County considers lowering some speed limits

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Driven by concern that some area roads are too dangerous because of vehicles moving at a high rate of speed, the Caldwell County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing later this month to determine speed limits for two county roads in central Caldwell County east of Lockhart.
According to Commissioner Tom Bonn, r

ecent years have seen an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities on Old Fentress Road (CR 217) and Boggy Creek Road (CR 218). Bonn indicated that drivers speeding down the two gravel roads is, in large part, responsible for the increase in fatalities. He approached the Commissioners Court during their regular meeting on Monday to discuss the possibility of imposing a speed limit of 35 mph on the two roads.
Before the Commissioners can impose a speed limit, they must hold a public hearing to discuss the matter, allowing drivers and area residents the opportunity to voice their opinions. The hearing will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, during the regular meeting of the Commissioners Court.
In other business during the meeting, the Commissioners discussed the appointment and terms for election judges for the coming Nov. 8 election. The Court approved a list of 52 election judges and alternate judges to work at polling locations throughout the county during the election. One stipulation that Election Coordinator Mary Vicky Gonzales noted in the need for judges, alternate judges and clerks is a state requirement that at least one worker at each polling place be bilingual.
In brief Court news:
At the request of Caldwell County Fire Marshal Jeff Wright, Caldwell County remains under an outdoor burning ban, despite recent rains in some parts of the county. The Commissioners also recognized Caldwell County emergency first responders for their participation in a search mission to find a missing 90-year-old St. John”s Colony man over the weekend. The man, who Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Parker said suffers from dementia, was found, in good condition, after being missing for almost two days.
The Court signed a proclamation recognizing the week of Sept. 10-16 as “Disasters Preparedness Week” in Caldwell County.
The Commissioners initiated a procedure that will allow Jim Whitten Roof Consultants to solicit bids from roofing contractors to repair damage to several Caldwell County buildings after last April”s hailstorms. The agreement with Whitten does not include work already contracted on the Scott Annex Building.
The panel heard monthly reports from the County Treasurer and the Veterans” Service Officer.
The county paid bills in the amount of $230,765.12.
The Caldwell County Commissioners meet on the second, third and fourth Monday of each month at 9 a.m. in Room 100 of the Caldwell County Courthouse.