Commissioners look at grant opportunities for communication tower

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

The Morris County commissioners discussed the age of the communications tower and passed a resolution to apply for a County Essentials Grant to obtain funds for replacement.
Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Betts told the commissioners at their March 11 meeting that he had talked with a representative from Deaton Communications who said it was not safe to check the communications tower.
“The man said the rungs are rusted and some are broke,” Mr. Betts said. “He suggested completely replacing the tower. It is a 150-foot tower and has several antennas on it. It will have to be put out for bid. He also recommended replacing the coax and the antennas, in addition to the tower. He gave an estimated price of $52,755. That will completely replace everything on the hill. This is an estimate and is not a bid.”
Judge Lynda Munkres said they will be able to apply for a grant from Homeland Security. County Auditor Shana Solomon said that grant has been used before to replace radios.
“We have been approved for the Homeland Security 2012 money which is $22,000,” Mrs. Solomon said. “This is the last time you can buy radios. The Ark-Tex Council on Governments realizes we need the 2012 Homeland Security Grant for the radios. They approved us to apply for the for the County Essentials Grant for the communications tower.”
The commissioners approved a change in the county’s purchasing policy. Purchases over $1,500 and under $50,000 will start at the department head.
“When you apply for new grants, they ask what the purchasing policy is that the county has in place,” Mrs. Solomon said. “The department head can pick who they want to use as long as they are in line cost wise.”
Philpot Motors was awarded the bid for two trucks for the sheriff’s office. Their bid was the lowest at $59,700 compared to the bid from Dewey Moore of $66,846. The price includes exchange of custom equipment and spray on the bed liners.
Three bids were opened and acknowledged for inmate phone services. The bids were from Securest Technologies of Dallas, NCIC, and Consolidated Telecom.
A contract with the Texas Department of Children and Family Services for the year ending 2013 was approved.
“We have approved this contract for the last few years,” Mrs. Solomon said. “This is for the amount of money they can be reimbursed from the state on child foster care. It is the same contract we have had for the last two years.”
The commissioners approved the deputation of Tracy Elliot, as reserve deputy sheriff. The Precinct 3 annual lease agreement with Wayne Cason for property on County Road 3211 was approved.