Judge Brian Lee Announces Expansion of West Bound Weigh Station
By CARLY SCOTT
MP for Real Correspondent
A Special Meeting of the Titus Co. Commissioners Court was held on Monday, Sept. 24 at in the Titus Co. Courtroom.
The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Titus County Judge Brian Lee. Titus Co. residents presented concerns pertaining to CR 1680. Titus Co. residents reported that road signage has caused confusion for local first responders while attempting to locate the scene of emergency situations in the surrounding area. Judge Lee suggested that Titus Co. Road Engineer Roger Ledbetter, and Titus Co. Commissioner Al Riddle investigate resolving the issue.
Roger Ledbetter presented a report on all recently completed and ongoing road construction projects. Ledbetter discussed plans to utilize funds already in budget to place beds on patch trucks. The total costs for purchase, mount, and labor are $17,000.
TIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System) representative Ron Greiner was present to discuss the proposed purchasing cooperative in depth. TIPS began in 2002 as a small regional cooperative of the Region 8 Education Service Center. The cooperative has exceeded its initial vision.
Region 8 Education Service Center has maintained its role as the lead agency for what is now a national operation. TIPS claims to provide more time and cost-efficient purchasing procedures.
“TIPS gives small businesses a broader market, and saves county money,” said Greiner. “The goal is to save dollars. There’s no cost to the county. There’s nothing to lose and possibly something to gain.” Riddle made a motion that the county partner with TIPS for purchasing needs. All were in favor.
All were in favor of a motion made by Riddle to renew the Office of the Attorney General Contract for the Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service Grant. The Victim Notification Service communicates information to crime victims who wish to be made aware their offender’s release dates and status.
The sale of 3.165 acres, formerly in the name of Karen Logan Murphy, was approved to be sold to an adjoining land owner for $1,500. The delinquent judgement was $7,640. Lee stated that the property was appraised previously at $45,274, including a structure that is no longer inhabitable.
Lee announced the expansion of the westbound weigh station.
“This is exciting news. I’m very excited about this,” said Judge Lee. “This will increase our capabilities.”
Lee explained that the facility would not only keep roads safe but provide employment through approximately six full time administrative staff positions. Lee stated that the weigh station will open positions for state troopers as well.
“There will be pits so that state troopers can get under the vehicles and inspect,” said Lee. “We can identify trucks that are carrying contraband, or whatever the case may be. I can’t quantify the revenue, but there will be an increase in staff. This will be a significant stopping point, one in four in the state.”
Further details regarding Luminant’s settlement offer with the county will be available at the next scheduled Titus County Commissioners Court Meeting on Monday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m.
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