The Hill County Commissioners Court met in a regular session Tuesday, May 28, and Hill County Judge Justin Lewis opened and closed the meeting with a plea to Hill County residents struggling with their mental health.
The judge said that two Hill County residents died by suicide over the previous weekend, and he asked anyone who needs help to reach out.
“I want everybody to know that there is nothing that is that bad that you need to consider that route,” he said. “As a guy that’s been treated for depression many years ago when I was younger, I need everybody to know that there’s hope, there’s help and there’s a way out of this.”
He added, “I know there are a lot of tough things going on in this world at the moment. If you need somebody to talk to, my cell phone number is on my card. Call me, or call a friend.”
Lewis said that the courts are seeing more mental health issues in the community. “We’re seeing a lot of people who feel there’s no way out and that’s the only solution, and I promise you it’s not the only solution.”
In other comments, commissioners reported that they are working to address weather-related issues, such as road damage and downed trees in roads. Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Hemrick said that the weather had been an issue almost daily.
Commissioners heard from representatives of Elawan Pitts Dudik Solar regarding the second phase of the company’s solar project near Penelope. The 30-megawatt addition was already in the company’s plans and was previously presented to the community.
The issue before the court is a road-use agreement for the second phase, which will be voted on at an upcoming meeting. The agreement lays out protections for the county, specifies which roads can be used by the company and ensures that the company will be responsible for any damages.
The court observed and recorded the appointment of Susan Swilling as county auditor by District Judge Lee Harris. Swilling served as auditor for 19 years before retiring in November 2022. Her replacement, Sahib Rao, recently resigned, and she was selected to fill the position.
Commissioners approved the appointment of McLennan County Commissioner Ben Perry as a nominee to the Heart of Texas Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors. Directors are jointly appointed by commissioners courts in Hill, McLennan, Bosque, Falls, Freestone and Limestone counties.
Annual residential, non-residential and interagency agreements were approved for the Juvenile Probation Department at the request of Chief Tina Lincoln. The department contracts with numerous facilities for placement services and other providers working with juvenile offenders.
Commissioners also declared various decommissioned electronics as salvage and surplus equipment to be sold through Kaddatz Auctioneering. A Ford F-150 and water spray truck were deemed surplus materials by the court and will also be sold with Kaddatz.
The court approved the county’s Texas County and District Retirement System rate for 2025 ahead of the annual county budget process. The total contribution rate of 10.40% includes a retirement plan rate of 10.12% and a group term life rate of .28%.
A contract was also approved between the Hill County Attorney’s Office and iCrimeFighter for digital evidence management.
Commissioners will hold their next regular meeting Tuesday, June 11, at 8:30 a.m. in the Hill County Courtroom of the courthouse in Hillsboro.
