Commissioners Approve $5,500 Contract for Ground Penetrating Radar Study at Nathan Butler Cemetery

The Rockwall County Commissioners Court convened on August 26, 2025, to address several pressing matters, including a contract for a ground-penetrating radar study and vehicle issues for Constable Precinct 4.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding a contract approved by the Historical Commission for a ground-penetrating radar study at the Nathan Butler Cemetery. The accepted bid was for $4,800, with a maximum request of $5,500 to cover potential additional costs. The Historical Commission has nearly exhausted its budget, leaving only $4,059 available. The court was informed that funds could be sourced from contingency accounts to cover any shortfall. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Stacy to approve the contract, which was seconded by Commissioner Makalick. The motion passed unanimously.

Following this, the court turned its attention to vehicle issues concerning Constable Precinct 4. Constable Randy Parks reported that his Tahoe had broken down, with repair estimates reaching approximately $7,000. Given the vehicle's age and the absence of warranty, Commissioner Galana recommended surplusing the vehicle instead of proceeding with repairs. The court discussed transferring a 2022 Tahoe with low mileage to Constable Precinct 4, which would require stripping equipment from the old vehicle at an estimated cost of $2,500.

Captain Brown confirmed that the constables currently have several vehicles available due to open positions, allowing for the transfer without causing operational issues. The court acknowledged the need for a new vehicle in the budget to replace the one being transferred. Discussions highlighted the long lead times for acquiring new vehicles, which could take several months.

The court concluded that investing in repairs for the older vehicle was not fiscally prudent, as it would likely lead to further breakdowns and additional costs in the future. The consensus was to proceed with the transfer of the newer vehicle to Constable Precinct 4 and to plan for a budget item for a new vehicle in the upcoming fiscal year.

Overall, the meeting addressed critical budgetary and operational decisions, ensuring that the county's resources are allocated effectively while maintaining essential services.