Mason’s County Commissioners declared April 27 - May 4 Soil and Water Stewardship Week in Mason County at their regular meeting on April 14. “Soil is our greatest national resource,” said Mason County Soil and Water Conservation District #223 Chairman Chuck Bearden as he presented the proclamation to commissioners.
Commissioners approved departmental reports and covered a variety of items at Monday’s Commissioners Court. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director Thain Martin told commissioners about a new product Mason County was chosen to use as part of a trial program. The product, first used by the military, is a gel that covers wounds and effectively stops bleeding, Martin said.
Library Director Cristi Slocum reported that the library had a spike in usage during Spring Break, with about 90 children using the facility for their Retro Video Games, LegoMania and fort-building activities. Maintenance Director Leslie Klaerner reported that the Courthouse lawn was busy as the site for an Easter Egg hunt and a wedding the past weekend. The County’s newly remodeled public restrooms were open for the weekend, reported County Judge Sheree Hardin.
The County will pay $26,500 to Neffendorf and Blocker, P.C. to conduct its 2024 annual audit, commissioners approved. The price has gone up approximately $1,000 from last year, said County Treasurer Ally Yonker. At the commissioners’ request, Yonker agreed to begin researching other options and comparing prices for future services.
Cost for elevator maintenance for the Courthouse elevator will cost $7,380.48 for 2025. The KONE elevator can only be maintained by the manufacturer, and an inspection is required before the County can renew the required annual state license for the elevator.
The county was not made aware of this future expense when the elevator vendor was selected, said Judge Hardin. “We are fortunate the Friends of the Courthouse raised additional monies for expenses like this,” she said.
The County also approved a service agreement with National Bankcard Services (NBS) for an upgraded payment system on the fuel pump at the Mason County Airport. Last week a technician installed a “chip reader” which will allow customers to pay with a chip reader card. The agreement is for a 60-month lease for the equipment, said Commissioner Dave Underwood.
The Commercial Bank submitted the only sealed bid for a Depository for the County, which commissioners accepted.
Commercial Bank representative Michael Cope attended the meeting and thanked commissioners for choosing the Commercial Bank in the past. Cope described their offer as a “very competitive local bid.”
The Road and Bridge department had several items on Monday’s agenda. Commissioners approved a materials donation of 4,300 tons of paving material from the Lone Star Paving Co., which will deliver the material to the Road and Bridge headquarters.
The Road and Bridge assistant will be allowed to drive his county vehicle to and from work in special circumstances and will be charged $3 per day for the fringe benefit, com missioners approved.
Commissioners discussed the options for repairing a 2002 grader with a bad transmission and decided to seek a quote from a mechanic who could come to the site, rather than send the grader out for repairs. The County has two new graders on order, which are expected to be delivered in May, said Road and Bridge Supervisor Chris Magee.
Three items of surplus Road and Bridge inventory will be advertised locally for sealed bids, commissioners approved.
Up for sale will be a 1994 Daycab truck, a 2003 Chevrolet pickup, and a Coates tire machine.
The County is advertising for two positions being vacated. The position of County Clerk, held for 18 years by Pam Beam, who is retiring, will have applications due Thursday, April 17. The County will conduct interviews and make a decision to appoint a candidate May 1 at a special meeting.
Also, the Nutrition Program Director position will be advertised on April 23 and May 7 in the Mason County News.
Applications for the position are due May 16. The County will interview candidates the week of May 19, and will make a recommendation to hire and classify on May 27, said Judge Hardin. Tai Weber, who is vacating the Nutrition Director position, told the Court, “I have really enjoyed it.”
