Bee removal, clock tower repairs approved

The Shackelford County Commissioners Court met Monday, June 23, addressing a range of routine matters and approving several action items, including the 2025–2026 employee health plan and the removal of bee colonies from a county facility. Due to ongoing air conditioning problems at the Shackelford County Courthouse, the meeting was held at First Christian Church.

Commissioners voted unanimously to renew the county’s employee health insurance plan, with the county covering the full cost. The new monthly premium totals $12,780, reflecting an approximate $86 increase per employee. Treasurer Tammy Brown noted that letters outlining the changes will be sent to employees in the coming days.

The court also approved a $700 proposal from Sadie Grace Farms to remove bee colonies from the outside and interior of the Shackelford County Courthouse. Commissioners agreed to rent a 50-foot boom lift to assist with the work, with final costs expected to stay under $2,000.

A budget adjustment was approved to allocate funds from the non-department line item to the four precincts, and the court also accepted the Treasurer’s Report for May.

In other action, 

commissioners:

•Revised the official county road map to remove County Road 211, which had become a private road, therefore will no longer be maintained by the county;

•Approved a utility easement agreement with Fiber Light, following a revision to its indemnification clause;

•Discussed progress on repairs to the Hamby voting center building, which the county now owns. Materials are expected by next week, with construction set to begin following the Fourth of July;

•Considered converting fluorescent lights in county buildings to more efficient LED fixtures;

•Agreed to research repair options for deteriorated numbers on the courthouse clock tower;

•Noted that county sales tax discussions remain tabled pending further information from other counties.

•No action was taken on a burn ban Monday, though commissioners noted that rising temperatures and steady winds are beginning to dry out the landscape. If conditions worsen and no significant rainfall arrives, a ban on open burning may be enacted in the coming weeks.

Reports from precinct commissioners included updates on roadwork across the county. Additionally, Sheriff Ed Miller reported on storm damage to the jail roof caused by improperly sealed installations from a recent contractor. Temporary fixes have been applied, and further evaluation is ongoing.