Due to the continuing fire risk, the DeWitt County Commissioners banned two types of fireworks for New Year’s celebrations at the December 9 meeting. They also heard from the 4-H Ambassador Program and the Office of Emergency Management.
The DeWitt County Commissioners Court has imposed a ban on aerial fireworks, specifically skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins, for the December fireworks season in the unincorporated ar- eas of DeWitt County. This ban is established under Local Government Code 352.051, as detailed in court order 2024-067, which was issued on December 9th. In light of the upcoming New Year’s celebration and the burn ban that was enacted in October 2024 and after an assessment of ground moisture data, the court took note of the personal recommendation from Emergency Management Coordinator Billy Jordan to prohibit aerial fireworks. The ban is temporary and will only be in effect for the duration of the New Year celebration, after which it will expire.
4-H Ambassador Program
The DeWitt County 4-H Ambassador Program, introduced this year, provides a project- based leadership opportunity focused on citizenship for selected youth. The Ambassador Team learned about local government by attending Commissioner Court, City Council, and school board meetings. They also assisted the Chamber of Commerce at agriculture events and explored the beneficial role of economic development groups in the community.
The team initiated monthly community service projects for all 4-H members. Current Ambassadors include Ella Jander (Arneckeville 4-H), Andrew Hahn (Yorktown 4-H), Caleb Keller (Prairie Street 4-H), Jana Justiss (Outsiders 4-H), and Gunnar Frank (Outsiders 4-H). As of December 5th, DeWitt County 4-H has 290 Club Members, 36 Clover Kids, and 47 adult volunteers, totaling 373 members.
This year, they surpassed last year's enrollment by adding 6 Club Members, 8 Clover Kids, and 2 volunteers.
Since September 1st, the ambassadors have collected stuffed animals for Cuero Hospital's EMS event in October, gathered items for Operation Christmas Child, sent shoe boxes to children in need, and collected canned goods for the CAMAL House. In December, they also collected toys for Blue Santa during the 4-H Christmas Party.
As part of their responsibilities, the ambassadors plan and implement community service projects that are open to all members of DeWitt County 4-H as well as the public.
They have additional community service projects, shows, and programs planned for 2025. If you are interested in participating, please let them know.Please contact Candace Williamson for further information at 361-275-0816 or [email protected].
All-hazard Continuity Committee The Commissioners Court has approved the establishment of a committee, chaired by Emergency Management Coordinator Billy Jordan, to develop an All-Hazard Comprehensive County Continuity Plan, henceforth known as the Continuity Plan. Jordon explained the distinction between the existing Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) and the new Continuity Plan. While the EOP focuses on immediate response and recovery efforts, the Continuity Plan aims to ensure that the county's critical operations and resources remain functional.
The court approved the bid from D-Tyl Electric for maintenance on the clock. The Courthouse Clock was cleaned and repaired earlier this year; however, it needs to be manually wound to chime. The electrical components require repair, along with the clock winding being automated. The previous company dropped out. D-Tyl Electric of Cuero put forth a bid to complete the job.
In addition, water damage has occurred to the walls, staircases, and other areas due to water penetration. The court approved the bid of Curtis Hunt Masonry LLC for the work on the masonry around the courthouse.
The court also approved a $1000 bond for Roy Kuester, who has been helping with De-Witt County Constable Pct. 1 duties, prior to assuming the office on January 1, 2025.
The next Commissioners Court meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec.23.
Other items on the agenda included: Approved: Employee Uniform Agreements with UniFirst for employee uniform and supply services; Approved: Non Exclusive License and Service Agreement Addendum 3 between DeWitt County and Local Government Solutions (LGS) for use in the County Attorney Office (for a $40 license fee for an additional investigator in the county attorney’s office).
Appointment of Doug Sethness, Larry Coppedge, and John Varela to two-year terms as Drainage District Commissioners; Approved: Temporary Right of Way: consider permit application from EOG Resources Inc. for installation of a temporary water line along Hahn Road in Commissioner Precinct No. 1.
Approved: Temporary Right of Way: consider permit application from Tetra Technologies Inc. for installation of a temporary water line along Eckhart Road in Commissioner Precinct No. 3.
Approved: Temporary Right of Way: consider permit application from Tetra Technologies Inc. for installation of 2 temporary water lines along Seiler Road in Commissioner Precinct No. 3.
Awarded: Receive and Award Bid: receive bids and consider awarding a bid for the replacement of HVAC systems in the Jail for the Sheriff's Office.
Received: County Auditor's Deposit Receipt Audit for November 2024: Receive De Witt County Auditor's Deposit Receipt Audit Report, pursuant to Local Government Code, Chapter 115.
Received: County Auditor's Payroll Audit Report for November 2024: Receive De Witt County Auditor's Payroll Audit Report, pursuant to Local Government Code, Chapter 115.
Received: County Auditor's Jail Commissary Audit Report for FY 2024; De Witt County Auditor's Jail Commissary Audit Report for FY 2024, pursuant to Local Government Code, Chapters 115 and 351.
Received: County Auditor's Inventory of Fixed Assets Audit Report for County Treasurer: De Witt County Auditor's Inventory of Fixed Assets Audit Report for the County Treasurer, pursuant to Local Government Code, Section 262.011(i).
Received: County Auditor's Inventory of Fixed Assets Audit Report for the Human Resources Department: Receive De Witt County Auditor's Inventory of Fixed Assets Audit Report for the Human Resources Department, pursuant to Local Government Code, Section 262.011(i).
Approved: Monthly Report of Officials: consider approval; County Auditor's Semi-Monthly Reports — November 19-30, 2024: Receive De Witt County Auditor's Reports, pursuant to Local Government Code, Chapter 114.
Approved: County Treasurer's Monthly Report: receive report and consider approval of Order Approving Treasurer's Monthly Report.
