Commissioners Court
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court has extended the county public disaster declaration until 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 3 during Monday’s regular session.
This measure extends the declaration to the same expiration date as Governor Greg Abbott’s March 19 executive order.
Action on setting dates for Hopkins County’s annual Cleanup Days has been tabled until the next regular Commissioners Court session. Commissioners are waiting to see what develops with the COVID-19 situation before setting and announcing dates.
The court approved appointing Deputy Richard Brantley to serve as Hopkins County’s rabies control authority. Under state law, all Texas counties are required to have a rabies control authority who enforce minimum standards for rabies control, ordinances or rules of the municipality or county, and rules adopted by the executive commissioner under the area rabies quarantine provisions.
Commissioners also approved purchases of equipment for three of the four precincts. Pcts. 2 and 3 will purchase reclaimers for road repair, while Pct. 4 will purchase a tractor and boom cutter.
Commissioners approved three requests from Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. to construct existing electrical power distribution facilities across County Road 3528 which is approximately 40 feet north of County Road 3600 in Pct. 3, across County Road 4128 which is approximately 3,000 feet west of County Road 4131 in Pct. 4 and across County Road 4744 which is 1 mile northeast of County Road 4742.
Commissioners also approved a contract with the internet provider for the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. The new contract will result in a lower monthly fee and capability to adjust bandwidth during events as needed.
During executive session, the court approved several county personnel policy changes, including requiring job applicants to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) will be required to complete at least the written portion of the test within 60 days of hire. Anyone hired without a CDL will be considered a part-time employee and will not be eligible for benefits until all requirements are completed.
Commissioners also approved previous meeting minutes; budget amendments and line item transfers; payment of bills, revenues, expenses, payroll and financial statements; personnel matters; and disposal of assets requests.
The next regular commissioners court session will convene at 9 a.m. Monday, April 13 in the first floor courtroom of the Hopkins County Courthouse; however, special sessions may be called as needed at anytime.