Newton County commissioners approve depository agreement, extend disaster declaration and OK bills

The Newton County Commissioners Court met on April 22, 2025, and approved several routine but consequential items, including a custodial (pledge collateral securities) agreement for county depository funds, an extension of a flood-related disaster declaration, and payment of county bills totaling $201,012.13.

Commissioner White moved to approve the custodial agreement identifying the local banking institution by name in the motion; Commissioner Hobson seconded and the motion passed on a voice vote with no opposition recorded. The court then approved a proclamation marking April 22, 2025, as Newton County Day, commemorating the county's founding on April 22, 1846 (the proclamation text in the meeting referenced multiple anniversary figures; the county's founding date establishes the 179th anniversary in 2025). Commissioner Hobson moved the proclamation; Commissioner White seconded and the court approved it by voice vote.

The court approved an extension of a declaration of disaster tied to flooding events originally dated April 10, 2024, and amended to include an event on April 27, 2024. Commissioner Powell made the motion to extend the disaster declaration and Commissioner Hobson seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The treasurer or clerk presented a register of disbursements across funds (general, state, road and bridge precincts, special precincts, library, technology and others) that summed to $201,012.13. The court moved to approve payment of the bills and approved the motion.

No roll-call vote or individual vote tallies were recorded in the provided transcript excerpts; motions were approved by voice vote and documented as "all in favor" in the court record segments. The court also noted there were no budget amendments on the agenda.