Commissioners discuss increasing road supply prices

Image
Subhead

Courthouse roof repairs underway

Body

The Hopkins County Commissioners Court discussed contracts for purchase of road materials and roof repairs for the courthouse, among other items of business at the Monday morning regular session of commissioners court. 

The court opened at 9:02 a.m. After an opening prayer, the court opened the floor to citizen comments. However, no citizens presented themselves for comment. 

The court’s first item of business was a request from Farmers Electric Co-Op to construct electrical power distribution near County Road 2388 near CR 2387 in Precinct 2 as well as a request from Farmers Electric Co-Op for electrical power distribution near CR 3505, near Farm Road 1537 in Precinct 3. 

Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin and Pct. 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley moved for approval of the measures, and they were unanimously approved.

SUPPLY CONTRACTS

The court then considered bids for the purchase of road materials. County auditor Shannah Aulsbrook that the county has received bids, and stated her desire for each commissioner to voice their preference of contractor in a ranked order.

“The discussion I want to have is that prices keep going up,” said Pct. I commissioner Mickey Barker. “I want to make mention that the material prices continue to go up, up, up.

“We want to make sure that we’re getting the best price,” County Judge Robert Newsom agreed.  

“As much money as we spend with these companies, it would behoove us to do some communication with the vendors and try to get the prices down,” Barker continued. “It’s just getting out of control.” 

Barker then stated his preferences for road oil, road sealant, concrete, and other supplies. Anglin then stated his preferences, followed by Pct. 4 Commissioner Joe Price and then Bartley. 

Barker noted that he was not buying shingles in Pct. I, and Aulsbrook told him he could if he liked as it was budgeted under general supplies. Barker also inquired if the county had received any additional bids for chip seal, and Aulsbrook said they had not. 

COURTHOUSE ROOF

“We have a wonderful courthouse that’s 125 years old,” Newsom told the court. “However, it takes quite a bit of maintenance to make it work. We’re taking good care of this courthouse.” 

Although the initial repairs to the courthouse in 2002 cost $5 million and were paid for by the state, upkeep over the last 18 years since then has been the responsibility of the county since they would not sign the deed over to the Texas Historical Commission to make the building a landmark, according to Newsom. In past years, this has meant a $140,000 repair to the basement and now, roof repairs, he said. 

“This time, the third floor, it just had to be done,” Newsom said. “We have a price of $34,100. They’re doing a great job inside and outside, but we need to approve the commercial work order.” 

The court unanimously approved the request.

OTHER BUSINESS

Aulsbrook noted she had one budget amendment, as the county readied itself to close out the fiscal year that day. Security systems, which had been paid for from the previous year’s budget, needed to be paid for in the coming budget, Aulsbrook stated. The court unanimously approved the request for $49,330.

“I like to brag on our financial just a little bit, I understand y’all have got it to the penny this year,” Newsom stated. “I could never do it just that perfectly. I commend y’all for that.”   

With that, the court unanimously approved the biweekly financial statements. 

The court then considered a request from the East Texas Council On Alcoholism And Drug Abuse (ETCADA). 

“This is something we do every year,” Newsom noted. Located in Longview, the court provides convergence of will and an intended common line of action for substance abuse and treatment programs, according to the proposed memorandum of understanding. 

The court unanimously approved the memorandum with ETCADA. 

The court then considered a request to purchase a Bomag for Pct. 4

“We’ve had a couple of wrecks and we’d love the purchase of another Bomag,” said Price. “I think the price is $175,500.” 

Aulsbrook stated the price was $179,850. The court unanimously approved the request. 

The court also unanimously approved the renaming Hopkins County Energy LLC to Angie Holdings, Inc. This item did not appear on the official agenda. 

The court unanimously approved a request to serve on the Lamar County Human Resources program. 

The court unanimously reappointed Debbie Pogue Mitchell to serve as a member of the Hopkins County appraisal district board of directors.

“It’s not an easy position at all,” Newsom noted. “But thank you for serving.” 

“It’s not easy, but I accept,” Pogue Mitchell stated. 

With no further business, the court was adjourned at 9:23 a.m.