Lavaca County commissioners court
The Lavaca County Commissioners’ Court met in a regular meeting Monday morning and approved four proclamations with the first involving the recognition of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish pastor Msgr. John Peters, who is retiring after 50 years of spiritual service and leadership in Lavaca County.
Reading from the proclamation, County Judge Keith Mudd said, “Msgr. John has faithfully served as a priest for 50 years dedicating his life to spiritual growth and pastoral care to the community. He has provided compassionate leadership, guidance and support to countless persons. He has done so by exemplifying the values of faith, service and commitment for the greater good of Lavaca County.”
The court approved a second proclamation honoring Lavaca County EMT, Lawrence Kurtz for serving selflessly the citizens of Lavaca County for 47 years.
Kurtz has responded to thousands of emergency calls both day and night with unwavering commitment and skill.
“He has saved countless lives over the course of his career and his leadership and mentorship have shaped the careers of numerous EMS professionals,” Mudd said. “Lawrence is truly one in a million. A man whose service, dedication and compassion have made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the citizens of Lavaca County.”
The third proclamation approved by the court was in regards to designating the week of October 6 through 12 as National 4-H Week.
The fourth proclamation dealt with designating Children’s Health Day on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Department of Health Services along with support from local organizations and businesses will host a “Kids Health Party” on that day for all fifth graders, who attend a school in the Lavaca County.
Equipment Purchases
The court approved a lease to own agreement between Anderson Machinery and Precinct 2 for the purchase of 2018 International 4,000-gallon water truck. The agreement includes a payment of $7,011.17 per month.
The court also approved the purchase of a 2016 Freightliner 4,000-gallon water truck for Pct. 3. The truck was originally priced at $136 thousand, but the total cash purchase price is $45,330.62.
A third item, also purchased for Pct. 3, includes a Laymor SM450-ST broom equipment in the amount of $30,000. All three items are purchased as a BuyBoard purchase.
Miscellaneous
The court approved raising the standard travel per diem from $40 to $50 per day.
Approved a proposal from Kofile Technologies in the amount of $10,441.42 for a preservation and image project for civil records and authorized the District Clerk to sign the proposal. The project is paid out of the Dickson Allen Foundation grant.
Approved awarding a RBO Technology quote in the amount of $339,065.24 and a quote of $112,616.10 from Omnia for building safety and security in Lavaca County buildings.
In other action taken by the court:
• Approved a selected grant management firm for the grant pre-application phase 1, application phase 2 and implementation services for the 2025-26 Texas Community Development Grant Program for Community Development fund as administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
• Certified county auditor’s and county auditor’s assistant salaries.
• Certified salaries of Lavaca County officials, employees and Lavaca County EMS for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
• Ratified Lavaca County personnel policies.
• Approved memorandum of understanding between Gulf Bend Center and the county.
• Appointed Moulton PD chief Daniel Beyer as the Gulf Bend Board of Trustees to represent Lavaca County.
• Approved all consent agenda items.
County Judge Keith Mudd presided over the meeting with commissioners Edward Pustka, Wayne Faircloth, Kenny Siegel and Dennis W. Kocian.