The Terry County Commissioners Court held a regular meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025. After the invocation, pledges, public comments (there were none), approving the minutes from the previous meeting, and paying the bills, the Court began to work the agenda.
The Court heard from Jackie Pate of the Terry County Soil and Water Conservation District regarding a proclamation for Soil and Water Conservation Week. Pate informed the court, saying, “The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board has been celebrating Soil and Water Stewardship Week since 1955. Each year, we choose a theme and engage with schools to conduct poster contests. This initiative helps children learn about various aspects of soil and water conservation. This year’s theme is ‘Home is Where the Habitat Is,’ which emphasizes the vital importance of native habitats, the preservation of biodiversity, the protection of our natural resources, and the promotion of a resilient environment.” Terry County Judge Tony Serbantez then proclaimed that the week of April 27 to May 4, 2025, would be recognized as Soil and Water Conservation Week.
The next item of business, the Court approved the monthly reports for the County Clerk, District Clerk, County Judge, Justice of the Peace, Agri-Life Extension, and the Sheriff’s Dept.
Next, the Court approved an application of soil conservation work located in Percent-1, at 1717 Coyte Lane off of Pecan Drive.
Item #7 was to approve sealed bids for Terry County Senior Center, located at 1201 Tahoka Rd. In mid-March, a dirt storm blew through Brownfield bringing wind gust up to 65 mph. This caused the Senior Center to have roof damage as the wind took off a portion of the west side roof. However, this item ended up with no action because no bid came in on time. Judge Serbantez told the Court that some bids came in, however they did not come in during the required time, “So we don’t have any to open.” Judge Serbantez said. He also told the Court that the adjuster had not given the county an estimated claim amount.
Items 8 and 9 were discussed together. Item 8 proposed a resolution to authorize advanced funding for local government maintenance of “Railroad Pavement Markings and Signs (Off-Systems).” These signs are intended for areas with low clearance. Judge Serbantez informed the Court that the Precinct Commissioners were not obligated to accept this program. According to the program, TxDOT would cover the initial costs of the signs and install them. However, Terry County only has railroad crossings in Precincts 2 and 4, which means the responsibility for maintaining the signs would ultimately fall to the county. The approximate cost of each sign is $300.
Commissioner Ernesto Elizardo of Precinct 4 noted Judge Serbantez’s comment that if they cannot determine who is responsible for maintaining the signs, the responsibility would then fall on the county. As a result of these concerns, the Court opposed the authorization for Item 8, which also led to opposition for Item 9, which was intended to approve an agreement with TxDOT for the placement of the signs.
The meeting was then adjourned. Missing from the Commissioners Court was County Auditor Sabrina Bandy. The next meeting is slated for April 28, 2025 at 9:00 am in the Terry County Courthouse.
