WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZE CENTER STRIPES FOR THREE COUNTY ROADS, NAME INTERIM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

  

Washington County Commissioners’ first meeting of the new year today (Tuesday) included action to add center line stripes on sections of three county roads.

The new double center line yellow stripes will go in on Wonder Hill Road in Precinct 2 and Old Gay Hill Road and North Berlin Road in Precinct 3.  Commissioners approved the additions after a public hearing with no comments from residents.

County Engineer Wesley Stolz said the requests for striping, which will essentially create a no passing zone, come as the roads see increased traffic and will address low visibility for drivers.

The stripes will be added along:

• Wonder Hill Road – south of the Highway 290 intersection, west and east of the northern Wonder Hill Square intersection, at the Caney Creek Road intersection, south of the Stern Road intersection, and east of the Church Road intersection.
• Old Gay Hill Road – northwest of the Pledger Road intersection.
• North Berlin Road – east of the Old Gay Hill Road intersection.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners approved the appointment of EMS Director Kevin Deramus as interim emergency management coordinator.  Bryan Ruemke, the previous emergency management coordinator, has retired after 24 years with the county. 

County Judge John Durrenberger said Deramus is “well-qualified” to serve in the position, as he has stepped into it several times before.  He added that Deramus “willfully accepts it.”  Commissioner Candice Bullock said Deramus is just taking on the role and is not being compensated for the additional duties.

Chief of Staff Carrie Marmol said before the meeting that Deramus’ appointment will be a temporary measure until the county brings on a new fire services director.  The fire services director position, which is a reworked version of the fire marshal position considered last year, will incorporate both fire and emergency management services.

In other business, commissioners:

• Accepted a bid from STX Build Construction for a roof overlay project at the Washington County Jail, in the amount of $358,200.
• Approved the purchase of two 2026 Ford F-450 ambulance prep package chassis from Sames Bastrop Ford for $133,752.
• Approved a retainer agreement from Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP for legal services regarding Cause No. 38761 in the 335^th District Court.  Commissioner Kirk Hanath said the lawsuit concerns the county's decision in 2024 to rename Machemehl Road, located in Precinct 3 between Cedar Hill Road and Quebe Road, to Old Bryan Road.  The plaintiff is not seeking monetary damages.
• Adopted a resolution supporting legislation to exempt Texas counties from the state hotel occupancy tax. 
• Accepted 2026 annual bid items for aviation fuel, flexible base, and pit and steel products.
• Accepted a lawn services bid from Gene’s Services for designated areas within the county, in the amount of $49,258. 
• Renewed reserve deputy sheriff bonds for Ruben Fuentes, William Scott Atwood and Justin Knuppel.
• Tabled the purchase of website hosting and subscription services from CivicPlus.