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 previously authorized Road and Bridge truck purchase; those financing documents were presented by county staff and approved by motion (motion from David, second from Bruce).

Two routine documents for Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation were approved: general “no litigation” certificates submitted in connection with the Bay Terrace Apartments and the Wyndham Apartments, both in Baytown. The court said the items had been reviewed previously and found no issues; motions carried with no further discussion.

The court approved a $0 extension request for Liberty County buyout contract number 20-066-013-C095, extending the program deadline to Sept. 30 (extension carries; motion from David, second from Bruce). County staff said remaining homes have been contracted for demolition and the extension will allow completion of related paperwork for residents who need assistance finding replacement housing.

The court considered an LJA letter of no obligation and a recommendation for a conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR) related to the River Ranch Old River tributary (Old River Drain, referred to as MT‑1 Form 3). LJA reviewed the current design and recommended the county sign the MT‑1 Form 3 provided that the project is not substantially modified; the court approved the recommendation (motion from Gerald, second from Greg).

On a separate item the court discussed construction of a county animal shelter intended to begin in the new fiscal year (starting 10/01/2025). County attorneys and commissioners described review of Chambers County’s facility as a model and said preliminary price quotes and potential locations are being gathered; staff noted potential staffing and operational models that could include a new department under the sheriff’s office and use of trustees to augment two funded positions (the Chambers County example cited two positions). After discussion, a motion to take no action on the animal shelter at this time carried (motion from Bruce, second from Greg).

Following an executive session, the court approved a nonbinding letter of intent to Fortis/Forest Investments LLC for a potential sale of property on "Florida Main Street" in Liberty (77575) and approved retention of outside counsel, to be paid by insurance, in the pending case 25DCC‑00674 (Cook v. Dennis), currently pending in the 70th Judicial District Court of Liberty County. Both motions carried without further public discussion.

Votes at a glance - Authorize work with LJA Engineering for pile-depth inspection, County Road 6494 (Precinct 4): motion Bruce; second David; outcome: approved. Inspection cost estimated $8,000–$20,000 (not to exceed $20,000). Court noted lane restriction and ~40 families dependent on the crossing. - Budget line transfer ($1,000) from capital outlay to capital lease payments to permit purchase of a 40" cold planer: motion Greg; second Bruce; outcome: approved. - Execution of general and no litigation certificates for Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation (Bay Terrace Apartments, Baytown): motion David; second Bruce; outcome: approved. - Execution of general and no litigation certificates for Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation (Wyndham Apartments, Baytown): motion Bruce; second David; outcome: approved. - Extension (no-cost) of Liberty County buyout contract 20-066-013-C095 to Sept. 30: motion David; second Bruce; outcome: approved. - LJA letter of no obligation and recommendation to sign MT‑1 Form 3 (CLOMR) for River Ranch Old River tributary / Old River Drain, conditional on no substantial design changes: motion Gerald; second Greg; outcome: approved. - Approval of financing documents from Government Capital for Road & Bridge truck (paperwork for previously approved purchase): motion David; second Bruce; outcome: approved. - Discussion of construction and operation plans for a county animal shelter (FY starting 10/01/2025): staff presented options and budgetary work; court voted to take no action at this time (motion Bruce; second Greg; outcome: approved — no action taken). - Approve nonbinding letter of intent to Fortis/Forest Investments LLC for potential purchase of property on Florida Main Street, Liberty 77575: motion Bruce; second David; outcome: approved. - Approve appointment of outside counsel (insurance‑funded) in 25DCC‑00674 Cook v. Dennis (70th Judicial District Court): motion Bruce; second David; outcome: approved.

The court convened into executive session under Texas Government Code sections 551.0725 (deliberations about contracts being negotiated regarding potential purchase of property) and 551.071 (consultation with attorney regarding pending litigation) before returning to open session and taking the items above. The meeting adjourned at about 12:37 p.m.

The court did not set specific funding sources for several of the items on the record; several motions were routine approvals of documents or direction to proceed with procurement or paperwork. County staff said additional cost estimates and specific bids will be developed where needed (for the bridge/repairs, shelter estimates and design, and truck financing paperwork).