Liberty County Commissioners Court covered a wide range of business during its Tuesday, Oct. 13, meeting, including repairs at the county jail, grant-funded infrastructure projects and a $12,150 expense to decorate the courthouse for Christmas.
The meeting opened with a reminder from County Clerk Lee Chambers that early voting for the Nov. 3 election begins Monday, Oct. 19, and continues through Oct. 30. She said sample ballots, voting locations and other election information are available on the county’s elections website.
County Judge Jay Knight expressed concern about voter apathy and reminded residents that they can vote at any county polling location, regardless of where they live. Chambers added that larger voting locations will have multiple check-in lines to accommodate voters.
“We’re ready for a crowd,” Chambers said.
Jail repairs expected to wrap up in December
Sheriff Bobby Rader reported that repairs at the Liberty County Jail remain on schedule for completion by the end of December.
Four air-handler units have been installed, along with exhaust fans that have been tested and are working properly. A problem with a ventilation fan in the booking area was discovered, but replacement parts were expected to arrive this week.
Work on the jail’s door-lock system was completed Oct. 7, except in two dormitories where ceilings still need to be replaced. Rader said that work will be done in stages so inmates can be moved between dormitories. The project is expected to begin in November and take approximately six weeks. Cameras also will be installed in those areas.
Commissioners voted to accept the report.
Commissioners approve fire investigation agreement
The court approved an agreement allowing the Liberty County Fire Marshal’s Office to assist the City of Dayton with fire investigations when requested.
Fire Marshal Nathan Green explained that state law limits his authority inside incorporated municipalities without an agreement in place. The arrangement will apply only to fire investigations, not routine inspections or fire safety complaints.
At Green’s request, the wording was changed from investigating arsons to investigating fires, since not every fire is the result of arson.
Water and drainage projects move forward
Commissioners approved two payments totaling $241,537.18 to J&S Water Wells for the Hull Fresh Water Supply project. The work is being funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The court also approved a change order reducing the contractor’s final contract amount by $15,503.
In another infrastructure matter, commissioners approved a material change for the Redmond Creek drainage project near Baker Circle. Engineers recommended replacing corrugated metal pipe with polypropylene pipe because of its greater resistance to corrosion. The change will not increase the project’s grant funding.
The court also selected LJA Engineering and Traylor & Associates for engineering and grant administration services, respectively, for the Texas General Land Office’s Mitigation Reallocation Program.
There was some discussion about whether the selections should be postponed because the contracts were not ready for review. However, with a 30-day grant application window approaching, commissioners agreed to approve the recommendations and bring the contracts back for consideration.
Christmas lights spark debate
A proposal to spend $12,150 on Christmas lights at the Liberty County Courthouse drew some of the meeting’s liveliest discussion.
The county spent approximately $25,000 last year to purchase and install the lights. This year’s expense covers installation, removal and storage by Earthscapes of Texas.
Some commissioners questioned the spending after a difficult budget year in which county employees received no raises and property taxes increased.
“None of our hands got any raises this year. We raised people’s property taxes, and now we’re spending taxpayers’ money $12,000 on installing lights,” said Pct. 4 Commissioner Gerald Kolarik. “I’m all for lights. I mean, it really makes Courthouse Square look good, but I think it’s things that need to be brought up.”
Chambers defended the expense, saying the lights were popular with residents and added to the holiday atmosphere downtown.
“It is a beautiful thing, and it enhances the season, and it enhances our community, and it’s worth it,” Chambers said.
Other commissioners questioned why the expense had not been included in the county’s annual budget. One agreed to support the purchase this year but wanted future holiday lighting expenses considered during budget discussions.
“So, I will go ahead and second it, so that I don’t become the Grinch, but I really want this to become a budget consideration instead of an individual agenda item,” Kolarik said.
The expense was approved despite two opposing votes. Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur made the motion, which was seconded by Kolarik. Pct. 1 Commissioner Bruce Karbowski and Pct. 3 Commissioner David Whitmire voted against it with County Judge Knight providing the tie-breaking vote in favor.
Knight ended the discussion with a little Christmas humor, telling the commissioners who opposed the expenditure that they would not be receiving Santa Claus hats from him this year.
“We’re going to get a chunk of coal,” quipped Karbowski.
Knight replied by saying with a chuckle, “I’ve had a chunk of coal before, Bruce.”
Other county business
Commissioners also approved stop signs at CR 6600 and 66111 in the Encino Estates subdivision. Pct. 4 Commissioner Gerald Kolarik said the intersection has a sharp turn near a playground, and the signs are intended to slow traffic and protect children and families using the park.
Commissioners also approved the transfer of a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado from the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office to Pct. 2 for use by the Devers ISD school resource officer.
Other actions included extending the county’s fuel services contract, approving the final plat for Section 8 of Sterling Traditions subdivision and accepting $17,793.18 from the sale of surplus county equipment.
The court also approved the continuation of employee flexible spending account services through HealthEquity and authorized the county to seek bids for insurance coverage, retiree medical plans and road materials.
Following an executive session, commissioners voted to remove the interim designation from Cecily McKinney’s position, officially naming her director of the Liberty County Permit and Inspection Department.
Commissioners also approved a $4,000 settlement in a case involving Liberty County and Computer Solutions.
The court took no action on a request involving the disputed status of a portion of CR 1330 beyond County Road 1331. Joey Sanderson, who spoke on behalf of herself, her husband and neighboring property owners, said residents want the road to remain private and are willing to maintain it themselves.
Commissioners agreed to give the residents and County Attorney Matthew Poston more time to work through questions involving easements, road maintenance and access for neighboring property owners before bringing the matter back for consideration.