Llano County authorizes application for roughly $4.84 million USDA funding and reengages engineering firm for new Criminal Justice Center

Judge Ron Cunningham was authorized May 13 to initiate and complete a USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program application for approximately $4,837,000 to finance construction of a new Llano County Criminal Justice Center. The motion was moved by Commissioner Mike Sandoval and seconded by Commissioner Linda Raschke; the court recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

The application will be pursued through Congressman Pfluger's office and, if successful, the funds are intended to support the Criminal Justice Center construction. The vote authorizes the judge to act on behalf of the county to file and complete the CPF application process.

In a related action the court unanimously authorized Riley Mountain Engineering to reengage as Llano County's contract representative for the Criminal Justice Center's application and construction phases. That authorization was made contingent on an agreement between Riley Mountain and the Llano County Attorney's Office; Commissioner Peter Jones made the motion and Commissioner Linda Raschke seconded it.

Both actions are procedural steps toward project delivery: pursuing federal CPF funding does not guarantee award, and reengaging an engineering representative is subject to contract finalization with the county attorney. The court recorded no dissenting votes.

What's next: the county will proceed with the CPF application and finalize a contract with Riley Mountain Engineering before work on application or construction proceeds.