Commissioners Talk Juneteenth Planning, Sheriff’s Stats

La Grange Mayor Jan Dockery gave information regarding upcoming Juneteenth celebrations during the Fayette County Commissioners Court meeting on Thursday, May 25.

“I’ve been working with Jonathan Ellis and his group [to organize the holiday celebrations],” said Dockery. “As you all know, you have to have a plan when you want things to work, and I’m a planner and someone who lives off my calendar.”

Dockery was announced as this year’s parade marshal and she is hoping to make this year’s parade bigger than ever. La Grange’s Juneteenth organizers are currently split into two committees. Dockery said she wants to combine those into one.

After comments, the Commissioner’s Court signed a proclamation and officially declared June 19, 2023, as “Emancipation Day” in Fayette County. The Commissioners Court also approved use of the courthouse square, lawn and electrical plugs, as well as the Founders Park restrooms on Saturday, June 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. for a Juneteenth Celebration organized by Verlia Mosley Rhodes.

In other news, the Sheriff’s Office reported on statistics for the month of April. There were 10 total arrests; seven of which were misdemeanor, three felony. There were 311 traffic stops, 631 calls for service and 28 civil process papers served. 52 individuals were processed in jail and six individuals were transported to TDCI. Department vehicles had a combined 43,378 miles and there were 2,224 calls dispatched by communications.

Statistics for the first quarter, according to the Sheriff’s Office, are as follows: a total of 64 arrests, 49 felony and 23 misdemeanor. There were 818 traffic stops, 1,737 calls for service and 96 civil process papers served. There was a total of 117,465 miles for department vehicles and 6,672 calls dispatched by communications. 168 individuals were processed in jail and eight individuals transported to TDCI. Commissioners accepted and approved a plan by Eagle Eye Permitting & Design, LLC to place a fiber optic cable on Berger Road in Precinct 4 and to make repairs of any resulting damage.

They also approved the purchasing of a Case Farmall 100C Tractor for Precinct 2 from Associated Supply Company, Inc., in Brenham, TX, for a total of $76,299.14. Pct. 2 Commissioner Luke Sternadel said he initially planned to finance the tractor. He opted instead to purchase it using road and bridge funds available in the Pct. 2 budget because the dealer had one in stock.

“...[I]f you can find a piece of equipment to have on hand on the lot that you can buy straight up, it’s a good deal,” said Commissioner Luke Sternadel. “Because, if I don’t purchase it outright and I wait to see if I can get financing, that particular tractor might get sold and I’ll have to order from the factory.”

In addition to the tractor, the commissioners approved the purchasing of a 2024 GMC Sierra Truck for Precinct 3 from Cavender Auto Country Chevrolet Buick GMC in Weimar for a total of $55,065.22, using Precinct 3 road and bridge funds available in the budget.

The Commissioner’s Court approved the destruction of eligible records by Records Consultants, Inc. There are a total of 210 boxes of records set to be destroyed, 96 small and 114 larger. The records come from the Tax Assessor Collector, the County Auditor, the County and District Clerks, and Justices of the Peace.

Commissioners considered a bid for the mulching of brush currently at the Fayette County Recycling Center. However, the bid was much higher than they expected. Commissioners decided to rebid the project in hopes of attracting a better offer.