Liberty County Commissioners Court convened on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to address critical vacancies and approve various agreements for the county. One of the actions taken was approval of posting the job openings for Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator. These vacancies were created after the previous fire marshal and two deputy fire marshals were arrested on criminal charges.
Since the arrests, the County has revised its appointment process by implementing a new oversight policy. Under the policy, a review board committee has been established to ensure better oversight.
This committee is composed of the Liberty County Sheriff or a designee, the Liberty County Treasurer or a designee, the Liberty County Attorney or a designee, the Liberty County Auditor or a designee, and the Liberty County Purchasing Agent or a designee. The committee will conduct background checks, review qualifications, and provide input to ensure appointees meet county standards.
In addition, Commissioners voted to extend the countywide burn ban that was initially put in place last week by County Judge Jay Knight. The ongoing dry conditions and increased fire risks prompted this decision.
Commissioners also approved a variance request for Blackfin Pipeline, LLC, allowing the company to install a temporary septic system for its mobile office during pipeline construction. They also entered into a road use agreement with the company. In lieu of a traditional road bond, Blackfin Pipeline agreed to pay prepaid damages of $600,000 for their use of county roads in Precincts 2 and 3.
Other notable approvals during the meeting included:
- County Wellness Program: Miranda Hulvey was designated as the County’s new wellness sponsor, while Mary Barrier was approved to continue in her role as wellness coordinator. This is part of a recommended program through the County’s medical insurance plan with the Texas Association of Counties.
- Victim Notifications Service Grant: The Court renewed the 2025 Statewide Automated Victim Notifications Service maintenance grant between the Texas Office of the Attorney General and Liberty County.
- Engineering Department Renaming: To reduce confusion among residents, the Liberty County Engineering Department was renamed to the Liberty County Permitting Department. All permitting is handled through an outsourced firm, LJA Engineering.
- SH 99 Agreement Amendment: Commissioners approved an amendment to the SH 99 market valuation waiver agreement between TxDOT and multiple Texas counties for the recently constructed Grand Parkway.
- Culvert Bid Award: The Court awarded the bid for county culverts to Coburn Supply.
- New Equipment for Pct. 1: Purchases of a new utility tractor and a Ford Maverick truck were approved for Pct. 1 to support road maintenance and other operations.
- Fire Services Agreement: A fire services agreement was approved between Liberty County and Emergency Services District (ESD) #7 for fire protection services for county residents.
Commissioners Court also discussed a potential interlocal agreement between the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and Devers ISD for a school resource officer, but the matter was tabled until both parties can agree on the terms of the contract.