Commissioners meet Sept. 25

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County elected officials worked through a fairly routine agenda in short order on Monday, Sept. 25, with another session set for Friday, Sept. 29 to open bids and award contracts for fuel and mowing.

After reading a letter from District 10 Representative Brian Harrison recommending such action, county commissioners unanimously opted to follow the City of Odessa’s lead and work on a resolution to ban governmental COVID vaccination mandates, instead leaving vaccination to “personal choice.”

The commissioners directed county judge John Viertel to draft a resolution to be adopted at the next regular meeting.

Other Business

•A proclamation was approved that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Oct. 1 is Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

•The county-wide burn ban was extended for another 45 days beginning Sept. 25.

•No action was taken on a request to participate in the Lights Out Texas campaign, with commissioners concluding informally that the Courthouse Square lights need to be on for safety and security reasons.

•Each commissioner agreed to review and submit an evaluation of county extension agent Kelsey Bell.

•Viertel was given authority to enter into an agreement with the TIPS Purchasing Co-Op.

•A special election was ordered for Nov. 7, 2023 to adopt or reject 14 Constitutional amendments.

•The emergency assistance memorandum of understanding for shelter and mass care activities was renewed between the county and Albany ISD.

•In other business, the August treasurer’s report was approved, as was the 2024 meeting schedule.