WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZE PURCHASES FOR EDS, EMS DEPARTMENTS

  

Washington County Commissioners signed off on several budgeted purchases for the EMS and Engineering and Development Services (EDS) Departments at their meeting today (Tuesday).

Among those purchases were two 2026 Freightliner SD114 trucks and one CPS belly dump trailer from Lone Star Truck Group, as well as a used 2020 Case SV212 padfoot roller from ASCO for the EDS Department.  In total, the trucks, trailer and roller combine for $412,111.

County Engineer Wesley Stolz said the purchases are coming in under budget, including approximately $26,486 less for the trucks and $43,728 less for the roller.

Also, the court approved the purchase of a Frazer ambulance module for the EMS Department, in the amount of $288,214. 

Another purchase approved was for a new billboard advertising the newly-renovated Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, which reopens in November.  The billboard will be paid for with $26,000 in hotel occupancy tax funds. 

Later, the court agreed to proceed with the method of construction manager-at-risk (CMAR) services for projects in the Washington County Expo master plan.  The plan covers a new covered rodeo arena, drainage and utilities, and repairs and maintenance.  The action authorizes the county clerk’s office to advertise for requests for proposals for CMAR services, once the court reviews associated documentation.

Also in session, commissioners:

• Approved an offer of land dedication from Robert Jensen for the public purpose of public safety access along Highway 105 in Precinct 1.  Commissioner Kirk Hanath said this is for the helicopter hangar in Old Washington; currently, the county accesses the hangar through the Washington Volunteer Fire Department’s driveway, and this will allow the county to have its own access to Highway 105.
• Agreed to the purchase of Intec Apex Court Solutions software for use by the justice of the peace courts, designating Intec Apex Court Solutions as a sole source vendor.  Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Judge Buddy Riddle said the software should reduce agency workload.  Commissioners tabled authorizing payment of the one-time costs linked to the purchase of the software from the justice court technology fund, in order to allow for full review of the contract.  The first year will cost $119,664, including $49,980 in one-time costs, with future years costing $69,684 annually. 
• Approved a revised Washington County mass gathering permit application.  Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke said the form requires fewer documents to fill out than the previous application, which Hanath said is something the community should appreciate and benefit from.  County Judge John Durrenberger said the application is still very thorough and covers all of the county’s bases. 
• Approved a revised memorandum of understanding between the county and Faith Mission for emergency services.  The change adds verbiage stating that all external disaster agencies will coordinate with Faith Mission for service deliver in Washington County in order “to avoid duplication of services, maximize resources and manpower.”
• Hired a county jail maintenance supervisor at a pay rate exceeding the 6 percent allowable amount, in accordance with county policy.
• Received monthly reports from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.
• Discussed formal notices for water line extension within the county right-of-way of Fisher Road, Roberts Road, Beaver Road and Rehburg Road in Precinct 3.  No action was needed.
• Discussed a formal notice from ET Gathering & Processing LLC for a natural gas pipeline bore within the county right-of-way of Rehburg Road in Precinct 3.  No action was taken. 
• Read a proclamation declaring September 17 – 23 as Constitution Week in Washington County.