County leaders hires firm for 2021 redistricting project

RUSK – Austin-based Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP was hired by Tuesday during a Cherokee County Commissioners' Court meeting to oversee services for the county's 2021 redistricting project.

The court voted 4-0 to approve the item; Precinct 2 Commissioner Steven Norton was not present at Tuesday's meeting.

"One thing we're very, very concerned about is that the districts normally get the reports of the census in April, usually," said County Judge Chris Davis. "This year, with everything else going on, we're looking at what could be closer to July in getting the census in to get the redistricting done, approved, jump through the hoops we've got to jump through and be ready to go in time for people to sign up (to run) for office."

During the meeting, county leaders also approved a request from the Cherokee County Public Health Department to pursue a $46,830 grant offered through the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Shannon Hitt, CCPHD finance director, told the court the one-time, reimbursable grant would assist with COVID-19 vaccines, supplies and personnel.

In other action, the court:

• Granted a request from North Cherokee Water Supply for a right-of-way on County Road 3811, in Precinct 2

• Granted a tax refund request from a resident, in the amount of $3,223.71

• Appointed Troy Vaughn as a reserve deputy for Precinct 3 Constable Eddie Lee

• Adopted resolution on Texas term sheet for opiod litigation

• Approved a consent agenda that includes reports from county constables Lee and Jack White (Precinct 2) and the county auditor's and treasurer's offices; authorization of payment of bills, payroll and transfer of funds.

The court passed on agenda item addressing approval of a budget amendment for 2nd District Court, heard a presentation from the Airport Authority Board regarding future planning and presented service awards to county employees. Recognized were:

Five years – Meredith Bingham, Terri Case, Xochitl Castro Vicencio, Janet Cavazoz, Joseph Evans, Brittany Strom, Jo N. Wallace, Matthew Weems

Ten years – Todd Driver, Vicki Lucas, Robin Parsons

Fifteen years – Alison Dotson, Edward Lynn Kelley, Rhonda Simon