Charles West and his sister, Barbara West Clark, met with Schleicher County Commissioners on Monday to discuss a piece of land was transferred to the county in 1971 for use as a county road.
It was noted that the transfer was recorded in the Clerk’s office in 1974, but that the road that already existed on the property was never made into a county road.
West said that his family has maintained the road for the past 40 years and would continue to do so. He then asked that the county return the land.
The commissioners agreed to the request and instructed County Attorney Clint Griffin to draw up the necessary documents in order to deed the land back to West and Clark so that they may have it recorded.
In other business, the commissioners voted to reinstate a county-wide burn ban. And, in light of extreme dryness, the ban was issued for 90 days.
The court next visited with USDA Wildlife Service State Director Michael J. Bodenchuk and county trapper Stanley Spinks.
Bodenchuk explained that the state would contribute another $10,000 for rental of a helicopter to help destroy feral hogs. Schleicher County recently received a $15,000 Texas Department of Agriculture Feral Hog Abatement Grant for the purpose.
Bodenchuk said that feral hogs destroy watersheds and pose a threat directly to the water sources by transmitting salmonella.
He noted that some ranchers will not allow the feral hogs to be destroyed on their property since they make money by leasing hunting rights on the animals. Bodenchuk noted, however, that the hogs cause more property damage than a rancher can pay for with the income from hunting.
Spinks presented a map showing which local ranches allow the county trapper onto their property.
Following the brief discussion, the commissioners voted to accept the additional funds from the Wildlife Service.
Road Superintendent Mark Graves then asked the commissioners to call for bids on road-grade diesel. Graves also told the court his crews would be preparing the road base around the Civic Center as they prepare it the parking area to be paved.
County Attorney Clint Griffin then requested several saw horses with “Do Not Park Here” to be placed on the east side of the Civic Center when the 4-H Shooting Sports group is using the facility. Graves said he would prepare the signs. In other business, an indigent request was granted for electricity in the amount of $132.50.
Judge Charlie Bradley then informed the court that the Meals for the Elderly program had to purchase new food containers that are heat sealed.
Before adjourning, the commissioners reviewed and approved the county bills and approved budget transfers as recommended by County Treasurer Karen Henderson.
Peggy Thurin (L) state planning coordinator with the Texas Department of Transportation, visited Tuesday night with participants in a public meeting about the possibility of future upgrades to U.S. 190.