Mason’s County Commissioners approved the final payment on the Courthouse reconstruction at their meeting January 13. The payment of $1,029,498.52 to Stoddard Enterprise LLC., marks the end of the long process of rebuilding the Courthouse following the arson-caused fire on February 4, 2021.
Jeff York, Director of Transportation for Concho Valley Transit (CVT), addressed the Court about CVT taking over the administration of Mason’s public transportation. On March 1, Mason will discontinue services from HOP and officially be part of CVT, which is based in San Angelo. York is holding six public meetings in Mason to find out what needs the community has in regard to public transportation, and to tailor Mason’s service to those needs. The first two meetings were held January 8 and 13, with the next meeting set for January 27 at noon at the M. Beven Eckert Library. The remaining three meetings will take place February 5 at 9:00 a.m.,
February 10 at noon, and February 24 at 5:00 p.m., all at the library. Concho Valley Transit serves a more rural population than the Hill Country Transit district, which Mason has been a part of. York stressed that CVT strives to serve each individual, treating everyone as the independent people they are.
The Mason County Historical Commission’s (MCHC) roster of members was officially re-appointed by the Court, an every odd-year state requirement. MCHC Chair Scott Zesch presented the request to the Court.
Departmental reports were reviewed and approved by commissioners. Mason Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Agent Jessica Holbrook received the honor of being selected as the sole Family Community Health Agent to represent the state of Texas at Agrilife’s annual Agrilife Connect conference last month in College Station. Holbrook spoke to the crowd of 2,000 about the Mason program and the contributors to its success. Holbrook also reported to the Court that the 100th anniversary Livestock Show was a big success, bringing “legendary” sales prices, still awaiting a confirmed total. Maintenance Director Leslie Klaerner reported that the restrooms on the courthouse lawn are nearing completion, awaiting the final details from the contractor.
Chris Magee, County Road and Bridge Supervisor, received permission from the Court to sell at auction some unneeded equipment, including some old fuel tanks, an air compressor, a water storage tank and a truck bed from a Chevrolet Silverado. The Court voted to take sealed bids, advertising locally, for a 1997 backhoe. Bids will be due February 7 and opened at the February 10 regular meeting of the Court.
The Road and Bridge department also received approval to reclassify the Road and Bridge office manager, Shelbie Couvillion, from part time to full time. Magee also received lawn to make it “more walkable,” was approved. Texas Multi-Chem will spread 100 tons of sand on the lawn for $5,065, which includes sand, hauling and labor. County Judge Sheree Hardin said several groups have asked to use the lawn for events. “For safety purposes it is important we have a level (courthouse) yard,” she said.
The Sheriff’s department received approval to spend $55,997 of 2025 Senate Bill 22 funds on a 2025 Ford F150 Police Responder vehicle.
Commissioners approved the payment of $1467.98 plus travel and labor to Snider Technology to install a new firewall for county computers. This item was pushed to the new budget year, as the current firewall is expiring in March, said Judge Hardin.
The County received donations of $2,036.40 to the M. Beven Eckert Library; $3,000 to the Senior Nutrition Program; $100 to Emergency Medical Services (EMS); and $100 to the Sheriff’s department. The county also received a RAMP grant reimbursement of $47,318.13. All were approved by the Court.
