The Hill County Commissioners Court heard a report from Texas A&M AgriLife District 8 Extension Administrator Jay Kingston and representatives of the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children at a Tuesday, September 24, meeting.
Kingston operates out of the district office in Stephenville, which serves 21 counties in Central Texas. He praised Hill County Extension agents for their work, explaining that both the volume and quality of their programs make them some of the best agents in the state.
Kingston provided details about the many ways the Extension Service works to educate the public in Hill County, including efforts in the categories of agriculture and natural resources, integrated pest management (IPM) and 4-H.
Row crop production programs in the county represent 152,000 acres with an estimated economic impact of $2.4 million to farmers. Numerous livestock and forage programs reach over 300 local participants, involving 47,600 acres of pastureland and over 17,000 head of livestock with an economic impact of over half-a-million dollars.
Kingston said that Extension Agent Zach Davis continues to do a good job with the county’s Bucks for Bacon feral hog program, noting that the program resulted in over 1,000 hogs removed from the county last fiscal year. County Judge Justin Lewis added that hog-related crashes have been greatly reduced in the county since the effort started.
Extension Agent Tyler Mays’ IPM efforts, including scouting and row crop insect programming and research, involve over 614,000 acres with an economic impact of approximately $5 million. Lewis commented that he thinks that number may be low, adding that Mays is the only IPM agent in the area and has been instrumental in assisting local farmers.
The work of Extension Agent Angie Nors and 4-H volunteers was also highlighted. Kingston said that Hill County has 190 4-H members involved in a wide range of projects designed to help them develop life skills and be productive in life. Nors also works with local children and school districts on agriculture literacy programming, such as water education and the “Hatching in the Classroom” project, which reached over 1,100 Hill County children.
Commissioners also heard a report from Advocacy Center Executive Director Aleigh Ascherl and Child Advocacy Center Program Director Dr. Kerry Burkley on the resources the program provides in Hill County.
Introducing the speakers to the court, Lewis praised the efforts of the Child Advocacy Center in Hill County, pointing out that local child victims of crime had to travel to Waco to receive services until the local office was formed. The Hill County office has now moved to the renovated Covington Street annex, and the speakers thanked the county for providing space for their work.
Ascherl explained that the program provides services to support anyone who has been the victim of a violent crime. The local Child Advocacy Center works with law enforcement, attorneys, Child Protective Services and others to provide extensive services to children who have been abused. This can include accompanying them to the hospital and walking with them through the aftermath of the violent act with resources, referrals and counseling.
She said that resources are available to all ages, and there are a large number of adults receiving counseling to work through violent acts that occurred when they were children.
The center also visits schools and community events to spread awareness and share resources to prevent violence from occurring.
Dr. Burkley said that the center is proud of its strong partnership with Hill County over the past 15 years and the new office space on Covington Street. He said that the office includes state-of-the-art equipment and allows staff to complete forensic interviews, conduct investigations and provide counseling. He said that the local team interviews approximately 10 to 12 children in Hill County monthly.
Commissioners approved a professional services agreement and documents with H2O Partners related to hazard mitigation planning. The court recently selected the company to update the county’s plan, which will be funded with federal grant money.
The court authorized Lewis to negotiate terms of financing for the project to add a bi-directional amplifier to the county jail. Commissioners had previously approved the project, which will address safety concerns by ensuring public safety radios function in the jail.
An interlocal agreement was approved between the county and the City of Whitney that will allow the entities to work together on repairs to the city’s portion of HCR 1240, from Farm Road 933 to the end of Whitney ISD’s property. Under the agreement, the county will reconstruct the road and the city will pay for materials.
The court held off on approving the project work order, in which Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Holcomb provided three options to the city. The first option includes work to chip seal the road, the second would be a quick fix for his school year to blade and shape the shoulders to widen the road and fill potholes, and the third would be a more permanent option in 2025 using asphalt.
Lewis said that he would like to have the county attorney review the document and schedule a meeting with city and school representatives to discuss the options. “If we can do it the right way the first time, it will be better for everybody,” he said.
The court approved a road boring permit application from Gransolar Texas Ten that releases the county from liability for any damages to HCRs 3361 and 3366 related to the project. It also outlines requirements for the company to repair any damages that occur from its activities.
Commissioners approved posting a road closure notice on HCR 4352 South at the request of a landowner who owns all of the surrounding property. A required public hearing on the closure was set for Tuesday, October 22.
A communications system agreement was approved with Whitney ISD, which is the latest entity to sign on to use the county’s new public safety radio system.
Commissioners Court meeting dates for the fiscal year beginning October 1 were approved. The calendar was adjusted this year to move the budget process up, with budget hearings at the end of July instead of in August. Lewis said that he felt the process was too rushed this year as the court makes changes to adjust to new state laws. The amended schedule will provide more time for elected officials and department heads to review the preliminary budget numbers and provide feedback.
A minor plat for Ivy Ranch Estates on HCR 4434 was approved. It involves a single lot of just under nine acres.
The court approved modifications to the county’s credit card policy that specify certain requirements, including that any contractual payments must go before commissioners.
Commissioners also approved having the doors at the courthouse serviced, including the wheelchair entrance system, to address outdated components that aren’t functioning properly.
In other action, commissioners approved a resolution allowing the judge to sign financing documents for two sheriff’s office vehicles, observed and recorded annual salaries for court reporters and the auditor and assistant auditor, approved the renewal of the Texas Association of Counties Worker’s Compensation Program and approved a minor change to the county’s fuel policy to add a new company name.
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