New county officers take oath on Jan. 1, 2020 audit accepted

By Melinda L. Lucas

Several new Shackelford County elected officials took the oath of office for the first time during a brief ceremony in the second floor courtroom of the Shackelford County Courthouse on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

Newly elected county attorney Rollin Rauschl and constable Xavier Perez were among those who started new four-year terms that day.

The oaths were administered by county judge Robert Skelton, who had just returned to work after being quarantined over Christmas.

A few days earlier, Skelton was present by phone for a regular commissioners meeting on Monday, Dec. 28, although the session itself was conducted by senior commissioner Steve Riley.

County Audit

CPA Meredith Churchill with Fullerton and Associates reviewed the county’s audit for the year ending Sept. 30, 2020, commenting that the county was basically in good shape.

The audit was accepted and the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance will be published next week.

Other Business

•Elected officials voted to advertise for bids for a concrete low water crossing on CR 122 in Precinct 3, with plans to obtain a TxDOT grant.

•Stock show association president Bronco Askew informed commissioners about plans to hold the county livestock show Jan. 22-23, with no opposition from the elected officials.

•Refinancing of a Pct. 3 motor grader with First National Bank of Wichita Falls was approved.

•The county-wide burn ban was lifted Dec. 30 because of widespread moisture.