Grant application okayed by county

Shackelford County commissioners approved a request on Monday, Jan. 14 by the City of Moran and Fort Griffin SUD for a grant application that will funnel through the county coffers, but will not affect county expenditures.

The meeting was conducted by senior commissioner Steve Riley in the absence of new county judge Bob Skelton, who was attending the first required school of his term that started Jan. 1, 2019.

Also in Austin at school this week was new Precinct 2 commissioner Ace Reames.

Water System Grant

SUD general manager Mark Gardenhire explained that when the special utility district, known then as the Shackelford Water Supply Corporation, first began supplying water to the City of Moran in the 1980s, it was on an emergency basis.

“They put in a two-inch line that was supposed to be a temporary connection, but Moran lost its ability to treat water, and supplying the city’s citizens with treated water has become permanent,” said Gardenhire.

He said that upgrades were made seven years ago, but the SUD now intends to install a “standpipe” on Hwy. 6 and Hwy. 253 that will gravity feed water to the city. In addition, a new six-inch line will better serve residents on the south side of the city.

“This grant has to go through the county as the funding apparatus, but there is no financial obligation for the county,” Gardenhire explained.

There are matching amounts for the SUD and for the City of Moran, he added.

Kay Howard of Howco arrived at the meeting to make the formal request, which was approved by the commissioners.

Other Business

•The elected officials approved insurance reimbursements for Skelton, who will not require county-provided health insurance.

•Sheriff Ed Miller asked that all commissioners check the amount of chemicals they have on hand to make sure they don’t exceed TCEQ reporting requirements.

•Bonds were approved for recently elected county officials.