Howard County Day and Library Donations highlight commissioners meeting

The Howard County Commissioner's Court held their regular meeting Monday, Jan. 23, at the Howard County Court House.

The brief meeting was led by Howard County Judge Randy Johnson. Highlights of the meeting included possible reactivation of the Howard County Historical Society and generous donations made to the Howard County Library.

There was no public comment.

Johnson opened the second session of the meeting which followed the workshop held earlier in the day. The workshop, Johnson explained, entailed the needs of the jail and its renovation. No action was taken.

Howard County Day to be held Wednesday at the state capital was the first item on the agenda and was presented by Johnson. “It's a day for Howard County representatives to meet our elected officials,” said Johnson and went on to explain that it is an opportunity for county officials to present any needs or situations to those in office.

The Big Spring High School Choir is scheduled to sing at noon at the rotunda, Johnson said. The Howard County Summit is scheduled for Feb. 28, and will be held at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum. “From what I understand,” Johnson began, “The goal this year is for it to be more informal and more productive.”

No action was taken as this item was for information only.

The next item regarded three parcels of land that were sold online. “We don't make a lot of money on these properties,” said Johnson. “The idea is to get them back on the tax rolls.” This item was approved.

Item C to consider designation of County Judge Randy Johnson to serve in the capacity of Permian Basin Regional

Planning Commission Board of Directors, representing Howard County for his entire term of Howard County Judge was voted on and approved.

No action was taken on the item involving personnel matters which was discussed in an executive session.

Item D-presention/acceptance: public information act training confirmation and certifications for newly elected officials was for information only and therefore no action was taken.

The monthly criminal report was accepted as presented after a unanimous vote.

County Treasurer Sharon Adams presented the next four items: personnel considerations; the treasurers monthly report for December; the treasurers quarterly report for the fourth quarter of 2022; and the request for permission to seek approval if County bank despository would extend their contract for two more years. All items were approved after a brief discussion and unanimous vote.

County Auditor Jackie Olson presented the invoices for approval; purchase requests for approval (an upgraded Christmas tree and a new AC unit for the jail); and the budget amendment (no net increase was made to the budget) were all approved as presented.

Howard County Librarian Sandra Verdin took the podium for the next item to request permission to accept two donations made to the Howard

County Library. The Dora Roberts Foundation made a $100,000 and a $1,000 donation was made from the estate of Jonel Camp.

The item was voted on and approved.

County Commissioner Jimmie Long presented the Change Order on the parking lot contract for $35,000. The item was voted on and approved.

Road Engineer Brian Klinksiek presented item 7: the Roadway Maintenance Update; the presentation for contract for RFB 2023002 Sealcoat; approval of a low bid for RFQ 2023001M LRA; approval of low bid for RFQ 2023002m Emulsion; and a request for permission to go out for bids on RFQ Road Base. All items were voted on and approved.

Future agenda items were discussed and will include future workshops and continuing current projects. For more details on any agenda items information can be found online at www.co.howard.tx.us