Judge proclaims Oct 2-8 National 4-H Week

By Jan White
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CROCKETT – The Houston County Commissioners Court meeting held on Tuesday, September 27, opened with a group of 4-H students who spoke to the Court about National 4-H Week and their roles in the local 4-H Program. Afterward, Judge Lovell read a proclamation declaring October 2-8 as National 4-H Week and commending the 4-H Youth Development Program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the men and women who have made the program a success.

The month of October was proclaimed “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims.

Commissioners accepted a donation from the Crocket Elks Lodge of $2,000 for the Department of Aging Meals-on-Wheels program. 

The Hotel and Occupancy Tax Fund request from the Grapeland Chamber of Commerce for the 77th Annual Peanut Festival for $7,000 was granted. This year’s festival will be held at the Grapeland City Park on Oct. 13-15. A request was also granted to The Loft for $1,000 for the Curtis Grimes Concert, to be held on Nov. 4.

A lengthy discussion was held regarding the pay scale for county employees for FY 2023. City Auditor Melissa Jeter explained how the pay scale was calculated and what increases needed to be made to make the pay equitable to the position, after which the changes were approved by the Court.

Commissioners voted to retain the 9 a.m. meeting time for the 2023 Fiscal Year. Also passed was the motion to purchase a 16’ Bumper-pull Hydraulic Dump trailer.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, developers for a solar farm project spoke to commissioners about a proposed project in the Crockett area. No action was taken on the subject at this time.