Action regarding several grants was taken by the Polk County Commissioners Court during its Oct. 8 regular meeting.
In conjunction with the USDA Forest Service, Private and Tribal Forestry Fiscal Year 2024 Wildfire Defense Grant, the Court approved the procurement of an administrator to prepare the application and administer the grant, if awarded, and also approved the appointment of a selection/rating committee to review and score all eligible proposals and make a recommendation for the selection of a grant administrator.
Additionally, the Court approved the procurement of an administrator to prepare the application and administer the grant, if awarded, for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Texas Department of Agriculture Community Development Block Grant Program.
The sale of surplus scrap metal and culverts for Precinct 3 Road and Bridge was approved.
Action related to the bid for the tunnel drain repair at the sheriff’s office and jail was tabled.
Expenditures from maintenance capital outlay buildings (budgeted funds) for the annual generator maintenance agreement at the Polk County Jail, in the amount of $18,750, was approved.
An order authorizing the sale of fireworks during the Diwali period of Oct. 30 through midnight Nov. 3 was approved.
The Court will consider approval of the 2025 Polk County holiday schedule which includes the following days off: Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Feb. 17, President’s Day; April 18, Good Friday; May 26, Memorial Day; June 19, Juneteenth; July 4, Independence Day; Sept. 1, Labor Day; Oct. 13, Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day; Nov. 11, Veterans Day; Nov. 27-28, Thanksgiving; Dec. 24-26, Christmas; and Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.
Due to the Christmas holidays, the Court rescheduled the Dec. 24 meeting to Dec. 27.
In personnel matters, the Court reviewed and approved personnel action form requests submitted by department heads since the last meeting.
Fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025 revisions and amendments as presented by the county auditor’s office were approved.
The Court entered into an executive session to consult with an attorney regarding an information technology security incident that recently occurred. However, no action was taken upon return to open session.
Polk County Recycling & Beautification (PCRB) President Kari Miller presented her annual report to commissioners. She highlighted the organization’s ongoing initiatives, reporting that PCRB is in a good financial position, with enough funds to continue operations for at least the next two years. She reported they are also exploring new ways to collaborate with Polk County on future waste collection initiatives and educational programs, such as planning a “Bottle Challenge” designed to engage youth in recycling efforts. She also informed the Court of two upcoming events aimed at promoting creativity, environmental responsibility, and recycling within the community – the upcycled art contest in which entries are due Oct. 29 and the electronics recycling event which is slated for Nov. 15. For more information on these events and PCRB’s ongoing work, visit PCRBTexas.org.
A proclamation recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention Month was presented.
Items on the consent agenda included:
