Colorado County commissioners approve bridge bid solicitation, set tax-abatement hearings and adopt investment, safety policies

The Colorado County Commissioners Court met Jan. 12 in Columbus and approved a series of routine and project actions, including authorizing the solicitation of bids for a bridge replacement and adopting new administrative policies.

The court voted unanimously to approve construction documents and authorize advertisement and solicitation of bids for the Dowdy Creek Bridge replacement on County Road 215, a low-water crossing that floods during heavy rain, with bids to be opened Feb. 13, 2026. Commissioner Ryan Brandt introduced the project and the motion passed 5-0.

Weishuhn Engineering updated the court on the county's General Land Office (GLO) grant projects for generators and water improvements. Engineer James Weishuhn said the budget “stayed intact and there may be $123,000 in funds that will be available after the project is completed,” and that he had begun discussions with county staff about use of any remaining funds.

The court approved multiple right-of-way and utility applications from San Bernard Electric Cooperative and Industry Communications, permitting the placement of poles, guy wires and fiber in several precincts. Motions to approve those applications passed unanimously.

On economic development, Judge Ty Prause moved to set a Feb. 23 public hearing on an application from Heidelberg Materials Southwest LLC to designate about 127.94 acres as a reinvestment zone eligible for tax abatement under Texas Tax Code §312.401; the motion passed 5-0. The court also set a Feb. 9 public hearing on proposed amendments to the county's tax abatement Guidelines and Criteria, again by unanimous vote.

On county administration and finance, Treasurer Joyce Guthmann presented the annual investment policy. The court adopted the 2026 Investment Policy and appointed an Investment Committee that includes Guthmann, County Judge Ty Prause, County Auditor Michelle Lowrance and Commissioner Ryan Brandt. Guthmann reported a November interest rate of 4.30% and that the county earned $72,576.25 in interest for November 2025.

The court also approved a Colorado County Hazard Communication (HAZCOMM) policy and designated Charles Rogers as the county HAZCOMM program coordinator. Joyce Guthmann described the policy as an annual renewal of the county's hazard-communication and employee-training program; the motion to adopt and appoint Rogers passed 5-0.

On personnel and internal controls, the court created the position of Deputy Treasurer to provide backup and additional oversight in the Treasurer's Office and authorized a horizontal transfer from the Auditor's Office into that new role; the motion passed unanimously after Treasurer Guthmann and County Auditor Michelle Lowrance discussed the need for additional capacity.

Other routine items approved without objection included proclamations honoring the 175th anniversary of Caledonia Masonic Lodge No. 68 and recognizing January 2026 as Colorado County Crime Stoppers Month; approval of the county's mileage reimbursement rate for 2026 (72.5¢ per mile); designation of meeting sites and alternate court facilities for 2026; and the standard consent agenda of grants, insurance certificates, TxDOT road-material allotments and financial reports.

The court recessed into a closed session under Texas Government Code §551.071 for attorney consultation regarding pending Inland Environmental litigation and reconvened in open session without any public action reported. The meeting adjourned at 12:19 p.m.

The court's actions were recorded by roll-call motions; where votes were recorded the minutes show unanimous 5-0 approvals on the items noted.