The Hockley County Commissioners’ Court held a regular meeting on Monday to approve a change in a county inspection position among other agenda items.
The court approved the appointment of a permanent, primary designated representative for septic inspections within the county.
County Judge Sharla Baldridge said the current primary septic inspector is unavailable, and there have been discussions about the procedure of appointing either a temporary or permanent inspector.
Baldridge said they don’t want to find themselves in a position where they don’t have a backup. She doesn’t think they’re in a position to sit and think about it, the judge said, as there are seven people waiting for septic inspections.
The designated representative that was approved for appointment was introduced to the court’s members during the meeting.
The court also voted to accept $15,000 in grant funds from Occidental Petroleum for body cameras at the Hockley County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Ray Scifres said it’s an annual public safety grant and it would pay for a charging dock for the jail, as well as 14 bodyworn cameras for both patrol and the jail. Scifres said the project cost would put the grant right up to the limit of the grant.
An agenda item regarding street signs, named as Advance Funding Agreement for local government maintenance of pavement markings and signs, was approved.
Baldridge said the item is from Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and it’s proposing to place railroad signs for low trucks and general railroad notice crossing signs.
To her understanding, there would be no funds coming from the county’s end, Baldridge said. But there would be an agreement to maintain the signs.
Baldridge said TxDOT is looking at Spring 2025 for the project to happen, but she thinks it might be longer.
The court approved the 2025 Hockley County Resolution Indigent Defense Grant Program. Baldridge said the resolution is done every year so they can receive their minimum grant from Texas Indigent Defense Commissioner (TIDC).
The court was told it’s usually around $20,000 to $30,000 and the money is split between the district and the county. According to the TIDC website, grants help counties improve indigent defense through the development of programs or processes.
The Hockley County Treasurer’s third quarter report was an item approved by the court.
The balance was $38,964,202.51. The court was told the interest rates dropped, but they’re still hanging in there.
All monthly bills and claims submitted to the court through Monday were approved, as well as monthly reports from multiple Hockley County departments.
Minutes for the court’s regular meeting on Oct. 7 were also read and approved.