Breckenridge Texan

Stephens County commissioners voted today, Monday, Oct. 12, to establish an application process to distribute wind farm funds to nonprofit organizations, postponing decisions on which groups will receive money and how much.

During their meeting this morning, commissioners discussed how to distribute nonprofit allocations received from La Casa Wind LLC, which are part of the tax abatement agreement between Stephens County and La Casa Wind. They discussed whether to increase funding for the rodeo grounds from $25,000 to $50,000 and how to ensure that other community organizations have an opportunity to receive assistance.

County Judge Will Thompson said he wants to establish a process that will allow commissioners to consider organizations they might not otherwise know about.

“Without a chance for them to apply, there’s no way to really know who is in need of something,” Thompson said.

Commissioner Will Warren said he prefers continuing to support organizations that have historically received county funding rather than adding new recipients.

Commissioner David Fambro, however, said the county should consider other organizations that could benefit from the assistance during the remaining years of the funding opportunity.

The court discussed requiring organizations to submit a letter identifying the nonprofit, verifying its 501(c)(3) status, confirming that charitable contributions would not be used for payroll, and explaining how much money was requested and how it would be spent. Applicants also would need to provide a contact person.

Thompson said commissioners would retain authority over the final recipients and award amounts. The court agreed to review the applications during a workshop before voting on the allocations at a subsequent meeting.

Commissioners approved the application process by a unanimous vote. No individual nonprofit awards were approved Monday. Organizations discussed as previous or potential recipients included the Stephens County Humane Society, Breckenridge Library, Swenson Memorial Museum, Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Stephens County Rodeo Association, Breckenridge Little League and 4-H shooting sports.

Other business

Commissioners left the county’s burn ban in place, citing dry grass in pastures despite recent rainfall. However, Judge Thompson noted that he had earlier rescinded the more restrictive parts of the ban concerning shredding, as well as the requirements to have water and a spotter on hand when doing welding and other similar activities.

The court approved a new format for Commissioners Court meeting minutes intended to make records easier for the public to read and faster to prepare. The format will include the agenda topic, motions, seconds and voting results.

Commissioners also approved an updated memorandum of understanding with area fire departments. County officials said the agreement was needed as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement process following the Palo Pinto County fire. The agreement outlines responsibilities for equipment and personnel when departments assist one another during fires.

“It basically says if we go help, we’re responsible for our equipment and our people, and if they come here and help, they’re responsible for their equipment and their people. And we agree mutually to help ‘as possible’ on neighboring fires,” Thompson said.

No action was taken on a request submitted by Periti Group for fiber optic installation involving road crossings and boring using existing conduits commenced by FiberLight LLC. Commissioners want more clarification about the original conduit installation and procedures before taking action, they said.

The court approved spending capital expenditure funds for road materials in Precinct 1 for $ 96,488, Precinct 2 for $73,382.83, and Precinct 4 for $70,093.01.

Commissioners also approved the immediate purchase of air packs for the Breckenridge Fire Department for $8,898. The purchase was originally included in the 2027 budget, but by purchasing the equipment early, the fire department will save about $1,100 and will receive an additional bottle.

The court extended its professional aviation services contract with Grigry Energy through the end of the year while officials continue revising the agreement.

Commissioners appointed Roy Russell to represent Stephens County on the Stephens County Appraisal District Board of Directors. County officials cited Russell’s previous service as the BISD representative on the board and his experience with property tax matters.

The court also approved a resolution authorizing an application for the 2027-28 Texas Community Development Block Grant Community Development Fund competition. The county’s required matching contribution is $15,000, with the specific use and funding source to be determined before any award.

Additionally, commissioners approved an Interlocal Participation Services Agreement with the Texas Association of Counties, County Information Resources Agency. They also approved a PDF remediation service tool that makes all PDF documents posted on the County’s website ADA-compliant, and an ADA-compliant agenda manager interface. The tools will also make online PDF documents searchable. The total cost for the ADA-compliant service tools is $7,600.

Cutline, top photo: The Stephens County Commissioners Court looks over documents pertaining to a new system for posting meeting minutes on the County’s website. Pictured, from left, are commissioners Mark McCullough and David Fambro, County Judge Will Thompson, and commissioner Will Warren. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)