Freestone County Commissioners met three times in April, their two regular monthly meetings, plus a special called meeting.

“The jail is staying full,” explains Sheriff Jeremy Shipley. “It’s hard to find bed space. We already utilize four other locations for housing our inmates.”

This was regarding his request to enter an interlocal agreement with Anderson County to provide housing for Freestone County inmates at a cost of $50 per day, per inmate. Commissioners voted to approve the agreement.

Sheriff Shipley informed Commissioners of much needed plumbing and construction repair for the jail’s book-in restroom. He explained that there is major water damage causing the need for a floated and level floor, sheetrock replaced, and a new counter with a stainless-steel sink.

He is requesting bids from area contractors/plumbers and will present them to the court once received.

Commissioners held a public hearing on Freestone County’s intent to enter into a Tax Abatement Agreement with Avant Prairie ESS relating to batter energy storage facility and equipment. This site is at 16 MW battery storage facility on 36 acres in Freestone County. It is projected to be complete in 2028, offering a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) of $152,097. Commissioners voted to approve the agreement.

Commissioner Lloyd Lane, Pct. 3, explained to the court that he had been contacted by a man who purchased the property abutting the unused Liberty voting box location. The man wanted to know if he could possibly purchase part of that land to have access to the sewer line for the purpose of building his new home.

“No one uses the Liberty Box anymore,” explained Renee’ McBay, Election Administrator. “It previously was #12 but it is no longer used.”
The property in question is about 2.13 acres. Commissioners discussed potentially cutting the property in half and selling part of it to the man, as it would still leave the county with more space than used.

Commissioners voted to have a survey done on the property and will revisit the topic once it’s completed.

Also approved in April:

–Final Plat/Replat of Tract 1 J.J. Acosta Survey, A-1 and Tract 2 M.R. Palacious Survey, A-20

–The purchase and maintenance agreement with Xerox for printer for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3

–An amendment to the agreement with Windstream for ongoing work on the new network system

–Resolution for County Government Month

–Proclimation for Soil and Water Stewardship Week (April 27 – May 4)

–Tarrant Regional Water District Communication Tower Contract

–Depository Bids from State Bank, Prosperity Bank, Community National Bank, and Citizens State Bank

–Service agreement with Sylogist for OAG’s SAVNS Grant Program

–Vehicle insurance on Stewart Stevenson 2.5 Ton Cargo Truck from the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department

Regular monthly items were approved as well, such as minutes from previous meetings, budget transfers and amendments, bill payment, payroll, reports, bonds, education certificates of County officials and employees, and special road use agreements.

Freestone County Commissioners meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the County Courtroom on the second floor.