Howard Co. Commissioners name Coker as new county extension agent

The Howard County Commissioners court held their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 26, in the County Court Room on the third floor of the Howard County Courthouse. The meeting began as usual with Howard County Judge Kathryn Wiseman leading the meeting with U.S. and Texas pledges. Following the pledges, the public was allowed to address the court if they chose to do so. There was no public comment as no one chose to address the court.

Judge Wiseman began the meeting starting with her items of business but also made aware that some items on the agenda have already been taken care of prior to the meeting.

The first item presented by Judge Wiseman was the consideration of allowing Dudley Speed, Regional Director with the Texas Department of Emergency Management, to occupy an office space within the Howard County Courthouse. The commissioners court voted unanimously not to approve the item, with Precinct 3 Commissioner Jimmie Long making the motion, followed by Precinct 2 Commissioner Craig Bailey seconding. Before voting Commissioner Long addressed the item, citing that there is limited space at the courthouse and could potentially create conflict with other offices.

The second item presented by Judge Wiseman was the consideration of extending an offer of employment for the new County Extension Agent. Judge Wiseman advised that the commissioners court had previously interviewed Mr. Chad Coker for the role. The commissioner court voted unanimously to offer the position to Mr Coker. Mr Coker is set to start as soon as this upcoming Monday.

The third item presented by Judge Wiseman was the consideration and approval of a cooperative agreement between Midland College and Howard County related to BAC (blood alcohol testing). The court voted unanimously to approve the item.

The last item for Judge Wiseman was the consideration and approval of a Howard County subdivision plat application for a proposed new subdivision in Precinct 1. The item was tabled for a later discussion as Precinct 1 Commissioner Eddilisa Ray advised that they had received a revised plan minutes before the meeting and had not had time to review.

Howard County Treasurer Sharon Adams presented her items next which included personnel considerations and the treasurer's monthly report. Both items presented by Adams were approved unanimously.

Howard County Auditor Jackie Olson presented her items next. Among the items presented by Olson included invoices, purchase requests, monthly financial reports, update changes for the purchasing policy and the transfer of ARPA funds. All items were approved unanimously by the commissioners

court. Olson also presented the commissioners court for consideration the disposal of assets (old computer equipment). No action was taken at this time on the item by the commissioners court.

The next of item of business presented came from the Howard County Sheriffs office which was the consideration and approval of a civil fee. Sheriff Stan Parker was not present at the meeting but Chief Deputy Dean Restelli presented the item on the Sheriff's behalf. The item was approved was unanimously by the court.

Howard County Road Engineer Brian Klinksiek addressed the commissioners court next. Klinksiek first presented his roadway maintenance update. Klinksiek advised the installation of the culvert on 11th Place extension is coming and is anticipating to pour concrete this Wednesday. The anticipated completion date for the culvert is expected for next Wednesday. The next item Klinksiek presented was the consideration and approval of updating the county's inter-local agreement with the City of Coahoma. The item was approved unanimously. Next, Klinksiek presented the commissioners court with a first reading to name a private road in Precinct 1. Per Klinksiek no action was needed at this time due to it being a first reading.

Howard County Clerk Brent Zitterkopf presented his items business next. The first item presented by Zitterkopf was his County Clerk's monthly report for August, which was approved unanimously. Zitterkopf's next item of business called for the commissioners court to hold a public hearing regarding the renewal of the county's order to adopt it records archive plan for 2022-2023. Zitterkopf advised that the order is the same as the current one the county is under, and that there were no changes being made. Judge Wiseman then allowed for the public to comment on the matter but again no one chose to address the court. The item was approved unanimously.

Before the meeting ended, Pct. 3 Commissioner Jimmie Long made an announcement that the Justice of the Peace office in

Coahoma will be moved into the Howard County

Courthouse on the third floor temporarily. Commissioner Long advised that renovations would soon begin at the office in Coahoma and that a completion and re-open date is expected for November 20th.

Following Commissioner Long's comments the meeting was adjourned.