The Hill County Commissioners Court accepted additional bids for fuel and road base in a regular meeting held Tuesday, April 23.
After accepting bids in March for goods and services the county expects to spend more than $50,000 on over the next year, commissioners went back out for bids for sheriff’s office fuel and Precinct 1 road base.
Fuelman was the only bid for the sheriff’s office and was accepted. Bids for Precinct 1 road base were accepted based on quantity, quality and availability and included Conners Crushed Stone, Cemex, Rattler Rock and Janek & Whitten Construction.
The court ratified and adopted a proclamation signed by County Judge Justin Lewis on Go Blue Day, Friday, April 19, declaring April Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Hill County. All citizens were urged to dedicate themselves to improving quality of life for children and families and recognizing the signs of child abuse.
A public hearing was set for Tuesday, May 14, on a request from Republic Services that the county support its effort to obtain $50 million in new bonds as part of a finance plan to issue up to $133 million in bonds for capital improvements at eight facilities in Texas. The project would include the Hill County landfill. The county would have no financial obligations, liability or responsibilities if it signs off on the request.
Commissioners also approved the sale of fireworks during Memorial Day, which is an optional period of fireworks sales in the state if approved by the county. Lewis said that a request was received and there is currently no reason to deny it based on weather conditions in the county.
The court approved the closure of HCR 1131 from HCR 1136 to Farm Road 2488. Precinct 1 Commissioner Holcomb reported at the last meeting that the road is a hazard to the community and GPS directs drivers to the impassable road, leaving vehicles stuck in muddy holes. Residents also told the court that it is a known area for crime and inaccessible to law enforcement vehicles.
Action was tabled earlier this month until Holcomb presented signatures from nearby landowners who would be impacted by the change. The commissioner presented signatures showing all in favor, and the court approved the request.
Two more communication system agreements were approved with Classic Towing and Big Daddy’s Wrecker Service, allowing them to use the county’s new public safety radio system, with the regular fees assessed.
A budget amendment was approved for Hill County Emergency Management reflecting the $52,110 in radio system user fees brought in to date, which surpasses the projected $40,000 in the budget.
In other action, commissioners approved an amended lake patrol contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after a clerical error was found in the previous contract, and they observed and recorded the Child Protective Services Board’s monthly treasurer’s report.
The court’s next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, May 14, at 8:30 a.m. in the Hill County Courtroom of the courthouse in Hillsboro.
The Lakelander 