During Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Caldwell County Fiscal Court tackled key issues, including an Emergency Watershed Protection Program application for tornado-damaged waterways and the approval of the financial reports and budget plans for the sheriff’s department.
Judge-Executive Kota Young provided details on an Emergency Watershed Protection Program application, explaining that the program, offered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, aims to help repair waterways damaged during the 2024 Memorial Day weekend tornado.
click to download audioDistrict 2 Magistrate Jeff Boone said he has maintained regular communication with the NRCS. He recalled that after the December 2021 tornado, this was a year-long process, and he hopes this time will be quicker.
Judge Young noted that the county anticipates receiving north of $310,000 for nearly a dozen sites impacted by the 2024 tornado, but stressed work cannot begin until the application is approved.
click to download audioThe magistrates unanimously authorized Judge Young to sign all documents pertaining to the application.
In other new business, magistrates unanimously approved the Caldwell County Sheriff Department’s 4th Quarter Report for 2024, with Melissa Peek noting that they generated approximately $6,000 more than estimated.
click to download audioThe magistrates also approved the sheriff’s office fee settlement for 2024, totaling $347,000.
click to download audioThe Fiscal Court unanimously approved the annual order setting maximum salaries for the sheriff’s office, along with the estimated fee budget of $359,553 for 2025. Peek explained that this amount, which the sheriff’s office will generate and remit to the county, reflects an increase of about $17,000 due to several changes this year.
click to download audioIn other matters, magistrates opted to table the County Clerk’s 2024 fee settlement, along with the annual order for setting maximum salaries and the estimated fee budget for 2025, because Jennifer Hale was attending a conference and not present at the meeting.
The Fiscal Court also approved the County Road Department’s hiring of Cole Sherrill.
