WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE VIDEO EQUIPMENT PURCHASE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS

  

Washington County Commissioners authorized the purchase of new video equipment for the county’s public safety agencies at their meeting today (Tuesday).

The county will spend $200,236 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the WatchGuard video equipment, which covers body cameras, in-car camera systems and required licenses for the sheriff’s office, constables and EMS department.

Information Technology Director T.J. Harris said the current cost for the equipment is higher than during ARPA fund request sessions last year, but the county will receive some discounts to assist with the increased amount.

Harris said this is the second phase of a project that started last year, beginning with phasing in and testing equipment.  Tentatively, the items are scheduled to arrive prior to cutover to the new system in late July. 

The court also approved several vehicle purchases for the Engineering and Development Services department.  Those include two 2024 Mack dump trucks from Bruckner Truck Sales for $179,693 each; a 2024 Mack truck and belly dump trailer from National Auto Fleet Group for $194,051; and an RKI service truck body from TER Texas for $43,245.

Also in session, commissioners:

• Met in executive session to receive legal counsel from Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP regarding Texas Health and Safety Code section 364.012, which pertains to the prohibition of municipal or industrial solid waste disposal. No action was taken.
• Heard the Informational Technology department’s quarterly report, along with monthly reports from the sheriff’s office, county and district clerks, justices of the peace, auditor, tax assessor-collector, treasurer, constables, elections and veterans service officer.
• Approved an oil and gas development permit for Magnolia Oil & Gas, LLC on Hartstack Road in Carmine in Precinct 4.
• Approved an application for a plat revision for Lot 3 in the Andrade subdivision in Precinct 2.
• Discussed a preliminary presentation of the Orchard Oaks subdivision, a residential development consisting of 98.5 acres in Precinct 3.
• Discussed a formal notice for utility installation for a temporary above ground lay flat water line for GeoSouthern Operating II, LLC for McNelly Lane, Deer Point Road and Hoddeville School Road in Precinct 3.