Court appoints Courthouse Preservation Committee

The Lavaca County Commissioners’ Court met in its regular meeting Monday morning and approved the appointment of a Courthouse Preservation Committee.

Appointed to the committee were Doug Kubicek with the Lavaca County Historical Commission, former Lavaca County judge and retired Shiner Police chief Ronnie Leck, former project coordinator of the 2010 restoration project Merle Richardson and former Lavaca County head of maintenance Gary Etzler. 

The court also approved future appointments as decided by the committee and also approved providing the committee with a set of keys to the Lavaca County Courthouse for the duration of the project.

Kubicek, who played a major role Courthouse renovation project in 2010 and was present at the meeting, told the court during that time the legislature allocated $6.5 million per county.

“We used a little over $5 million, which was the cost in the process for getting the Courthouse restored the first time,” Kubicek said. “There has been talk of the legislature raising the cap to $10 million that counties could get in terms of extra funding and would really help counties like ourselves.”

In serving on the committee, Kubicek takes great pride in keeping the Courthouse maintained. 

Kubicek told the court, “You have to check the roof and walk around the building and by getting this committee, those are things I want to do.”

He said he would like to add more members to the committee including an electrical contractor and building superintendent contractor of some sort to help look at the needs for the Courthouse.

“This is my Courthouse, and its everybody, and I’m going to take care of it,” Kubicek said. “Its been here since 1899 and we have to maintain it. It needs some help. It’s showing its age.” 

Unbudgeted Revenue/Donations

The court accepted two $1,500 donations as unbudgeted revenue from Capital Star Oil and Gas, Inc.

One of the donations was presented to the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office and the other went to the Lavaca County EMS.

The court also certified another unbudgeted revenue item in regards to a $67 thousand Dickson-Allen grant to the Lavaca County EMS.

Surplus Property

The court declared various trucks, rollers, tractors, and brush sprayer from Pct. 4 as surplus property. Some these items are inoperable and some are in running condition.

Several chairs, desks, tables, a metal cabinet and a copier from the elections department were also declared as surplus property.

The court also declared a 2006 Chevrolet Custom 1500 and a 1999 Ford F-150 XL as surplus property from the maintenance department.

Miscellaneous

The court approved amending an existing contract for data processing service between Local Government Solutions and the Lavaca County Clerk and Lavaca County District Clerk.

It also renewed a Daikin Applied Assurance Maintenance agreement for the HVAC system at the Courthouse.

Prior to addressing items in the agenda portion of the meeting, the court heard from Linda Smith and legislative chairman Paul Yamarick.

Smith, who represented the Great State Republicans, informed the court that U.S. Congressman Michael Cloud would be coming to Hallettsville Monday, Feb. 20 for a meet and greet. She said he would be at the Rep. Cloud would be at the Cabos San Lucas Mexican Grill beginning at 6 p.m. and the public was invited to attend. 

Yamarick spoke about the Lavaca County Day scheduled at the Texas Capitol on Monday, March 13. He said the public is invited to attend and have the opportunity to tour the Capitol.

In addition, those attending would be able to meet the area representatives and their staffs, watch the action in committees or from the Gallery in chambers. 

Yamarick said it would be a full day of legislature eduction and if anyone wants to attend they should notify him.

In other action taken by the court:

• Acknowledged and accepted an engagement letter from KM and L, Certified Public Accountants for the 2022 external audit of Lavaca County’s financial records.

• Approved the Vegetation Management bid with Roadside Consulting.

• Approved a retainer agreement for legal consultation between Allison, Bass and Magee, LLP and Commissioners’ Court.

• Approved all consent agenda items.

County Judge Keith Mudd presided over the meeting with Commissioners Edward Pustka, Wayne Faircloth and Kenny Siegel present for the meeting.