DeWitt County considers contract modifications

  • A proclamation was signed designating Soil and Water Stewardship Week, April 24- May 1. Pictured is Judge Daryl Fowler (seated). Pictured in the back row from left to right are directors Clem Waskow, Dwain Harbers, Finley Frels, and Leo Heinemann.
    A proclamation was signed designating Soil and Water Stewardship Week, April 24- May 1. Pictured is Judge Daryl Fowler (seated). Pictured in the back row from left to right are directors Clem Waskow, Dwain Harbers, Finley Frels, and Leo Heinemann.

    HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

    HANSPLAMM@GMAIL.COM

    The DeWitt County Commissioners’ Court considered modifications and approval for several county contracts during the April 11 meeting, including the road maintenance, asphalt maintenance, and fuel bid contracts.

    The modifications considered for the asphalt and road maintenance bid contracts concerned an hourly rate increase that would accompany diesel fuel prices above $4. Ultimately, the court took no action and advised county staff to work on the amendment’s phrasing for consideration at a future meeting.

    The commissioners again discussed the fuel bid contract with Schmidt and Sons Inc., this time with an update from Precinct One Commissioner Curtis Afflerbach on the $15 surcharge per delivery to each precinct.

    Afflerbach explained he received verbal confirmation from Schmidt and Sons Inc. that the delivery fee would be waived for fuel delivered to a precinct on the return route from delivery to another DeWitt County precinct.

    Because Schmidt and Sons Inc. did not amend the bid language to match the policy explained by Afflerbach, County Judge Daryl Fowler requested the court meet April 12, after a recess to consider the contract with the correct wording.

    SOIL AND WATER STEWARDSHIP WEEK

    The court adopted a proclamation establishing April 24 through May 1 as 2022 Soil and Water Stewardship Week at the request of the DeWitt County Sewer and Water District.

    “It is an attempt to make everyone aware of the importance of conserving soil and conserving water,” said Velinda Geffert to the commissioners. “It is in our care, custody, and control. Do not waste it, do not abuse it. Be nice to it, and we will have it for many, many years to come.”

    TXDOT PROPOSAL

    Before adjourning the meeting, Fowler shared that representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation will be present at the next meeting scheduled for April 25.

    The court will consider allocating $2,250.50 of next year’s budget to straighten a tight bend in Terryville .near.FM.682.and.FM.1447.as.it.has.proven.to. be dangerous for drivers. Fowler explained the road visibility is obstructed by trees which previously led to a head-on collision of school buses.