WASHINGTON CO. CLERK’S OFFICE DISCOVERS ORIGINAL TOM GREEN COUNTY SCHOOL LAND DEEDS

  

At Washington County Clerk Beth Rothermel’s final commissioners court meeting before retiring this Friday, commissioners recognized her efforts to preserve local history.

On display at today’s (Tuesday) meeting was a frame containing the original deeds from the State of Texas to Washington County for its school land in Tom Green County.  According to Rothermel, the deeds were recently discovered in a safe in the courthouse’s maintenance closet, and were framed upon realizing their historical significance.

Rothermel said the deeds cover four leagues of land in Tom Green County, equal to 4,428 acres each.  The certificates were issued to Washington County in 1877.

County Judge John Durrenberger said the plan for now is to hang up the frame in the courthouse hallway, but the hope is to create a special case for the frame, as the documents inside have written information and signatures on both sides. 

Rothermel said she has been fortunate to work with this county and commissioners court and have the support she has received in maintaining old records, saying Washington County has “a wonderful, abundantly rich history.”  Durrenberger said this is just one example of Rothermel’s dedication to the history of this county. 

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said he cannot think of anyone else who could have done a better job than Rothermel over the past 30 years in maintaining and keeping the county’s history.  Commissioner Candice Bullock said it has been a pleasure to witness Rothermel’s “devotion and dedication” to protecting Washington County’s past. 

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

• Adopted a resolution asking the Texas Legislature to pass Senate Bill 1377 and House Bill 3000, which would establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to qualified ambulance service providers in rural counties. Per the bills, grants would be awarded based on distance to the nearest Level I trauma facility and the county’s ability to otherwise obtain the money needed for adequate ground ambulance services.  Counties with a population of less than 10,000 could receive up to $500,000, while counties who have between 10,000 and 68,750 residents would be eligible to receive up to $350,000. 
• Terminated a contract with PM AM Corporation for alarm program administration services.  The county entered into an agreement with the company in May 2022 for the purpose of reducing the number of false alarm calls the sheriff’s office responds to, but commissioners said they and the sheriff’s office agreed that the contract is no longer needed, as the program has not helped to alleviate false alarms.
• Authorized the Engineering and Development Services Department to seek bids for a used single drum steel wheel roller.  Bids are due to the county clerk’s office by April 10^th at 10 a.m. and will be accepted during commissioners court on April 22^nd at 9 a.m.
• Received a presentation of an American Revolution Experience reception sponsored by Captain Jabez Deming National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.  The organization is hosting a free touring exhibit at The Barnhill Center’s Morriss Hall from April 15-26.
• Received a presentation of delinquent tax, fine and fee collection report from Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott, LLP.
• Heard 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 office.
• Approved a bond for new County Clerk Nicholas Prenzler.  Prenzler’s appointment as county clerk is effective on Friday at 5:01 p.m.
• Held executive session to consult with an attorney, followed by a workshop with Imprivata regarding secure access and authentication to computer-aided dispatch software.
• Discussed formal notices from Industry Telephone Company for new service line installations along the county right-of-way of Moye Road and Bascome Lane in Precinct 4.  No action was necessary.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS