DOUBLE MOUNTAIN CHRONICLE
The Fisher County Commissioners Court convened in regular session last month, discussing a range of issues, including financial allocations, road improvements, and emergency services funding. Some decisions, such as the allocation of SB-22 funds beyond the scope of payroll was tabled until more details could be presented.
Early in the meeting, officials reviewed proposed budget adjustments regarding local fire department funds. Commissioners approved a line item transfer to split the budget between the Rotan and Roby Fire Departments. Fisher County Auditor Becky Mauldin explained the division of funds split between the two departments came at the request of the departments themselves.
The court also approved the allocation of a series of charitable donations. An annual $17,500 donation from Amadeus Wind was accepted, with $5,000 allocated to each of the county’s fire departments and $2,750 designated for both the county museum and library.
Fisher County receives a $17,500 annual contribution for the duration of the 10-year tax abatement with the wind farm the county approved in 2020. Other funds Amadeus Wind has contributed has helped construct the Spencer Show Barn at the county rodeo grounds as well as establishing five scholarship opportunities for attending TSTC's wind energy program.
After a brief explain action from commissioner Stuart Posey, the court also approved the purchase of road materials from two sources — Robby Robertson & Family and Smith Enterprises Inc. — at $3 per yard. Additionally, five loads of milling were approved for County Road 402 and Highway 180 intersection from TXDOT.
Infrastructure related reports also included updates on septic system maintenance at the Senior Citizens building. The court received conflict of interest disclosures in accordance with state statues for Danny Watson and Chris Pippin, who performed the repair work.
Commissioner Posey also informed the court that his precinct is planning to assist the City of Rotan in ongoing cleanup efforts. After adopting a substandard structure ordinance in May 2024, the City of Rotan expanded its partnership with Texas Communities Group (TCG) to address properties in need of immediate action.
In July 2024, Rotan began its first code enforcement action, starting with an abandoned trailer on Sammy Baugh Ave. The city, working with TCG, secured a bid from contractor Randy Callan to demolish the structure, remove debris, and clear the lot.
With the first project completed, city officials and TCG are continuing their property assessment and enforcement for future projects. Posey informed the court that upcoming cleanup efforts in Rotan will utilize county equipment when needed. Officials hope this effort will encourage property upkeep among residents.
However, not all issues were finalized during the February meeting, with SB-22 funding discussions for dash cams, radios, concealable body armor, and hiring for the Sheriff’s Department were tabled for future review.
Rural Law Enforcement Grants Under Senate Bill 22 (SB-22) establishes a grant program to provide financial assistance to sheriff’s departments, constable’s offices, and district and county attorney’s offices in rural Texas counties. The goal is to ensure adequate law enforcement and legal representation across the state.
Eligible counties were able to apply for salary supplements and funding starting in January 2024. Moving forward, counties and prosecutor’s offices will apply funds to be used for salaries, additional personnel, or equipment.
Counties already meeting minimum salary requirements can still apply for funding for new positions or equipment. However, some expenses are not covered, including software, contract employees, overtime, and office equipment, causing concern among officials about the eligibility of some requested equipment.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts oversees the program, ensuring compliance with Local Government Code 130.911, which details salary requirements and funding uses for rural law enforcement agencies. Fisher County submitted the items for review by the local government transparency analysts, who reported some items listed for potential purchase may not meet the criteria for eligible reimbursement through SB 22 funds.
Sheriff Dickson reported that currently only one vehicle was outfitted with a dashboard camera. He said the other six vehicles, either not equipped with a camera, or the vehicle camera is not operational. Additionally, the company that provides service for the department, body cameras — LensLock — also provides dashboard cameras.
While the sheriff said he has reached out to the company for a quote, the information was not available prior to February‘s meeting. Currently, the county and department have only allocated SB 22 funds toward law-enforcement salaries. Fisher County Judge Ken Holt said his only concern was failing to allocate the funds for purchases outside of payroll before the spending deadline expires.
The Commissioners Court will likely address pending issues, including SB-22 emergency funding and additional county maintenance projects when the court meets again next week.