WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZE ELECTION OFFICIALS, VOLUNTEERS

  

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Washington County Commissioners took time at their meeting on Tuesday to thank all those who worked to ensure the November 5^th general election went smoothly.

The court honored the county officials, staff and volunteers who helped coordinate the election during early voting and on Election Day, including those who served as clerks, judges and alternate judges, tabulators, security, on the early voting ballot board and at the central counting station.  All groups received a standing ovation.

Elections Administrator Carol Jackson said the election was “very successful” and that the contributions of everyone involved made that possible. She called all those who participated “heroes.”

The election drew a turnout of 18,343 votes cast out of 25,708 registered voters, including 14,456 in early voting.  Jackson said many people made it a point during early voting to thank her, Elections Administrator Clerk Janet Daniel and the rest of her team for their work, adding, “It’s wonderful to feel wanted and appreciated in Washington County.”

County Judge John Durrenberger said throughout the elections process, he received nothing but positive comments on how the election was being conducted.  He said the commissioners court cannot thank the elections staff and volunteers enough for what they do to keep elections safe and organized. 

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said it “takes an army” to hold honest and fair elections, and that the community always comes together as “patriots” to fulfill their duty of public service.  Commissioner Candice Bullock said those who took part in assisting make up “the backbone of our democracy.”

At the end of the formal recognition, election workers were invited to enjoy snacks and refreshments in the commissioners chambers at the courthouse.  Tuesday’s meeting was held at the courthouse annex to accommodate the larger crowd.

Also on Tuesday, commissioners approved a bid modification from LaRoche Chevrolet Buick GMC in Brenham for six fleet vehicle purchases for the Engineering and Development Services Department.  The county originally accepted the bids for 12 total vehicles in October.  Eleven of the vehicles came from LaRoche, with the six in question being Chevrolet Colorados. 

County Engineer Wesley Stolz said LaRoche recently informed the county that it would not be able to honor the original bid price, because GM is not able to honor the fleet pricing it had worked out with LaRoche.  The modification will raise the county’s price paid by $3,228, or 0.67 percent, from the sealed bid process.  Stolz said the new price still falls roughly $82,000 under the county’s original budget estimates and is still “a really good deal,” while also keeping the purchase with a local business.

In other business, the court:

• Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division consisting of 7.101 acres fronting Highway 105 and FM 390 in Precinct 1.
• Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division consisting of 10.09 acres fronting FM 50 in Precinct 1.
• Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division consisting of 5 acres fronting Old Independence Road in Precinct 3.
• Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division consisting of 31.018 acres fronting Nixon Lake Road in Precinct 4.
• Accepted and added Crestview Lane (0.438 miles) in Precinct 2 into the county road system.
• Accepting and adding Orchard Oaks Lane (0.385 miles) in Precinct 3 into the county road system.
• Discussed a formal notice from Texas Water Utilities for new service line installation across the county right-of-way of Airport Road in Precinct 1.  No action was needed.
• Heard monthly reports from the sheriff’s office, county and district clerks, justices of the peace, auditor, tax assessor-collector, treasurer, constables and veterans service office.