Fannin County Commissioners Court Reviews Proposed Battery Energy Storage System Amid Financial and Infrastructure Discussions

Fannin County Commissioners Court Discusses Proposed Battery Energy Storage System
By Allen Rich
June 26, 2025

Fannin County, Texas — All five members of the Fannin County Commissioners Court attended a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The meeting began with an invocation by David Woodson, followed by pledges led by Major James Manis (Ret.).

### Routine Items
The Commissioners Court approved payment of bills totaling $265,937.93, with payroll amounting to $405,494.52 for 145 employees.

They also approved minutes from regular meetings held on September 21, 2021, and February 7, 2023, as well as minutes from a special meeting on July 11, 2023. Fannin County Clerk Jenny Garner is currently addressing the backlog of minutes she inherited.

The Court approved the Treasurer’s Report for May 2025, which included total receipts of $946,524.76. Current property tax receipts were $196,354.78, while sales tax for March was $176,029.69. Interest earned from the county’s TexPool account was $63,894.27 at an average interest rate of 4.3355%. The total interest collected in May amounted to $96,825.00.

### Discussion and Action Items
The Court approved a Request for Proposals for transport and mortuary services for the county, ensuring all qualified vendors have an equal opportunity to participate. Pricing will be a factor, but not the only consideration, and if multiple vendors are chosen, a rotation schedule will be established. Subcontracting is prohibited.

They also approved all bids received for rock, gravel, asphalt emulsions, and road oil. Following the recommendation of Di Hopkins, Development Services Director, the Court approved a one-time severance of 1.1 acres from a 10.134-acre tract on CR 2521 in Precinct 1 (Property ID# 73122).

Additionally, the Court approved a financing proposal from Government Capital Corporation for heavy equipment.

The Commissioners discussed health insurance benefits for Fannin County employees for the 2025/2026 period. The county will transition from a $500 deductible to a $2,000 deductible, budgeting the difference to save nearly $200,000 annually.

A payment of $2,850.73 was approved from the District Clerk’s Special Fund 193 to increase the chief deputy’s salary by 7%, in addition to the 10% raise previously approved on June 11, 2025.

The Court opted not to add a new budget line item for Fidlar software for vital statistics and land records to the County Clerk’s budget for the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year. They also decided to keep the bailiff area at the Fannin County Justice Center open and to install furniture instead of millwork, avoiding a costly change order estimated at a minimum of $100,000.

In a bid to improve traffic conditions, the Court designated specific county roads as restricted zones to prohibit through truck traffic, including roads 2510, 2500, 2040, 2010, and 2005.

The status of the Fannin Rural Rail Transportation District was discussed, particularly regarding funds in a stagnant account that may revert to the state without action. Commissioner A.J. Self was appointed to explore the account’s balance, as the district can be reinstated. The Court is also looking into upcoming state legislation that may provide grant funding for rail districts.

An agenda item regarding filing insurance claims for the courthouse restoration was tabled. Judge Cunningham expressed skepticism about finding significant recoverable costs, but acknowledged Texas’s 10-year statute of repose for construction defects. Commissioner Self suggested a workshop to document existing courthouse issues, while Judge Cunningham emphasized the need for a professional engineer’s assessment.

### Open Discussion Items
Open discussion items are generally passed unless a member or citizen requests discussion. Commissioner Fogelberg suggested limiting repetitive discussions to focus on new issues. Next week, the Court will vote on whether to continue placing repetitive items on the agenda.

Due to pressing needs at the Justice Center, Commissioner Waggoner highlighted the urgency of restoring electricity to prevent mold formation, which could incur substantial costs.

Regarding water issues in Fannin County, the Fannin County Water Supply Agency will meet on July 27 at the Derrell Hall Education Center.

In terms of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), a recent meeting addressed a new BESS proposed near Lake Bonham on Rec. Road 3. Key discussions included ensuring clean-up funds, fire safety measures, and compliance with local zoning regulations. This proposed project is expected to be reviewed by the Court in July or August.

A third BESS is also considering a site south of Bonham on County Road 4200. Questions arose about land usage and tax implications related to this project, with the plant nearing 99% completion.

### Executive Session
The Court did not require an executive session. A countywide clean-up continues following the storm on June 8, 2025. The Fannin County Commissioners Court adjourned at 11:09 a.m.

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