County to consider wildfire disaster declaration extension

Howard County commissioners will consider on Monday whether to extend the seven-day emergency disaster declaration decreed by County Judge Kathryn Wiseman on Monday, April 4.

The declaration came in response to Governor Greg Abbott's April 1 declaration amending a previous wildfire disaster declaration by adding several counties, including Howard, to the affected area.

In her declaration, Wiseman noted imminent threat of “... widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property...” as a result of wildfires in the county.

According to state law, Wiseman's unilateral declaration can only continue for seven days unless continued or renewed by the Commissioners Court.

The Commissioners will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the secondfloor conference room of the Howard County Courthouse, 300 S. Main St., for a workshop, before convening for their Regular Session at 3:30 p.m. in the third-floor courtroom. Those interested may attend the workshop and the meeting in person, or view the meeting via Facebook Live at www.facebook. com/howard-county-info-tech110733893888746/ .

After calling the meeting to order, the commissioners will hear presentations of county officials' monthly reports and judicial hours, prior to consideration of extending the wildfire disaster declaration. Commissioners will then discuss tax abatement guidelines and criteria for the County.

County Treasurer Sharon Adams will present personnel considerations.

County Auditor Jackie Olson will present invoices, purchase requests and budget amendments for the commissioners' approval; followed by her monthly financial report.

Olson will also present bids to provide a chiller for the County Courthouse, and a disbursement agreement.

County Elections Administrator Jodi Duck will present an order to conform election precincts following the redistricting of the Commissioners' Court precincts.

Commissioner Craig Bailey (Precinct 2) will present an item regarding a ban on fireworks with sticks or fins within the county; as well as a donation to the County Library for the commissioners' approval.

Commissioner Jimmie Long (Precinct 3) will present bids on refurbishment of County restrooms for the commissioners' consideration.

Commissioner John Cline (Precinct 4) will present an item regarding metal fence work around the 118th District Court Building.

County Extension Agent Tommy Yeater will present an item regarding employment status.

County Road Engineer Brian Klinksiek will present bids on County Road 1 roadwork, and will advise acceptance of the low bid on the project.

Klinksiek will also advise the commissioners to abandon the County's interest in Thomas Road in Precinct 4 (Sand Springs), returning it to the landowner.

Klinksiek will also present his regular maintenance update.

County Clerk Brent Zitterkopf will present his monthly report.

Commissioners will have the opportunity to present items for future meetings' agendas before the meeting is adjourned.