Commissioners Court
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court met Monday for their first regular session of 2020, which consisted of normal county business. Commissioners also discussed fireworks sales within the county
AgriLife Extension Agent Johanna Hicks recognized Pct. 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, Pct. 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley and Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom for receiving six hours of educational training at the District 4 Northeast Texas Continuing Education Conference held Dec. 5, 2019 in Mount Pleasant. All three commented that the training provided was excellent.
“I’ve been every year since I’ve been a commissioner,” Bartley said, “and it’s always one of the best conferences we go to.”
The court briefly discussed a plat for the Together Good Deeds II addition in Cumby. The owner has requested that the lot be split into two lots in order to sell them, and the mortgage company requires a new plat. Pct. 4 Commissioner Joe Price stated he was unaware of the request and moved to table any action until he can visit the property.
Commissioners also approved a space license agreement with the American National Red Cross. This formalizes the arrangement between the county and organization, which has been occupying the former Chamber of Commerce location behind the Courthouse annex on Jefferson Street.
The county allows the Red Cross and Salvation Army to use the building at no charge.
“[The Red Cross] has been a great partner in our emergency management side here in Hopkins County for many years,” County Fire Chief Andy Endsley said.
Commissioners approved a signed fire protection agreement with the Miller Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Only one department has yet to submit its signed agreement. The deadline is Feb. 1.
The court briefly discussed fireworks sales within Hopkins County, which Newsom described as “an important of the economy for some people and for our community. Jan. 1 and July 4 are automatic, but there are three dates we have to approve.”
The three dates are March 2, Texas Independence Day; San Jacinto Day, April 21; and Memorial Day, May 25. All dates were approved and fireworks will be available for sale in Hopkins County on those days.
The court approved two utility easement requests from Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. to construct electrical power distribution facilities in Pct. 3.
The next regular commissioners court session will be Monday, Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. in the first floor courtroom of the Hopkins County Courthouse.