The Commissioners Court met in regular session on Monday, December 12, where they addressed their weekly agenda.
Criminal District Attorney Bill Helwig met with the Commissioners seeking funds for the investigation of a three car accident that occurred on Monday, December 5, that could possibly lead to manslaughter or criminal negligence charges being filed against one of the drivers involved in the accident.
Helwig told the Commissioners he was wanting to bring in an investigation team to reconstruct and determine details involving the accident, which occurred at the intersection of Farm to Market road 330 and State Highway 214, approximately six miles north of Denver City. Preliminary reports from DPS officers at the scene noted a vehicle traveling north on 214 slammed into the back of a jeep carrying two Seminole men attempting to turn west on 330. The force of the impact pushed the jeep into the path of an oncoming vehicle traveling south toward Denver City. Both occupants of the jeep, who were not wearing seat belts, were ejected and died at the scene.
Helwig went on to say he was requesting $6,000 in funds for the investigation team to recreate details of the accident. He went on to say he felt like he could cover all expenses for half that amount, but was asking for the larger amount just to make sure he had adequate funds to cover all expenses incurred with the investigation.
Ty Earl Powell made a motion to approve the funds and after no second was made Judge Jim Barron seconded the motion. However the motion was not approved by a 3-2 vote. Judge Barron and Commissioner Powell voted for the motion while Commissioners Woody Lindsey, Ray Marion, and Tim Addison all voted against the motion.
Even though a specific reason was not listed for the negative votes it was the general consensus from discussions that took place before the motion was made was the accident was fully investigated by DPS officers from the Lubbock and Plains office and Helwig could base any possible law suit from their report. Officers spent an estimated 10 hours investigating at the scene. The accident happened just before 7 am that morning. A portion of 214 from 330 to State Highway 213 (Wellman highway) was blocked off during this lengthy investigation and traffic was rerouted.
On another request from Helwig the Court did unanimously approve his request for the purchase of a computer for his office.
Tax Assessor/Collector Jan Parrish was in attendance and gave her November report. She informed the Court her office had collected $1,014,333.71 in taxes during the month of November.
County Treasure Barbara Wright was also in attendance to give her November report. At the beginning of November the county had a balance of $42,076,347.18 and at the end of the month the balance was $41,758,317.19.
Monthly reports from the Sheriff’s office, the County Clerk’s office, and the District’s Clerk office were also heard.
The consideration and appropriate action on Wishbone Texas Operating petition for road crossing was tabled until the next meeting.
There were no request for the disposal of county equipment, eight line item transfers, and no soil conservation request.
Commissioner Ray Marion reported that all forms had been set at the new Denver City Community Building and he was expecting the concrete foundation to be poured this week.
Commissioner Woody Lindsey also reported that the asbestos work at the Civic Center building in Denver City had started. He estimated the total demolition of the building along with the asbestos abatement should take about three months.
A total of $295,902.42 in county bills and another $258,703.93 in medical bills against the county were approved and directed their payment.
Commissioners Woody Lindsey, Ray Marion, Ty Earl Powell, and Tim Addison along with Judge Jim Barron were all in attendance. The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 19, at 10 am in the Commissioners Court room.
