Commissioners call for special November election, gazebo repair moves forward
The Shackelford County Commissioners Court handled a full agenda at its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 25, addressing items ranging from drought conditions to courthouse projects and upcoming elections.
Burn ban extended
With dry conditions persisting, commissioners voted to extend the county’s burn ban for another 45 days past its scheduled Sept. 4 expiration. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index stood at 456 on Saturday, signaling heightened wildfire risk.
Copy contract renewal
Gary Merrill of All Copy presented a proposal to upgrade county copier equipment while reducing monthly costs. The plan would provide newer Canon machines, with the first year of black-and-white and color maintenance included. Commissioners approved the renewal, contingent on review by the county’s IT provider.
Gazebo repair approved
The court unanimously approved a $35,700 quote from Elevated Construction Group to repair the courthouse gazebo, with Commissioner Lanham Martin recusing himself due to ties with the company. The project, which includes replacing decking, stair rails, and lattice with Trex materials and painting the structure, will be paid from this year’s courthouse repairs budget.
Courthouse painting delayed
Commissioners reviewed three quotes for repainting the courthouse exterior: Elevated Construction ($285,000), Premier Commercial Group ($385,000), and DL Construction ($163,000, submitted earlier in the year). The court agreed to seek an updated bid from DL Construction before making a decision, tabling the matter for now.
November election
ordered
The court officially ordered the Nov. 4 Constitutional Amendment Special Election, which will feature 17 statewide propositions. All Shackelford County voting will take place at the courthouse rather than individual precincts.
Other business
•Commissioners declined to add powder coating to the courthouse clock numerals and markers, sticking with the originally approved finish.
•The county joined two class-action settlements related to opioid litigation, following the recommendation of the Coffman Law Firm.
•Budget adjustments presented by Commissioner Ace Reames were approved.
•Elected officials gave updates on road work across the precincts. Judge John Viertel noted recent meetings with a representative from Sen. Ted Cruz’s office.
The court also discussed scheduling another budget workshop to consider hiring a full-time elections administrator before the end of the fiscal year.
