The Hill County Commissioners Court met in regular session Tuesday, June 10, and held public hearings on county road matters.
There were no public comments on proposals to implement 35 mile-per-hour speed limits on HCRs 1258 and 1300 in the Whitney area, and commissioners approved both proposals.
The court also held a public hearing on a proposal to close Bob White Drive between Susan Drive and Via Vincent in the Whitney area.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Holcomb said that the road is impassable and has been for some time, and the closure would not impact access to any properties.
One property owner spoke to the court and asked that the road stay open. He expressed concern about a neighbor using the entirety of the road if it is closed, but the court explained that each property owner would receive half of the road.
After discussion, commissioners voted to close, vacate and abandon the road.
The court considered two applications for variances from the county’s subdivision regulations.
Weldon Coble asked for a variance for a 19-acre subdivision in Covington. The landowner has received approval for a 30-foot wide Texas Department of Transportation entryway off of Farm Road 2488.
He requested a variance to allow for a 40-foot wide private road along the northern side of Coble Estates instead of the required 60-foot road. The variance would allow the landowner to create seven lots of at least two acres.
Ronald Brown requested a variance from the regulation that at least one acre must be included in a subdivision. Brown intends to sell a house and surrounding yard while retaining the remainder of his 15-acre field in Irene for agricultural use.
County Judge Shane Brassell said that the requests had been scrutinized by the county subdivision committee, which ultimately recommended that they be approved. The court granted both variances.
The final plat for Coble Estates was also approved.
A memorandum of understanding between West Independent School District and the Hill County Sheriff’s Office was observed and recorded. Because a portion of the district is in Hill County, the agreement allows the district to call in the sheriff’s office if needed in an emergency or for law enforcement purposes.
Commissioners declared a 2006 Ford F-150 as surplus equipment in Precinct 1, and bids will be accepted.
The court also approved trading in a 2018 Dodge Ram 5500 for a 2021 Ford F-450 flatbed in Precinct 1.
In other action, the court observed and recorded the annual Hill County Emergency Services District (ESD) 1 audit and observed and recorded the Hill County Child Protective Services Board May treasurer’s report.
The court’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday, June 17, at 8:30 a.m. in the Hill County courtroom of the courthouse.
The Lakelander 