MILLS COUNTY, Texas — Mills County Commissioners on Sept. 9 approved a bid from Brasher Company to regrade turf and repair low spots around the county courthouse intended to reduce water intrusion into the building’s basement.

The work approved covers regrading on the courthouse’ northeast and southeast sides, removing existing grass and topsoil where needed, adding new topsoil and laying sod; the bid authorizes irrigation adjustments where required. County officials described the work as intended to reduce runoff collecting against the building and to address a sinkhole-like low spot near a corner step.

County staff described the contractor’s estimate as “like, $6,288,” and noted a separate pea-gravel quote for a small area — the old jail site — was about $1,050 and deemed “way too high.” Commissioners asked for clarification about the amount of sod required (pallet counts), what material the contractor would bring for leveling (staff said “They’re bringing topsoil.”), and whether sprinkler heads would need adjustment after grade changes.

The commissioners discussed turf type and timing. Staff said the contractor recommended Zoysia turf — described in the meeting as durable in the Austin area and commonly used in central Texas — and warned that newly laid sod typically needs about 30 days to establish. Commissioners raised calendar conflicts including upcoming seasonal events and holiday lighting that may require heavy equipment on newly laid sod.

Discussion included concerns about detail in the contractor’s estimate and whether irrigation work and other small tasks were fully itemized. One commissioner moved to approve the Brasher Company bid “with my concern added,” and the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Discussion (not action) documented questions the commissioners and staff raised about material specifics, the number of sod pallets required, exact irrigation adjustments and timing relative to other courthouse projects. The formal action taken was approval of the Brasher Company bid for courthouse maintenance.

The county did not specify a formal warranty period in the motion. Staff estimated the on-site portion of the landscaping work would take about one to two days. Commissioners flagged the need to confirm details — soil type, weed control measures, exact irrigation adjustments and the amount of sod — prior to mobilization.

The approval was handled during the commissioners court meeting; staff said they would follow up with the contractor to confirm outstanding details and scheduling.

Mills County Commissioners Court meets regularly; further scheduling or contract paperwork was not detailed in the meeting record.