The Hockley County Commissioners Court held a special meeting Monday in the Commissioner’s Courtroom.
A request to utilize American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA funds to help cover costs with the multiple capital murder trials working their way through the system currently was the big ticket agenda item.
Regional defenders requested additional assistance as the $100,000 dollars in ARPA funds requested earlier had finally run dry.
As the trial for Omar Soto-Chavira is upcoming, and resources are needed to prepare, these capital cases are set to absorb a lot of funds.
Expert witnesses in these types of cases can be large expenditures and given how close to the community this case is, resources are highly sought after.
Soto-Chavira has been awaiting trial since his capture after the events of July 15, 2021, which resulted in the death of one officer, and the injuries of several more.
The Commissioner’s Court unanimously voted to authorize the release for $250,000 more in ARPA funds to help with this, and other capital cases.
Essentially a quick meeting, the court began the meeting with the approval of monthly bills and claims, the court also heard a monthly public assistance report.
The group took action and unanimously approved the calender designating Monday as the day of the week on which the court will convene in regular term in the calender year 2023.
With two tax refund cases to determine, the court unanimously approved the Ad Valorem tax refunds.
A quick discussion between the group resulted in the overall approval to approve a tax deed for lots nine and 10, block 91, Original Town Addition to the City of Levelland, Hockley County, which is to be purchased by Daniel Quintanilla for the amount of $6,500.
Ending the meeting, the court moved forward with the approval of advertising for bids per belly dump truck load for hauling 4,00 yards of caliche from the pit in precinct 3 to Kansas Road from FM 2130 east for 1.25 miles to the Lubbock County line in Precinct 4, with a minimum of four trucks hauling at the same time.
Additionally, the court also approved the advertising for bids per belly dump truck load for hauling 1,650 yards of caliche from the pit in Precinct 3 to Ellis Road from Mason Road for .55 miles west in Precinct 4, with a minimum of four trucks hauling at the same time.