WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS HEAR MONTHLY REPORTS

  

A series of monthly reports led what was otherwise a mostly routine meeting of Washington County Commissioners this (Friday) afternoon.

Commissioners heard reports from EMS, Engineering and Development Services and Information Technology.

EMS Director Kevin Deramus said the month of August was an extremely busy one for his department.

 

Deramus said EMS’ tactical responses alongside the Brenham Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Austin County SWAT team have also increased over the past few years, from around 9 responses in 2017 and 2018 to 22 responses in 2020 and 41 so far this year.

County Engineer Ross McCall said Engineering and Development Services continues to work on updating the county’s subdivision rules and regulations.

 

McCall said the group will meet a final time next month to discuss fire suppression and water availability with City of Brenham fire officials and the county’s volunteer fire departments.

Information Technology Director T.J. Harris updated commissioners on a recently completed project concerning recovery at the county’s data center from a catastrophic disaster.  He said the completion of this project should reduce the time of recovery in the event of a major disaster from months to hours.

 

Commissioners also received reports from the sheriff’s office and E-911, but no comments were made on those reports.  The presentation of the veterans service officer’s report was delayed to the next commissioners meeting.

After the regular meeting, the court broke into executive session to hold economic development negotiations regarding possible incentives to Project Black Spots.  According to the agenda, the project involves a business that is seeking to locate, stay or expand in Washington County.

Also in court, commissioners:

• Proclaimed September 2021 as the period for Washington County READ.
• Approved advertising for bids for an oil, gas and mineral lease on 698 acres of Washington County school land located in Tom Green County.  Bids will be due to the Washington County Clerk’s office on Thursday, October 7^that 5 p.m.
• Approved the purchase of an ambulance F-450 chassis for remount, using funds from the EMS 2022 budget. Deramus said the chassis will not be received until next year.
• Ratified the record vote taken to approve adoption of the county’s 2022 budget, the property tax increase reflected in the budget and the order levying the new property tax rate.
• Approved a resolution for the 2022 Washington County Indigent Defense grant program. The resolution is needed in order to apply for the annual grant funds.
• Approved using asset forfeiture funds by the district attorney to supplement the salary of Amanda Horak. According to County Judge John Durrenberger, Horak did not receive a grant she applied for this year, so the district attorney’s office request to pull from asset forfeiture funds to make up the difference.  Commissioner Candice Bullock said the funds will cover just over $1,000 for the remainder of this year and slightly over $4,000 for next year.
• Approved allowing MEP Engineering, Inc. to advertise for sealed bids on behalf of Washington County for a generator for the sheriff’s office and jail. Bids are due in the Washington County Clerk’s office by noon on Tuesday, October 19^th.
• Approved formal notices from Magnolia Oil and Gas Operating, LLC for 12-inch temporary fresh water transfer lines/hoses on Rehburg Road in Precinct 3 and Christian Cemetery Road in Precinct 4.
• Approved formal notices from PGMS to replace a sewer line on North Briarwood Drive in the Oak Hill Acres subdivision in Precinct 3, and for a 2-inch road bore to replace a 1-inch service line at 9201 Cedar Street in Precinct 2.
• Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division fronting Randle Hill Road in Precinct 2.
• Approved formal notice for a 12-inch road bore for a water line on Ellermann Road by Corix Utilities, Inc. in Precinct 1.