Young discusses state of the county with commissioners
Milam County made several strides in 2019 and was looking to a good 2020 before the COVID-19 virus stalled things.
The Milam County Commissioners heard an update from County Judge Steve Young on the state of the county during a meeting Monday.
Commissioners also placed the countywide burn ban back on for at least the next 90 days. Young said that Cameron Fire Chief Henry Horelica requested the burn ban due to very high vegetation and winds across the county.
Young presented his state of the county report addressing what the county has seen over the past two years saying that Milam County saw several good developments throughout 2019 and he is proud of how the county has handled the COVID-19 pandemic through 2020.
A few of the things he touched on that the county instituted in 2019 were: roof repair on the courthouse, security scanners in the courthouse, new computers and servers as well as updated security measures, a centralized phone system, new website, tire clean-up, Moot Court, contract with PHI Helicopter services, nuisance abatement, new provisions for manufactured rental homes, pay raises for county employees, the digitization of county records, economic development summits, and the opening of Bitmain and Whinestone at the old Alcoa site.
In 2020 the county saw several new solar projects begin to take shape, hired an economic development coordinator, saw the opening of the OnMed Telehealth Station at the Sheriff’s Office, began taking steps to move county offices to the new County Annex, a housing buyout grant for Rockdale flooding, and instituted the COVID testing sites throughout the county.
Young said the county is working on broadband, flood plan mapping and a quiet zone in Cameron as they move into 2021.
During the meeting Young also presented retiring County Commissioners Opey Watkins and John Fisher with plaques and a photo print of commissioners in front of the courthouse. Watkins has served as Precinct 1 Commissioner since April 2009. Fisher has served as Precinct 3 Commissioner since January 2013.
Young thanked the two for their service to the county and for always having his back with projects over the last two years he has been in office.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Jeff Muegge and Precinct 2 Commissioner Donald Shuffield echoes Young’s sentiments saying they have enjoyed working with both men and that the group has worked well together over the years.
A reception was held after the meeting for family and friends to say thank you.
During the meeting Young also gave an update on COVID testing saying that the county would be doing it at least through March 15, 2021.
He said that the Milam County Health Department is set up and ready to begin vaccinations when they get to the county, saying the county will work with the Texas A&M Health Science Center to administer vaccines in the same format that they are currently doing testing.
In other business, commissioners also: discussed the broadband initiative in the county reminding everyone to take the survey; approved an amendment to the COVID-19 stipend for hazard pay for the Milam County Sheriff’s Office; approved the Sandra Bland Act MOU between the county and Central Counties Center for Mental Health and Retardation services in the Milam County Jail; approved certificates of achievement for County Tax-Assessor Sherry Mueck; heard a summary of events for Milam County AgriLife from Donald Kelm; heard a report from Michelle Poston about the Milam County Adult Probation Department; approved division of property and utility easements and installations.