Burleson County commissioners approve routine business, grant applications and appointments

Burleson County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a series of routine motions and grant applications at its Feb. 12, 2024 regular meeting in Caldwell.

County Judge Keith Schroeder called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and the Court moved quickly through department reports, public forum remarks and a consent agenda that the Court approved without dissent. Commissioner David Hildebrand moved and Commissioner Dwayne Faust seconded adoption of the consent agenda, which included adoption of the January 2024 minutes, acceptance of an equipment donation from Non‑Ferrous Extrusion for a School Resource Deputy and a $2,800 donation to the Burleson County Health Resource Center. All members voted aye.

Department reports noted the jail population at 61 (55 males, 6 females) and several open positions in the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Gene Hermes gave the report. Other staff updates covered community events, tax office mail processing, Child Abuse Awareness observances and a slate of grant work led by county grant staff.

The Court unanimously approved a set of personnel and board actions: the appointment of Kevin Scarmardo to the Burleson County Appraisal District board; approval of a bond for Patty Lynn Vychopen as Assistant Elections Administrator; and appointment of Albert Ramirez to the MHMR Board of Directors. Commissioner motions and seconds were recorded in each case and were adopted by voice vote with no opposing votes.

On finance and procurement, the Court approved ad valorem overpayment refunds of $4,495.71 to Noack Herefords LLC and $8,690.87 to CoreLogic on behalf of Michael and Lorie Shaum. The Court also approved discretionary bidding exemptions under Local Government Code 262.024(a)(11) for repairs to a Precinct 4 CAT 12H motor grader and a Precinct 2 Volvo G930 motor grader.

The commissioners approved several grants and applications: a Hotel/Motel funding application from the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce for $6,240.14; a resolution to apply for the FY2025 State Crisis Intervention Grant Program (minimum $10,000; no match required); and resolutions to apply for the FY2025 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, with program components listed for governance and planning, assessment and evaluation, mitigation and workforce development. The Court also approved applying for the FY2025 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards (noting the $25 application fee).

On community programs and services, the Court accepted a revised Keep Texas Beautiful/H‑E‑B Community Recycling Grant award for $42,000 and held a workshop on cardboard recycling with presenter Ronnie Schielack. The Court also approved an interlocal agreement for web services with the Texas Association of Counties (County Information Resources Agency) for $4,200 and appointed Kristen Orostiesta to the Burleson County Family Resource Commission.

Public‑works actions included authorization for Road & Bridge, Precinct 1 to dispose of tree debris on a landowner’s property on County Road 367 and to enter property to repair fence damage on CR 165. The Court also granted a temporary right of way request from Magnolia Oil & Gas Operating LLC for a proposed water transfer line on County Road 335.

The County Auditor reported sales tax receipts of $120,504 in January (down 17.68% or $25,875 from January 2023) and $135,119 in February (down 19.35% or $32,429 from February 2023). Commissioners reported pothole complaints after recent rains and said County Road 423 will be closed next week for culvert replacement adjacent to the railroad.

The Court approved payment of bills and adjourned; minutes and signatures were recorded by County Clerk Anna L. Schielack.

The meeting record indicates unanimous voice votes where shown; items that were postponed (for example, a subdivision exception request from Patricia Foreman) were noted as such and will return to the court agenda if/when moved forward.