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COLUMBUS — The Commissioners Court made several actions at the Feb. 12 regular meeting as they confirmed several days of use for the courthouse grounds and discussed the opening of the new elections building.
The Commissioners first made a proclamation confirming the recognition of Black History Month in Colorado County.
The Elections Office has finally begun its operations inside its new building, formerly the office of the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 at 1117 Travis St. The Commissioners elected to name the new location the Colorado County Elections Building in honor of the late Judge Francis John Truchard. The move and renovations were completed before the upcoming March elections. “Judge Truchard was a part of the fabric of the community,” County Judge Ty Prause said.
There were also plans discussed to add a plaque to honor the contributions Truchard made after 60 consecutive years as Justice of the Peace, the longest-running tenure as Justice of the Peace in Texas History.
There were also several days approved for use of the Courthouse grounds in the coming months. The annual Easter Egg Hunt has been approved for March 23. The Columbus Country Market and Saturdays on the Square from March to November were both approved. Saturdays on the Square will be on the second Saturday of each month, and the Country Market will be the final Saturday of each month during the nine-month period. The Commissioners also confirmed the use of the Courthouse for the Magnolia Days Festival on May 15 through May 19, and Habitat for Humanity will host their Community Connections Day on April 6.
Renovations on county buildings continued as well after the Commissioners moved to review and search for bids for interior construction at EMS building no. 3.
Colorado County received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual financial report for 2022. Judge Prause noted that the county earned the achievement in each of the past 27 years and hoped they would continue that streak.
The commissioners received two applications from Colorado Valley Telephone and San Bernard Electric Cooperative respectively for different initiatives related to broadband and electric connectivity.
CVT’s application to install fiber optic cable and pedestals in Precinct 3 is part of a continued project that has needed approval as they move to each new section. This time, construction will be on the right-of-way of Cummins Stein Road and Bull Creek Road. SBEC will be looking to place five power poles on the right-of-way of Dungens Mill Road.
The commissioners approved a motion to purchase a wall plaque with the county’s official seal for the county courtroom.
The commissioners court held a special meeting on Feb. 12, but the court will reconvene on Feb. 26 for the final regular meeting prior to the March elections. The commissioner of Precinct 1 position is up for election with a pair of candidates, Reuben Taylor and Shannon Owers, looking to take over for Doug Wessels who is not running for reelection.
