County Approves Major Disaster Cleanup Contract Amid Ongoing Storm Recovery

In a recent government meeting, officials approved a subdivision variance request for a land division fronting Houghton Waldie School Road, encompassing 24.49 acres. The proposal met all county requirements, including the necessary frontage for the smaller lot and the larger tract. The motion to approve was unanimously supported by the commissioners.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the ongoing cleanup efforts following a series of major disasters, particularly the tree damage caused by tornadoes in May. The county plans to contract J. Mendoza Tree Services for debris removal, with the project expected to cost approximately $28,000. This expense is eligible for FEMA reimbursement, covering 75% of the costs, which would ultimately leave the county responsible for only $7,000. Officials emphasized the importance of thorough documentation to ensure reimbursement from FEMA, as they continue to manage the aftermath of multiple storms throughout the year.

Lastly, the commissioners discussed a resolution authorizing Judge John Derenberg to execute closing documents with the Texas Transportation Commission for the sale of a real estate parcel related to highway widening. The negotiations resulted in a counteroffer of $348,000, which will facilitate necessary modifications to the EMS parking lot and surrounding infrastructure. The resolution was approved, allowing the project to move forward efficiently.