Liberty County Commissioners approve LJA bridge inspection, several budget and contract items; take no action on animal shelter plan

The Liberty County Commissioners Court met May 19 and approved a package of administrative and procurement actions, including an engineering inspection of a deteriorating bridge on County Road 6494 in Precinct 4 and several routine budget and contract items. The court also discussed plans for a county animal shelter but voted to take no action at this time.

The most immediate action authorized the county to enter a work authorization with LJA Engineering Services for a non-destructive pile-depth inspection of the existing bridge on County Road 6494 in Precinct 4. Judge Gerald introduced the item and said county staff have worked on the bridge since January; county officials have restricted the structure to a single lane because of deterioration. County officials told the court about collapsing headwalls and said TxDOT inspectors — including out‑of‑state specialists — are expected to review the structure. The inspection was described as a non‑destructive test to determine pile depths; the court was told the inspection cost is expected to be in the range of $8,000 to $20,000 (not to exceed $20,000). Commissioners approved the work authorization (motion by Bruce, second by David). County staff said about 40 families use the bridge to access a subdivision and emergency services, and that an alternate route would be necessary if the bridge required full replacement.

The court approved a small year‑end budget line transfer requested by Commissioner Clark to move $1,000 from capital outlay to capital lease payments so a 40‑inch cold planer purchase can proceed and remain compliant with budget categories (motion from Greg, second from Bruce). The court also approved financing paperwork for a…