County trapper Stanley Spinks and John W. Dorsett with USDA Wildlife Service, advised Schleicher County commissioners Monday morning, February 14, 2011, that the county had received a $15,000 grant to help eradicate feral hogs within the county. The commissioners voted to accept the grant.
Dorsett recommended that some of the money be used to hire a turbine-powered helicopter. He noted that feral hogs are difficult to track on the ground and other types of helicopters are louder, sending the hogs running.
Spinks explained that feral hogs are a problem in the southern part of the county. He said that he has had only sporadic success with traps when trying to catch the animals.
Spinks explained that he has also been trapping coyotes around the county.
Election administrator Brenda Mayfield then presented a contract for election services and maintenance agreements for the county’s voting machines. The commissioners approved the $4,900 contract which will provide software and maintenance for the coming year.
Jim Sullivan, president of the Schleicher County Rodeo Association, asked the commissioners about purchasing welding wire for panel repairs, and road base for improvement at the rodeo grounds. The court approved his request.
Sullivan also asked about extending the concrete 40 feet near the concession stand for small dances. Judge Charlie Bradley instructed Sullivan to check on pricing.
Road superintendent Mark Graves then updated the court on the purchase of a 2005 model Superior broom for $22,000. Graves said he also found a 2006 544J loader with 13,000 hours for $48,000 with trade if the court decides to purchases it. Both items are included in the annual budget and may be purchased through the State Buy Board without bidding.
Graves also informed he will be hiring someone to repair the metal roof on the county barn for $2,200.
Blake J. Robbins with Double Eagle Development visited with the commissioners about the Schleicher County School Lands in Gaines County. Last month Robbins’ company wrote a check for $1,245,894 for a mineral lease on 3,833.52 acres of Schleicher County School Land in Gaines County. It was later realized that the company had overpaid by $222,176.50.
The commissioners agreed to refund the money.
In other business, the court approved minutes from January 3rd and January 24th meetings and authorized payment of the county’s bills.
County Treasurer Karen Henderson then presented her annual report for 2010 (see on page 10) and requested a budget amendment for health insurance. The court approved both.
Present for Monday’s meeting were commissioners Lynn Meador, Johnny Mayo, Matt Brown, and County Judge Charlie Bradley. Commissioner Kirk Griffin was absent.
The next meeting of the Schleicher County Commissioners Court is slated for 9 a.m. on Monday, February 28, 2011, in the first floor meeting room of the county courthouse.
Texas Rangers have developed information about a man they consider to be a person of interest in the Texas Governor's Mansion arson on June 8, 2008. A $50,000 cash reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this arson.
o Enhanced the surveillance video footage of the arson suspect to the greatest extent possible with the assistance of FBI experts.
First National Bank of Eldorado employees Glenda Harris and Roxanne Arispe drew the names of Juan Chavez and Danielle McCormack Tuesday as winners of tickets to “Always...Patsy Cline,” which the bank was giving away for Valentine’s Day. — PHOTO BY KATHY MANKIN
The Eldorado-Divide SWCD along with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts annually sponsor the Texas Conservation Awards Program. This program is to recognize and honor those who dedicate themselves and their talents to the conservation and wise use of renewable natural resources.
