County to receive road grant

By Donnie A. Lucas

Shackelford County elected officials learned Monday that the county has been designated to receive over $355,000 in grant money from the state’s County Transportation Infrastructure Fund for local road projects, and commissioners put plans to repave the courthouse parking lot on hold.

County Judge Robert Skelton reported that the grant funding was awarded, but he still has to receive approval for each proposed portion of the work in advance, plus providing a 20 percent funding match.

The court approved a motion by commissioner Steve Riley to adopt a resolution that includes stipulations for accepting the funding.

With the county’s 20 percent matching funds, each of the four precincts will receive just over $106,000 to spend on special road projects.

Paving Project

The court also voted to table action and advertise for bids to repave the courthouse parking lot.

The county had an updated estimate of $85,229 to complete the project, which is more than the original estimate of $55,198 submitted early in the year.

“We found out that we didn’t have near enough base after the core samples were taken,” commissioner Lanham Martin said.

Judge Skelton said that he did find out that the project had been approved by the Texas Historical Commission in January.

“They said they sent the permit in January, but I never received it,” Skelton said. “They are sending another copy, but I haven’t gotten that one either.”

Riley made the motion to table the matter and seek bids pending the competition of the current budget process.

The court also voted to seek bids for pest control services.

Liberty Pest Control of Albany submitted pricing for quarterly maintenance of the courthouse, JP office, and Law Enforcement Center.

Owner Jacob Cleveland spoke to the court last month asking for a chance to provide pricing. Currently, the county uses Sure Shot Pest Control from Abilene.

While the prices were close, Liberty’s quote totalled just under $40 per quarter more, prompting the commissioners to table the matter and advertise for bids.

CareFest Fundraiser

Ragan Riley with Resource Care addressed the court about the upcoming CareFest scheduled for Aug. 29.

She reported that organizers at ResourceCare will be meeting later this week about the fate of the third annual event. She asked the court if anyone had concerns about the event going ahead with safety measurers in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“We are going to reserve the right to do temperature checks, require masks, and maintain social distancing if necessary,” she said.

Judge Skelton said that he didn’t have a problem with it, but the governor could add additional restrictions if the virus continues to spike.

None of the commissioners voiced concern about the event proceeding.

Relief Funding

Skelton reported that the county is eligible for $56,760 in COVID-19 relief, with 75 percent earmarked for health care and equipment. The remaining 25 percent, which amounts to $14,190, can be used to assist businesses located outside the city limits of Albany and Moran.

He said he plans to set up a committee to review application from qualified businesses.