Published: March 26, 2008 09:18 am         

College officials seek interest in expansion proposal

WC representative asks commissioners to consider calling for property tax election to expand campus

By Libby Cluett
lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

PALO PINTO – Weatherford College President Joe Birmingham introduced the school’s intention of expanding its campus and course offerings into Palo Pinto County, something he called an “important concept and future project for the residents of Palo Pinto County and businesses of Palo Pinto County.”

In Monday’s county commissioner’s meeting, Birmingham presented the concept, citing that the college’s current building at Wolters Industrial Park – not in Palo Pinto County – is an “aging facility … is not accessible, off the mainstream traffic” and needs updating.

He asked if commissioners would consider calling an election for a “branch maintenance tax.” The tax, which he said would not to exceed 5 cents per $100 taxable value, would support the college’s proposed expansion in the county.

According to Birmingham, the branch maintenance tax is “not a widely used tax in the community college community.” He explained that the tax could only be issued in counties where the college does not have taxing authority.

The funds received through this tax would go directly to operate and maintain the facility within the county, Birmingham said.

He added that college officials would like to know within the next month whether commissioners would support calling an election. This acknowledgement must come before the college sends their proposal to the Texas Higher Education Board. According to Birmingham, commissioners could call an election and that does not mean they approve an election.

According to Birmingham, the county’s population will grow to 39,000 in 22 years. Area businesses will need employee training. A larger campus here would not only offer the current offerings – workforce training, economic development and cosmetology – but it would offer “core transfer courses.”

He also said that a maintenance tax could lower student tuition that in-county students pay for the county campus.

Weatherford College would have to lease the building through a third party if it is newly constructed, said Birmingham.

Commissioners took no action after the presentation.

In other business, commissioners:

• Approved a request from the Palo Pinto County Historical Association to contribute $15,000 of the $40,000 expense for a wrought-iron fence surrounding the Old Jail Museum complex. Built by Mike Wells and James Taylor, the majority of the fence is expected to be complete within the next 10 days. Once he completes the perimeter fence, Wells will finish an entrance gate he is donating to PPCHA. The metal gate will resemble a two-dimensional diorama, which incorporates images of the county.

• Approved authorizing Sheriff Ira Mercer to execute an agreement with the U.S. Marshal Service. Through the agreement, the Palo Pinto County Jail would house federal inmates/detainees awaiting trials and/or federal holding facilities. Mercer said they currently have no out-of-county inmates and this could fill the void.

He added that the Marshal Service liked the facility, location and medical facilities available. The contract would include providing guards to transport and possibly oversee inmates while they are in Fort Worth.

• Made changes to the bridge program, including amending advance funding agreements for three bridges, on Cook Road, Dairy Road and Old Christian Road, approving replacement of a bridge on Sartain Road and terminating the AFA to replace bridge on McPherson Road.

• Heard Eddie Garland share concerns about voting machines after the recent primary, which took until early the next morning to retrieve accurate data. Garland said he “gets questions when he rounds up people to vote” and some voice their lack of confidence in the machines.

“How can I be confident the final answer we got is the right one,” said Garland.

“What do you think it would take to restore confidence,” asked Judge Mike Smiddy.

Garland replied that it would take knowing the county has a warranty for the integrity of the machines and has someone on staff specializing in computers, who can be on hand during the elections.

County Clerk Bobbie Smith said they are currently changing the programming on the machines.

Smiddy suggested and Precinct 2 Commissioner Ed Laney agreed that commissioners might get a representative from the company that makes the machines to come out and discuss this.

• Approved repairing the emergency management building, which used to function as the old Precinct 1 Barn. According to Emergency Management Director Barry Gill, the building was damaged when a driver of one car backed a parked car blocking his path into the county building and drove away.

• Approved a resolution authorizing Judge Smiddy to submit a Texas Community Development Block Grant application on behalf of the county. The grant, for $350,000, is intended to “carry out a first-time sewer service and sewer system improvements” in Palo Pinto.

• Approved advertising for sealed bids for the sale of Precinct 4 equipment, including a 1996 Ford Crew Cab Pickup, a 1976 Mack Truck, a 1992 Red River Live Bottom Trailer, a 1972 9SSL Caterpillar Truck and a 1984 Ford Tractor.

• Approved a memorandum of understanding with the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding the Texas Interoperability Channel Plan.

• Approved continuing the Texas Victim Information and Notification Everyday grant program.

• Heard an update on work on the district courtroom and offices. Commissioners also approved approximately $5,000 for carpeting the offices and courtroom.

• Approved a Precinct 4 petition to close the alleyway between Palo Pinto and South Front Streets in Santo.

• Approved boring Tuggle Road by Santo Water Supply Corporation.

• Ratified county judge’s approval of a compromise settlement agreement for property damages from an auto accident in the case of Kenneth Riggs vs. Palo Pinto County.

• Approved renewing the county’s general liability insurance for a premium of $18,348 after a renewal credit.