The Hockley County Commissioners’ Court held a regular meeting Monday that resulted in the approval of oath, bond and continuation certificates for elected officials and employees.
The Commissioners approved the oaths, bonds and, or continuation certificate for the following elected officials and employees: Chris Wischkaemper, Sheriff; Robert Dalton, Constable Pct. 2; Seth Graf, Commissioner, Pct. 3; Anna Dunn Hord, County Attorney; Misty D. Taylor, Tax Assessor-Collector; Alan Wisdom, Commissioner, Pct. 1; Craig Workman, Constable, Pct. 1; Toney Cowan, Constable, Pct. 5; Wendy McNabb, JP, Pct. 1; and Juanita Salazar, Chief Deputy County Clerk, Continuation Certificate.
Moving forward, the Commissioners approved a split purchase of an Emergency Management pickup to replace the pickup damaged in the straight line windstorm that occurred in May, 2024.
Levelland City Manager James Fisher and Levelland-Hockley County Emergency Management Coordinator Cole Kirkland were also in attendance for the agenda item.
Fisher explained to the group that the overall damage from the storm had totaled the vehicle and the insurance amount allotted was $20,683.90. Through the Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) Cooperative Contract, Kirkland was able to locate a replacement vehicle with a purchase price of $53,620.
Both the City and the County would each provide $19,468.05.
The Commissioners also heard multiple updates from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office. County Extension Agents Wes Utley, Kerry Siders, Tristyn Galindo and Ashley Hanson each thanked the Commissioners for their continued support of the extension office overall and in their respective departments.
Additionally, each agent gave a brief overview of what each agent has been doing throughout the past year and what their plans are for 2025.
The group approved the donations to the Hockley County Memorial Library from Muming Chen in the amount of $250 and Margaret Gleason in the amount of $75.
In regard to housekeeping items, the Commissioners approved all monthly bills and claims submitted to the Court dated through January 6, approved the Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. 91168 and approve bank depository, approve the 2024 audit engagement letter from Atlas CMMS CPAs & Advisors PLLC, approval of Ad Valorem tax refunds and reviewed the December fire runs submitted by the City of Levelland.
The usual Public Assistance Report was tabled by the Court as Cara Phelan who presents the report was absent from the meeting.
The minutes of the December 16, 2024, regular meeting were approved by the Commissioners.