The Stephens County Commissioners Court opened with a public announcement on Monday, March 8. A letter from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton answered questions regarding the eligibility of Sheriff Kevin Roach to be elected while his biological brother, County Judge Michael Roach, is a sitting judge.
According to Judge Roach, “…Mr. Paxton responded by saying, “Absolutely. Nepotism rules did not apply. But there was some dispute about that. So that was settled. In Texas, citizens can elect who they want and that nepotism does not apply.”
The statement from Paxton also addressed budgetary concerns for the Sheriff’s Office, including salaries. Since the SCCC makes financial decisions as a group, Judge Roach is not required to recuse himself from these proceedings.
Judge Roach said, “I think it sets a good precedent for future elected officials of Texas where they know what the constitution says.”
In other business, The Texas Department of Transportation notified the court about planned improvements to the road and intersection at FM 3099 from Northglen Road to 0.2 miles south of US HWY 180. Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark McCullough questioned if a stoplight would be added to the intersection. The document from TXDOT did not provide this information.
Lane Kramer presented maps of his property west of Possum Kingdom Lake in order to gain approval for a subdivision. Commissioners expressed concern for traffic on county roads but Kramer expects traffic to decrease without public access.
“It will be a gated community. So, this will not be a county road,” Kramer said.
The final plat was approved by the commissioners.
Sheriff Roach presented the court with an updated contract for holding Throckmorton County inmates in the Stephens County jail. Inmates are held in the SC jail for a charge of $40 per day. The motion to accept the contract was approved.
• The commissioners granted authorization to cross CR168 with a buried copper telephone cable pending payment.
• The payment of necessary repairs to plumbing and other equipment damaged from the winter storm was approved.
• The motion to open bids to electricity providers for rate comparison was approved.
