high level of interest in the upcoming election scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5. This election will not only include the presidential race but also two local elections for municipal utility districts and an election for Tarkington ISD’s board of directors.
Another action item on the agenda was the approval of a new software system called Textmygov. This innovative platform will enable county departments to convey important messages and alerts directly to citizens’ phones via text messages. The implementation of Textmygov is anticipated to enhance communication between the county and its residents, ensuring timely and effective dissemination of information.
Once the Textmygov program is ready to roll out to citizens, more information will be posted on signing up for the alerts.
A slight point of contention during the meeting was the continuation of COVID pay for county employees. Commissioners were initially divided on the issue, with Pct. 1 Commissioner Bruce Karbowski and Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur advocating for the termination of COVID pay, arguing that the risk has largely subsided. They motioned to end the COVID pay program, but their proposal failed to secure a majority vote.
On the other side, Pct. 4 Commissioner Leon Wilson and Pct. 3 Commissioner David Whitmire supported the continuation of COVID pay, provided employees present a doctor’s note confirming they have been tested for COVID-19. The split vote necessitated a decision from County Judge Jay Knight, who cast the deciding vote in favor of continuing the COVID pay program with the stipulation that employees must provide written proof from a doctor confirming their illness.
One of the significant decisions made during the meeting was the unanimous approval to raise the budget for the new northwest annex in Colony Ridge from $3.5 million to $4.7 million. This budget adjustment, fully funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, reflects the county’s commitment to expanding its infrastructure to better serve the growing community in Plum Grove and Colony Ridge.
County Judge Jay Knight expressed confidence that with the budget now approved, construction on the new annex is expected to commence within the next 30 days. This new facility will play a crucial role in enhancing county services in the northwest region of Liberty County.
The rich get richer, the poor suffer.
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