Burleson County commissioners approve contracts, policies and appointments; reject current solid‑waste bids

Burleson County Judge Keith Schroeder and the Commissioners Court met Nov. 25 in Caldwell and unanimously approved a series of routine and operational items, including a software contract addendum, a facilities change order, policy certifications and an appointment to an accessibility compliance role.

The court voted to add hosted services to its existing court software contract with Local Government Solutions, LLC under contract addendum LGS16‑0007‑A2, increasing costs by $318.00 per month; the agenda materials listed a total monthly software cost of $8,143.27. The court also approved a $9,860 change order with A‑1 Fire & Security to add a split system unit related to a fire alarm and smoke‑evacuation project above the administration area.

Commissioner David Hildebrand moved to approve a package of consent items that included accepting a $30 donation for the Burleson Health Resource Center; Commissioner Vincent Svec seconded, and the motion carried with all members voting in favor. The court likewise approved a continuation certification for the bond renewal of Jo Ann Degelia as deputy county treasurer and authorized paid overtime for jailers limited to December.

On procurement, Commissioner Dwayne Faust moved to reject bids received under RFP Contract #2024‑10‑01 for solid‑waste disposal services and to place the item on the next commissioners court agenda for rebidding; Commissioner Robert “Bobby” Urbanosky seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The court approved subdivision paperwork for Hive Subdivision (noting no plat was filed) and plats for Heritage Oaks Sections 1 and 2, contingent on proper paperwork being filed with the county clerk.

Commissioner Hildebrand moved, and Commissioner Svec seconded, to appoint Stephanie Smith as the county’s ADA/504 Compliance Coordinator. The court also approved the Title VI Civil Rights policy, an ADA policy, and authorized the county auditor to electronically submit the Annual Certification Report for the Equitable Sharing Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of the sheriff and county judge.

In department reports, Chief Rios told the court the county jail held 50 males and 10 females and that there were open positions: two in patrol, one school resource officer, a part‑time nurse and openings in dispatch and jail staff. Tax Assessor‑Collector Jessica Lucero reported that tax statements went out Oct. 22. Elections Administrator D. J. Oliver said the office completed the general election canvass and hand counts and is preparing required state and federal reports.

County Auditor (name not specified in the minutes) reported an outside audit is under way. The auditor provided sales tax figures showing November receipts of $149,492, up 18.9% from November 2023, and a fiscal‑year 2024 total of $1,440,073, down $176,093 (10.9%) from the prior year.

During public comment, David Waddell informed the court of a Meet and Greet for Judge‑elect John D. Winklemann scheduled for Dec. 2 at Lissa’s Restyled Sip and Shop. Patrick DeWitt raised concerns about road conditions in Birch Creek Village and along Park Road 57 within Precinct 4; commissioners did not record a formal directive in the minutes about follow‑up at the meeting.

The court briefly convened in executive session under Texas Government Code §551.071 and §551.017 to consult with counsel regarding County of Burleson v. Purdue Pharma, Inc. et al., MDL Pretrial Cause No. 2018‑7708, in the 152nd District Court of Harris County, and returned to open session minutes later. The meeting concluded after the court authorized payment of bills and adjourned.

Votes at a glance: each recorded motion passed by unanimous voice vote: the county judge and four commissioners "all voted aye; none voted no."