Fannin County, Texas — All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were virtually attend the regular meeting of Fannin County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Rodney Sprayberry, pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, gave the invocation and Major James Manis led the pledges.
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Commissioners voted to amend the Fannin County Declaration of Disaster Proclamation for Covid-19 to mirror action by Texas Governor Greg Abbott by removing GA-18 and adding GA-21.
GA-18 refers to a general reopening of services in Texas.
GA-21 also relates to the reopening of services.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court discussed the COVID-19 Response and Continuity of Operations Plan for Fannin County, which deals with employees. The Operations Plan was amended to include GA-21.
“Gentlemen, I think were are at a point to instruct all county employees to return to work, with the exception of high-risk employees,” Fannin County Judge Randy Moore suggested.
All four county commissioners agreed.
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Commissioners approved minutes from a regular meeting May 5.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court adopted the Local Option Property Tax Code for Fannin County which applies to disabled county residents and residents over 65 years of age.
Fannin Central Appraisal District gave the county four options to consider. Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to offer Local Option Property Tax Code in 2019 and continue the Local Option Property Tax Code for 2020 in the amount of $8,600.
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To make way for the possible housing of Emergency Medical Sservice in the Windom Bank building, commissioners approved the removal of materials stored in the building.
Fannin County Clerk Tammy Biggars informed commissioners that the materials contain private information and must be kept under lock and key.
Materials will be moved to a secure area at county the office at 200 East 1st Street.
Commissioner Lackey offered to use a trailer that belongs to First Baptist Church to haul the materials from Windom to Bonham.
Commissioners unanimously approved the motion to begin moving the material out of the Windom building.
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Commissioners voted to allow the issuance of an RFP (Request for Proposal) for EMS Services for Fannin County.
The RFP could be advertised as early as next week.
After the 45-day period, the county will discuss details of the proposed contract with prospective EMS companies.
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Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2020 Hustler Mower for Precinct 3 for $7999.
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Commissioners approved the Auditor’s Monthly Reports for April 2020.
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Commissioners approved payment of the bills.
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In the segment of the regular meeting reserved for public comment, no comments were submitted.
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Comments by commissioners and the county judge followed.
Pct. 1 Commissioner Gary Whitlock said, “I’m glad to be back with everyone.” Commissioner Whitlock had a medical reaction to medicine. As the county and state begins reopening after COVID-19, he urged county residents to use common sense.
Pct. 2 Commissioner A.J. Self thanked everyone for logging on to the meeting.
“Life is starting to go back to normal, but we learned some good lessons along the way,” Commissioner Self remarked. “Stay safe.”
Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness reported that more piles of trash were found dumped on county roads.
“If someone doesn’t have a place to burn trash, maybe if they call me we could find a way to take care of it so we don’t dump trash illegally,” Commissioner Magness suggested.
He also asked county residents to slow down and use caution in areas where people are still cleaning up trees and debris following violent weather.
“I had people blow by me like I wasn’t even there, Magness stated. “We are all out there trying to make it better for everyone. Please give us a little consideration.”
Pct. 4 Commissioner Dean Lackey said personnel from Pct. 1 and Pct. 4 would be mowing mowing county properties May 18, with Pct. 2 and Pct. 4 mowing during the following week. Melvin Stewart will be mowing the General Cable location.
“We’ve really been fortunate in Fannin County,” Commissioner Lackey said in regard to how hard surrounding counties have been hit by COVID-19. “Be safe.”
Fannin County Judge Randy Moore informed citizens that Texas National Guard performed its second COVID-19 drive-through testing on Saturday, May 9, 2020 and 32 people were tested. Results are expected this week.
In the initial drive-through test, 27 people were tested, with one confirmed case of COVID-19.
Gov. announced that funding would be coming down to counties and cities…need to justify costs related to COVID-19.
Judge Moore stated that another person at Fannin County Detention Center has tested positive and he is the cell mate of the inmate that was reported to be a confirmed case last week.
“These people come from all over,” Moore said of the federal inmates.
“I would just caution everyone to continue safe practices such as social distancing and washing your hands,” he advised. “If you’re sick, don’t come to work,”
All nursing home residents and staff will be tested by order of Gov. Abbott.
“The last thing we want to see is Covid-19 going through our nursing homes,” the county judge said.
Source: http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_119872.shtml