Reporting By Amy Meyer / Mineral Wells Area News
Palo Pinto County Commissioners signed off on new water-leak sensors for the courthouse Monday as they continue working through insurance, repairs and design decisions following extensive water damage to the historic building.
Meeting in regular session Dec. 8, the Commissioners Court voted unanimously to purchase 10 Wave Plus moisture-monitoring sensors and related installation, programming and setup at a cost of $2,945.
Justin Smith, the county’s technology technician, told commissioners he contacted the vendor to see if the system could be expanded to monitor moisture inside the courthouse.
“That’s 10 sensors we can place throughout the building that connect wirelessly to our system,” he said. “If it does catch moisture, it will send an email out to the Sheriff’s Department, letting them know,” along with others who sign up for notifications. The system will be installed by a technician and include staff training so officials can “see what’s coming through.”
More sensors could be added later if needed.
Burn ban stays off
Emergency Management Coordinator Chad Jordan reported that fire danger remains low and recommended leaving the county’s burn ban off.
“KBDI’s are pretty low. I mean, we even have an area that’s down to 35, averaging about 146. We have high moisture, low dry content,” Jordan said. “So I’d say there’s no reason to put it back on at this time.”
County Judge Shane Long agreed, telling residents, “Burn ban remains off. You can burn.”
Courthouse repairs and roof plan still in flux
Later in the meeting, Long gave an update on the courthouse water-damage mitigation and restoration process, saying the county is still waiting on detailed figures from insurance adjusters while departments continue documenting damaged equipment and furniture.
“As soon as they compile all of that, they’re anticipating that the company that came in and did the mitigation work for us is providing estimates to the insurance company, and the county is providing additional items that have been damaged,” Long said. Adjusters told the county they would provide more detailed information within 10 business days, he added.
Long said there are questions about whether to replace damaged parquet flooring in the jury room and hallway or lay new flooring over it, given concerns that existing flooring could continue to delaminate over time. The county plans to consult with the company that previously refinished other courthouse floors for guidance.
County officials are also evaluating a potential reconfiguration of the district clerk’s public access area. A local cabinet maker who built the original counter will determine whether it can be dismantled and reconstructed in a more efficient layout or whether new materials would be more practical.
District Attorney Jett Smith reported that his office has completed its temporary move to the county IT building across the street.
“We’re obviously a little bit tight in there… and very grateful to have a place to conduct business,” Smith said. “We are up and running this week, although we’re a little bit discombobulated.”
Commissioners also discussed, but took no action on, a proposal from PMR Roofing to repair the courthouse and annex roofs. Considerations included how many existing tiles can be reused, contingency costs for additional materials and whether upgraded under decking should be considered to improve long-term durability.
Petition on Leo Lane
Commissioners acknowledged a petition for county maintenance continuance on Leo Lane and referred the matter for further review.
“It’s my road,” Commissioner Jim Pollock said, explaining that the request would extend county maintenance to the end of the property line, though brush clearing will be required on a portion that “hadn’t been traveled in 20 years.”
ESD board appointments
Following an executive session to review applications and interview candidates, commissioners made several Emergency Services District appointments.
For Emergency Services District No. 1, the court reappointed Mike Carter and Brad Potter and appointed Mineral Wells resident Bridgett Worley to the board.
For Emergency Services District No. 2, commissioners reappointed JoLynn O’Neill and Paul Smith. The third position remains open as the county seeks applicants. Nikki Wright’s current term expires Dec. 31, 2025, and it is not yet known whether she will apply.
Other actions
In other business Monday, commissioners:
- Tabled a courtroom Wi-Fi purchase after staff said the issue had already been resolved and ABI will handle remaining needs.
- Approved the county’s annual investment policy and strategy, with Treasurer Deanna Copeland noting the only change from last year is the depository bank.
- Discussed but took no action on the county’s CareFlight renewal, which currently covers 149 employees. The cost increased from $15 to $25 per person and commissioners wanted to know a reason.
- Tabled the purchase of a new auditor’s office computer after IT staff were able to repair the existing system.
- Approved certification and budgeting of a $250 donation to the Sheriff’s Office, designated for acts of kindness benefiting deputies and their families.
- Tabled the annual road, asphalt and fuel bid awards for a future meeting.