Grimes County commissioners approve routine contracts, adopt flood-insurance resolution and confirm employee benefits renewal

Grimes County commissioners on Wednesday approved a bundle of routine contracts and policy updates, reaffirmed participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and authorized renewal of the county’s employee health plan at its existing design despite a reported 9.2% medical premium increase.

The court’s business included vendor contracts, interlocal agreements with regional partners, technical updates to federal-grant procurement language and multiple public-safety items. Several items were presented, discussed briefly on the record, and passed by voice vote.

Key formal actions taken

- Consent agenda (6A–6C): Commissioners approved the treasurer’s list of claims and bills, payroll and two budget amendments/line-item transfers. Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Philip Cox and seconded by Commissioner Michael Rasco; the court recorded the motion as carried by voice vote 4–0.

- Vehicle maintenance expenditures (agenda item 20): The court ratified vehicle repair and maintenance expenditures for the juvenile probation department that did not follow the county’s preferred outsourced-maintenance process. Grimes County Human Resources Director Talita Coleman introduced the item and juvenile probation Chief Sherry Barrett explained the purchases and warranty replacement for tires. Commissioner David Tullis moved approval; Commissioner Philip Cox seconded. Motion carried.

- Herbicide services contract (agenda item 14): The court awarded contract 2025-490-113 for county herbicide services to Wayne Pool LLC, the lone bidder. The motion was made on the record by County Judge Joe Fowle and seconded…