Court approves ground-penetrating radar study at Nathan Butler Cemetery, caps cost at $5,500

The Rockwall County Commissioners Court on Aug. 26 approved a contract with Volzberg Welch LLC to perform a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey at Nathan Butler Cemetery, a historic site with unmarked graves. The contract is capped at $5,500, the court heard during the meeting.

Frank (identified at the meeting as representing the historical commission) told the court the Rockwall County Historical Commission approved the study at its prior meeting and that the commission solicited bids. The accepted bid was $4,800 with potential additional costs as field conditions become clearer; the commission requested a not-to-exceed cap of $5,500 so the work can proceed without delay.

Auditor Lisa (last name not specified during the meeting) told the court the historical commission’s current budget has about $4,059 remaining, so if the work runs to the $5,500 cap the commission will need an additional appropriation of roughly $1,440. The auditor said general-government funds are available to cover the additional amount if the court so directs. The work will be charged to the current fiscal year if the contract is signed.

The court voted to approve the contract and the $5,500 not-to-exceed amount by unanimous vote.

Action: Volzberg Welch LLC will be contracted to perform the GPR cemetery study at a contract price not to exceed $5,500; county staff will finalize contracting and funding allocations for any shortfall from general-government funds as needed.