Bell County Commissioners approve consent items, personnel reclassification and two change orders; accept 3 Creeks Phase 9 for county maintenance

At its Monday meeting, Jan. 13, 2025, the Bell County Commissioners Court approved a series of routine and contract items, including a personnel reclassification, two change orders on county contracts and formal county acceptance of street maintenance in the 3 Creeks Phase 9 subdivision.

The court approved the consent agenda, which the presiding official described as covering minutes from the prior meeting, personnel and budget amendments and claims including juror pay. Commissioner Schneider moved for approval and Commissioner Reynolds seconded; the court voted in favor with no opposition or abstentions recorded on the audio.

The court ratified a reclassification in the sheriff’s office that converts a corrections officer position to a civilian administrative position, moving the effective reclassification date from April 1, 2025 to Jan. 7, 2025 and returning an annualized $15,682 inclusive of benefits to the General Fund. Commissioner Snyder moved the item and Commissioner Mason seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

The court approved Change Order No. 1 to the county’s agreement with Capstone Mechanical to add a shunt‑trip replacement for the vent hood upgrade at the Central Jail at an additional cost of $6,984. County staff said the Capstone contract (original total cited as $8,585,003.93) has not had prior change orders and that funds remain available in the project’s capital improvement budget; staff estimated the remaining work on that phase would take roughly two to two‑and‑a‑half months. Commissioner Snyder moved approval and Commissioner Reynolds seconded; the court approved the change order.

The court voted to accept the proposed use for county maintenance of streets in 3 Creeks Phase 9, following a recommendation from outside counsel and a final judgment related to street maintenance in that subdivision. Commissioner Snyder moved the approval and Commissioner Woodson seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Finally, the court authorized a change order to the agreement with Connect Software Solutions to add $2,000 to previously allocated funds related to electronic poll‑book charging hardware. County elections staff said the county previously purchased 120 electronic poll books and that a centralized charging unit for those devices was unavailable at the time; the court approved adding $2,000 to the $3,700 previously authorized for the charging units (for a $5,700 total allocation for the charging solution). Commissioner Reynolds moved the change order and Commissioner Snyder seconded; the court approved it by voice vote.

The court adjourned the regular agenda and scheduled a workshop to convene shortly afterward.