HOLLY JOHNSON SWORN IN TO WASHINGTON CO. PRECINCT 2 J.P. OFFICE

  

Washington County’s newly elected judge for the office of Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace was sworn in today (Tuesday).

Holly Johnson was administered the oath of office by Douglas Cone during commissioners court.  Johnson, the justice of the peace office’s longtime chief justice clerk, will fulfill Cone’s unexpired term after he stepped down in order to run for county judge. 

Johnson defeated Travis Semora in the March 3^rd Republican Primary.  Semora, who was originally appointed to serve out Cone’s term, announced his resignation from the position last week.

Johnson will not face a Democratic opponent in the November election.  She will be sworn in for her elected term on January 1, 2027. 

Also in session, commissioners approved an agreement with Collier Construction for construction manager at risk services for improvements to the Washington County Expo site.  

Items in the Expo’s master plan call for a covered rodeo arena with warm-up pens and stalls, a new entry on Old Independence Road, a possible larger event center in the long-term, drainage and utility updates, and repairs and maintenance.  The plan also accounts for the potential of a new judicial center and a secure inmate passage connecting to the jail.

Additionally, the court selected GrantWorks for grant administration services for the Texas General Land Office’s disaster recovery program.  The county is seeking flood mitigation funding stemming from the spring 2024 storms and Hurricane Beryl.  GrantWorks Client Services Manager Michelle Bobo said the grant amounts available range from $500,000 to $5 million, with some matching funds required by the county.

In other business today, commissioners:

• Agreed to declare a commercial washer and dryer from the sheriff’s office as surplus and authorize the donation to Burleson County.
• Approved an Adopt a County Road agreement with the Bailey Family for Lone Star Road in Precinct 1.
• Approved a final plat for the Ridgewood Farm subdivision, consisting of eight lots located along Baranowski Road in Precinct 4. 
• Approved a mass gathering application and street closures for the Chappell Hill Historical Society’s Bluebonnet Festival.  Streets to be closed from 7 a.m. on Friday, April 10^th through 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 12^th include Main Street/FM 1155 from Highway 290 to Chestnut Street, Church Street, Sycamore Street, Poplar Street and Providence Street.
• Approved a right-of-way permit application from the National MS Society for the MS 150 set for April 25-26.
• Received the Human Resources Department’s quarterly report and the biennial report from the Sexual Assault Resource Center.
• Discussed formal notices from Industry Communications for new service line installation in the county right-of-way of Bascome Lane in Precinct 4.  No action was needed.