Limits proposed on county roads
By Melinda L. Lucas
A request by Shackelford County commissioner Cody Jordan to set speed limits on several roads in Precinct 4 resulted in the scheduling of a required public hearing on Monday, March 27.
Jordan asked that posted speed limits of 35 MPH be set for several roads around the rock quarries in the northwestern part of the county, including 163, 177, 201, 202, and 240.
“Probably 70 percent of my budget is used for damages caused by the rock trucks,” said Jordan. “A couple of the older quarries are always willing to help, but the ones that have moved in are not concerned about the roads.”
He added that he puts more gravel on roads that the heavy trucks typically travel on, but if drivers “move to different roads” without as much material, those get torn up quickly.
Jordan asked county judge John Viertel to check into the possibility of collecting sales tax from sales made by the quarries located in the county.
He also plans to consult with county attorney Rollin Rauschl about writing letters to the quarry owners and whether he can bill them for damages caused by the trucks.
Tower Rental
Viertel noted that a 10-year contract with WesTex Connect for rental space on the county-owned tower is ending this month.
According to discussion, the original contract of a $1 rental charge came about because WesTex provided free internet service for the county. That has changed over the last decade, and commissioners agreed that WesTex should be charged the same $350/month charge as other renters on the tower.
Viertel was given the authority to negotiate a contract with WesTex.
Other Business
•Viertel reported that the county’s criminal reporting and case completeness is up from 78 to 90 percent for adult cases and 100 percent for juveniles, which is important for grant receipt by many entities.
•Renewal of the TAC Risk Management Pool Property Schedule was approved, along with several budget adjustments.
•Viertel stated that there is hail and wind damage to the Courthouse and gazebo, with assessments still being made.
