September 2, 2020 - The Shelby County Commissioners held a meeting during a power outage Wednesday, September 2, 2020.
Toward the end of the meeting, discussion over closure of the courthouse was had and it was instead decided to allow department heads to decide whether to close their office for the day. County Judge Allison Harbison stated she contacted Chad Nehring about the outage, and he was in contact with SWEPCO, she also said the SWEPCO website states 11:30am for restoration of power.
The commissioners discussed needing a Request For Proposal (RFP) for disaster assistance in reference to damage incurred by Hurricane Laura.
"That's for the county roads and stuff, I don't even know if Texas is going to meet the threshold, but I think that we need to at least have that tool in place in case we do and are able to get reimbursed for some of our expenses," said Judge Harbison.
A motion carried to move forward with assessing the damage from Hurricane Laura to see if the county qualifies to file for an RFP.
Judge Harbison suggested the commissioners ratify and continue the Declaration of Disaster regarding Hurricane Laura. She explained the declaration expires after seven days and it would be time to continue the declaration.
A motion carried to ratify the Declaration of Disaster regarding Hurricane Laura.
The commissioners discussed quotes for partitions to be added to the Justice of Peace 3/Constable 3 building.
Judge Harbison read off the quotes and they were, Moody Construction in the amount of $4,697.45 and Easy Way Services for $5,877 and $850 for electrical work.
"We are not doing anything to anybody, first of all, it's nothing personal. I've heard all these things, you know it's nothing personal. It's been a unique situation over in that area, because Ms. Margie had her office in her home," said Commissioner Charles Barr.
He further remarked former Constable Billy Hearnsberger worked out of his home, and the situations have changed.
"I have an opportunity to get the JP and the constable in the same building where they're going to be working together, and in my opinion and I think the courts opinion, that's the way it needs to be," said Barr.
He offered for other members of the court to offer their opinion on the circumstances and he further commented.
"With that being said, I've been informed that the constable does not want to move in that building," said Barr.
Commissioner Roscoe McSwain suggested that means Constable Roy Cheatwood was just going to work out of his truck and home, and said that's his prerogative.
Barr said he didn't think there was a need for partitions and Judge Harbison suggested Judge Rodgers would probably like to have an office.
Commissioner Tom Bellmyer said the outline of the project includes a courtroom in addition to the office area.
Judge Harbison suggested moving forward with the partitions, including the constables office should he decide to use the office space.
Commissioner Barr wanted to clarify Constable Cheatwood and Judge Rodgers would work together, as they get along well and that is a different subject than the office space.
Commissioner Bellmyer agreed with the space being made available for the constable's office for any documentation, or anything that may need to be stored. Judge Harbison agreed, and if he doesn't choose to use the space that would be the constable's business.
Commissioner Jimmy Lout suggested meeting with Constable Cheatwood, and Judge Harbison said he hasn't contacted her about the space at all.
"This is a rented building, and we're going to continue to stay there, why would we spend $5,000 if he's not going to use it?," said Commissioner McSwain. "If we're going to do something with other land and build something that we own instead of continuing to pay all this rent, I'm all for it. If don't want the office, I ain't spending the money to build him no office."
Commissioner McSwain stated that was Constable Cheatwood's choice and he wouldn't vote to spend money to get him an office next year either.
"If he makes the choice, he needs to stick to it," said McSwain.
A motion carried to accept the quote from Moody Construction and to renegotiate the cost without the inclusion of a constable office.
The meeting adjourned at 9:49.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Current payroll. 3. Renew contract between Shelby County Tax Assessor-Collector (Agent) with Texas Parks and Wildlife. 4. Partitions to be added to JP3 office by Moody Construction without the inclusion of a constable office. 5. Assess the damage from Hurricane Laura and decide if there is a need to issue a RFP for disaster assistance. 6. Ratify and continue the Declaration of Disaster regarding Hurricane Laura. 7. Adjourn.
