County Commissioners were busy during the month of November, with several public hearings, regular meetings, and special called meetings.

After much discussion over several meetings, Commissioners have voted to purchase a new pump truck for Fairfield Fire Department.

The current engine (#83) has had some issues lately and is soon to be retired after 25 years in service to the department.

In the early part of November, the department was awarded a $275,000 grant for the purchase of a new truck. Once notified, the process of searching for a truck began and options were presented to the Court.

At the November 20, 2024, meeting, Commissioners voted unanimously to enter into a contract with Safe Industries for a new pump truck in the amount of $522,800.00 with the option to finance.

This truck will have a 2,000-gallon water tank and will provide a safer option for one- or two-man crews to operate the vehicle and pumping mechanism from the driver’s seat.

The truck is expected to be delivered in August of 2025, with the downpayment of $275,000 to be payable in November of that year. The grant monies received would cover that payment.

Freestone County will be responsible for the remaining $247,800 to be made over 9 payments.

According to Commissioner Lane, he received a verbal commitment from the Fairfield Lake Group that they would pay half the County’s cost, up to $130,000.

As for Engine #83, some parts will be removed and reused on the new truck, and what’s left will be utilized within the County.

Fairfield’s Fire Chief also informed the Court that the Department of Defense Forestry Service has gifted the County a 2.5-ton truck to be built into a brush truck for the County’s use. The County is only responsible for paying insurance on the vehicle.

At the November 6th meeting, Commissioners voted to adopt an updated Tax Abatement Guidelines at the recommendation of attorney Mike Dixon, who told the Court that current guidelines were about to expire and were quite complicated; and that they should be simplified and updated.

Once this was established, two public hearings were held, followed by the adoption of two tax abatement resolutions.

The first one established was Reinvestment Zone 7 for Greenalia Solar Power Ratcliff, LLC. This is for an up to 95-megawatt solar generation facility on acreage within Fairfield ISD property in the eastern part of the County.

Capital investment on this project is projected to garner approximately $88.8 million, with a yearly payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) of about $76,891. Project completion is set for the end of 2026.

The second resolution adopted established Reinvestment Zone 8 for Palmera Solar Development, LLC for a 221.27 solar power generation facility on acreage also within FISD property.

Capital investment is projected to be about $230 million with a yearly PILOT of approximately $198,974. Completion of the project is scheduled for the second half of 2027.

Judge Grant was directed to notify other taxing entities of the County’s intent to enter into the proposed tax abatement agreements on the two properties.

Commissioners voted to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the purchase of a 2024 Ford F150 Crew Cab for the County in the amount of $50,246.75 and a 2025 Silverado 3500 Crew Cab as a work truck for Precinct 4 in the amount of $71,692.20.

Following these purchases, the remaining available amount in the ARPA fund for this year totals $122,870.64. These funds must be allocated by the end of December.

Other actions taken by Commissioners during the month of November included:

-Approval of an extension of $25,000 oversize / overweight bond for FCRs 536 and 540

-Approval of the continuation of contract with Teague Library

-Approval of replat of Lot 9R, Block 6 of Southern Oaks II

-Acceptance of a $100 donation to Senior Service from Corsicana Apartment Association

-Approval of the addition of a non-dedicated circuit for the DA’s Office in the amount of $189 per month

-Approval to add a Net Data/13 Vertical Data Conversion, to include changes to internet setup oat the suggestion of IT Director Dane McBroom

-Approval to donate two filing cabinets from the Elections Administrator’s office to the City of Streetman

-Canvassed the November 5, 2024, General Election

-Approval to bid out for a 12-foot brush cutter and a 44-inch Mini X Brush Cutter for use in Precinct 3 using ARPA funds

-Approval of the Stoecker Subdivision Plat

-Approval of adding Tara Batton and Anthony Roberts to the CPS Board

-Approval of an agreement between the County and Butler Community Center for the monthly reimbursement of payment to Starlink Internet Service

-Approval of Amendments to Interlocal Agreement between Freestone County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Oakwood Police Department

Freestone County Commissioners hold regularly scheduled meetings on the First and Third Wednesdays of each month beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the second floor of the courthouse.

Commissioners are Pct. 1 – Andy Bonner, Pct. 2 – Will McSwane, Pct. 3 – Lloyd Lane, and Pct. 4 – Clyde Ridge, Jr. Court is presided over by County Judge Linda Grant.

For more info, visit www.co.freestone.tx.us