WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS WORK THROUGH BRIEF AGENDA

  

Washington County Commissioners sped through their meeting this (Tuesday) morning, wrapping up in less than 15 minutes.

The first item that was scheduled to be heard was the Washington County EMS Department’s quarterly report, but it ended up being moved to next week’s meeting.

County Judge John Durrenberger said EMS Director Kevin Deramus requested the postponement, as he is directing rescue operations with Texas A&M Task Force 1 in East Texas. The area has experienced severe storms and flooding in recent days, with Polk County officials ordering mandatory evacuations for residents below the Lake Livingston Dam and along the Trinity River.

Commissioners approved accepting a bid for a Ford F-450 ambulance chassis for the EMS Department from Appel Ford in the amount of $65,986.

The court also approved the purchase of a Dodge Durango for the District Attorney’s Office from Brenham Chrysler Jeep Dodge for $39,914 out of non-budgeted funds. First Assistant District Attorney Derek Estep said the vehicle being replaced, a Chevrolet Tahoe, took “extensive damage” due to the hail storms in Austin County in mid-March. Commissioner Kirk Hanath said money from an insurance claim will cover a portion of the cost for replacing the totaled vehicle.

In addition, commissioners voted in favor of an addendum to the county’s service agreement with Local Government Solutions for data processing services. First Assistant County Attorney Kacie Murphy said the county attorney’s office recently hired two new employees who need access to the system. The addendum addresses the costs associated with adding the two new users. The cost is $4,750 per license, plus a quarterly software support and maintenance fee of $261 per license.

Commissioners were also presented three formal notices for fiber installation by Industry Telephone Company in the right-of-way of Hercules Road, Koether Road and Hartstack Road in Precinct 4. No action was needed.