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Agreement OK’d with Eagle Lake for road improvements
Colorado County commissioners accepted a $100,000 grant award for the Colorado County Emergency Management Services to purchase a new chassis and refurbish an existing ambulance.
The grant was given by the M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation Inc., who have previously donated funds to the Colorado County EMS over the years, to aid in funding equipment and necessary purchases.
Michael Furrh, EMS Director for Colorado County EMS, says this is the most the foundation has ever donated to the EMS, thanking the foundation for their generous donation and continuous support.
“We just want to thank the M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation out of Victoria for the generous donation. The cost of everything has gone up. So we appreciate their continued support. A brand-new ambulance is about $300,000 now, so we’ll be able to save and cut costs to refurbish one of our ambulances as well as order a new chassis because we are 14 months behind.”
Furrh says that the foundation has kept up with inflation and continues to support the EMS with bigger donations to match but never broke the $100,000 mark previously.
“For a very long time they would be at the $75,000 mark, but this was the first time I shot in the dark,” said Furrh. “I requested it to see if they could help with $100,000 and they sent us money back, so we appreciate them helping keep up with inflation.”
A public hearing date was also set by commissioners for Jan. 13, 2025, to determine whether an emergency services district should be created.
The proposed emergency services district, known as the Colorado County Emergency Services District No. 1, would aid in efforts to fund fire protection and emergency medical services for all parts of Colorado County.
Colorado County Judge Ty Prause says the necessary steps were taken by the county to proceed with the public hearing after filing the petition, which reached the 100-signature requirement.
“Number one, the petition, for my part, has been filed,” said Prause. “The signatures have been verified. We verified or checked on that Thursday before the posting of this agenda. Correct me if I’m wrong, but before the court this morning, we have the resolution taking those actions or steps that are necessary and statutorily required to get on to the next part of this.”
County commissioners additionally approved an interlocal agreement between Colorado County and Eagle Lake to aid in their street improvement project in exchange for the city providing the county water for rural construction.
Eagle Lake city manager Charles “Tink” Jackson spoke to commissioners at last Tuesday’s meeting about the agreement and how it would allow Eagle Lake to stretch their budget.
“This would give us the opportunity to work with commissioner Gertson to have the county come in here and help us with this project,” said Jackson. “We will probably get another mile, mile and half of road improvements.”
Gertson emphasized how the agreement was a “good deal for both Eagle Lake and Colorado County,” highlighting how construction projects he has spearheaded have halted due to the lack of water supply.
With the agreement in place, Eagle Lake will furnish the county with water for 20 years for said construction projects, while the county will provide chip sealing equipment to complete the street improvement projects.
The next Colorado County commissioners court meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 25.
