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The regular meeting of the Robertson County Commissioners was rescheduled for Monday, February 26, so that Judge Scarpinato and the County officers could get some much appreciated annual education. The court officers, fresh from their annual trip to the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, got right to work on updating ordinances and permits as well as discussing improvements for the county. Before the meeting began, a public hearing was held for any citizens who wished to weigh in on an Ordinance that would be voted on during the court session. The Ordinance regulates how land owners within the county limits, but outside a municipal city limits (known as the extra-territorial jurisdiction, or ETJ) might be regulated. The court is attempting to keep the county beautiful by regulating how potential landfill operations would be regulated and where they would not be allowed to be created. The county officers felt it would be best for future potential development to have an ordinance in place that would help keep giant landfills from developing within the county that is home to many farms and ranches as well as protecting the potable water that lies beneath. No one came to discuss the ordinance and when it arrived on the agenda during the meeting, the ordinance unanimously passed. The commissioners also discussed a future ordinance that would regulate the use of right of ways on county roads for special events. While the commissioners do not want to put a damper on folks enjoying a great trail ride or outdoor event, they also feel that the safety of those attending the events needs to be taken into account. The ordinance would regulate how outdoor events would be able to utilize county roads for their events, but it would also regulate corporations who use county roads for large vehicles and transports. The ordinance is intended to make sure that county roads are kept clear for passenger traffic and can be utilized safely at all times for all uses. There will be a public hearing on this ordinance on April 16, 2024 at 1:45pm in the third floor courtroom in the Robertson County Courthouse. Any citizen wishing to express their views or ask questions about the ordinance are encouraged to attend the hearing, or contact their commissioner for further questions. The court did pass rules for a Mass Gathering Permit that will be in place for those who are wishing to hold an event within the county’s ETJ. No matter what type of event or gathering, if it is large enough to meet the threshold of Mass Gathering within the county, folks will need to apply for a permit to hold the gathering. There will be a small fine attached to the permit and the court stressed that this action was not being taken as a measure to raise funds, but rather to raise awareness of these gatherings so that first responders can be prepared if any emergency arises at these events. “We don’t want to be party poopers,” expressed Commissioner Donald Threadgill, “we are simply trying to make sure that our safety officers are ready to respond to any situation. We can do that better if we know in advance the who, what and where of these mass gatherings.” The court also finalized the purchase of equipment through ARPA funds and authorized payments to the City of Hearne through their ARPA arrangement. They also approved the travel of a Deputy Sheriff to Vermillion, Louisiana to testify as a witness in a trial that was ongoing before he took the position in Robertson County. The commissioners are still looking at a possible expansion of the Tax Office by purchasing the old City Flowers building. The committee is still looking at what would need to be done with the building and reopening negotiations with the building owner to see if any progress can be made on the purchase or lease of the building for county use. Other small, but impactful improvements are set to be made to the courthouse square, with an additional sidewalk to be placed on the northwest corner to aid in drainage and passage during wet and muddy weather. The commissioners decided to wait on a second sidewalk until the old jail area is remodeled and updated. “No point in building a sidewalk that might have to be torn up later,” pointed out commissioner Threadgill. The commissioners decided against a burn ban, despite the windy weather and giant fires spreading throughout the northwestern part of Texas. They did, however, want to caution county residents that with the ground being wet and winds being high, to please be aware when burning and use extreme caution. “The roads and pastures are still pretty wet and if a fire catches, it would be difficult for firefighters to get to it to put it out,” reminded Threadgill.
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