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Houston County approves elevator modernization, asbestos testing and multiple routine contracts
Summary
At its May 12 meeting the Houston County Commissioners approved an elevator modernization contract and asbestos/lead testing for courthouse renovations, accepted routine personnel and procurement items, and approved two hotel-occupancy grants; most motions passed unanimously 5–0.
The Houston County Commissioners Court on May 12 approved a series of routine administrative and facilities measures, including a modernization proposal for the courthouse elevator and asbestos and lead testing needed for exterior renovations.
Carl Johnson, the county’s facilities administrator, described the timeline and payment schedule for the elevator work proposed by TKE; Commissioner Willie Kitchen moved to approve the modernization proposal and payment schedule and Commissioner Jim Lovell seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.
The Court also accepted a $5,250 proposal from ERI Consulting for asbestos and lead testing related to the Commissioners Court and Bank exterior renovations. Johnson said testing must be completed before construction can begin; Commissioner Lovell moved to accept ERI’s proposal and Commissioner Kitchen seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.
Other approved items included routine payroll and hiring actions: the Court approved a new deputy clerk hire, Jessica Hobbs (Tax Assessor-Collector), at a bi-weekly salary of $1,426.40; a Full-Time Temporary Licensed Jailer, Noah Hoch, at an annual salary of $42,000; and promotions for two dispatchers to $40,000 annually. The Court also approved payment of accounts payable, fund transfers and ratified salary expenses.
Commissioners approved several procurement and administrative items by unanimous votes, including: authorizing advertisement through Auctioneer Express to sell surplus vehicles and equipment; approving contracts allowing dealerships to become deputy dealers under the county tax office (Tony Osborn of Dealer Services Network said the service charge is $10 per transaction and that $5 of that would go back to the county); and accepting a $300 donation from BSB Logging LLC for improvements to CR 4090 in Precinct 3.
The Court received as information the airport hangar lease report through May 6, 2026, and heard that the airport is coordinating a lighting project with the Texas Department of Transportation. The Court also received the final American Rescue Plan Assistance closeout report; Auditor Melissa Jeter summarized projects funded with ARPA dollars and highlighted county accomplishments.
The Court approved applying for unclaimed capital credits from an electric cooperative as authorized under Local Government Code 381.004 and approved a discretionary exemption to purchasing requirements to address diesel purchased outside the contract from First County Feed.
Votes at a glance: - Approve April 28 minutes: Moved Jim Lovell; seconded Jimmy Henderson; vote 5–0. - Pay bills/fund transfers/ratify salaries: Moved Jim Lovell; seconded Jimmy Henderson; vote 5–0. - Elevator modernization (TKE) and payment schedule: Moved Willie Kitchen; seconded Jim Lovell; vote 5–0. - Asbestos/lead testing (ERI Consulting) $5,250: Moved Jim Lovell; seconded Willie Kitchen; vote 5–0. - Deputy dealer contracts (Dealer Services Network): Moved Jim Lovell; seconded Willie Kitchen; vote 5–0. - Hotel Occupancy interlocal agreements ($1,000 each): Moved Jimmy Henderson; seconded Gene Stokes; vote 5–0. - Apply for unclaimed capital credits (LGC 381.004): Moved Jim Lovell; seconded Willie Kitchen; vote 5–0.
What it means: The approved elevator work and hazardous-materials testing clear the way for planned courthouse exterior and courtroom improvements and indicate the county is proceeding with capital maintenance funded through its regular procurement processes and available budget mechanisms.
Next steps: Contracts and testing will proceed per the approved payment schedule and ERI’s testing timeline; the Court did not schedule further action on these items at the meeting.
