Van Zandt County commissioners authorized the county judge to sign an interlocal agreement with the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority to provide advisory services on roadway maintenance and transportation projects during a regular meeting.

Glenn Green, executive director of the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority, said the agreement would put retired TxDOT roadway maintenance supervisors and other technical staff at the county's disposal on an as-needed basis. "So it's it's free advice. Hope we can help you out," Green said.

County officials described the agreement as advisory only: NetRMA staff would visit sites, give opinions on maintenance methodologies and plans, and not take over county responsibilities. NetRMA representatives identified a lead maintenance supervisor, Mark Clenden, as one contact for on-site reviews and said the scope is to provide engineering and maintenance advice when requested by the county.

Commissioners discussed the short, four-page agreement and a minor revision that had been provided the morning of the meeting. A motion to authorize the county judge to sign the interlocal agreement was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The court did not adopt permanent policy changes during the vote; the agreement, as described in the meeting, provides nonbinding advisory services and is intended to supplement county staff knowledge. The county will request NetRMA assistance on an as-needed basis and will call the named NetRMA contacts for support.

Documents presented at the meeting described the agreement in two short paragraphs; no budget appropriation or cost for the county was identified during the discussion.