Commissioners to update TTC resolution Monday
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Taking a stand on the Trans-Texas Corridor is among the items that will be addressed during Monday's meeting of the Wharton County Commissioners Court.

The agenda item calls for the commissioners to take appropriate action regarding the county's resolution on the Trans-Texas Corridor. Wharton County Judge John Murrile said the previous resolution passed by the commissioners states the project not be detrimental to Wharton County.

"We'll review that resolution and get it up to date," he said.

In addition to the TTC, the commissioners will be addressing a number of other items at their 9:30 a.m. meeting in the commissioners courtroom at the Wharton County Courthouse Annex Building, 309 E. Milam.

The Wharton County Sheriff's Department will be requesting a permanent parking location for inmate transfers. Sheriff Jess Howell said he planned to ask commissioners to reserve the parking space at the front walk leading to the Fulton Street entrance. The request is based on safety concerns.

"We're looking at that space just to the left of the steps because we usually transport several inmates at once and the door to the van opens up on that side," Howell said. "Right now we have to drive around the square looking for a space."

Howell said the parking spot would help prevent having to walk inmates across the street, reducing the county's potential liability in the event of a collision.

"In addition, we currently have to walk the inmates past private vehicles and there is always a possibility they might scratch or damage a car," the sheriff said.

"We also prefer being near the elevators because we use them to move inmates to the courtroom rather than the stairs. It eliminates the possibility of the inmates tripping each other or the deputy escorting them."

In another item involving the courthouse, Murrile said commissioners will be discussing insurance on the recently renovated building.

"The Texas Historical Commission wants us to insure it at the replacement value rather than the cost of the building, which is around $7.5 million," the judge said. "The THC doesn't think that would cover the replacement cost and is recommending a high insured value.

"But right now it is only a recommendation."

Other items on the agenda for the meeting include:

• Authorizing the county judge to sign an interlocal agreement with Habitat for Humanity. Murrile said the group plans to eventually build two houses in the Boling area and is requesting the county clear the property.

• Take all appropriate action regarding contract with RWS architects and authorize the judge to sign a contract to design the new Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 office.

At their previous meeting, commissioners accepted a request for proposals from RWS and appointed a negotiating team of Precinct 3 Commissioner Philip Miller, Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Dennis Korenek and County Attorney Trey Maffett.