Johnson County
Hearing, truancy program on agenda
The Johnson County Commissioners Court will listen to concerns about a proposed slaughterhouse in Alvarado, consider a truancy prevention program for Precinct 1, and decide on the installation of 15 road signs at a regular meeting Monday.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Jerry Stringer said he has received about 20 opinions on a proposed slaughterhouse and meat processing plant to be located at 4601 Maxey Road in Alvarado, off Farm-to-Market Road 917 and about 14 miles northeast of downtown Alvarado.
“In that particular area, I made sure the folks in approximately a quarter to half a square mile around that was aware that there was going to be a public hearing,” Stringer said. “Just north of there is a subdivision that’s got probably 30 or 40 homes in it, not 300 yards away. In fact, there are some residences that border the property that is wanting to do this, so I thought it was important to get the imput of everybody in the area.”
The court is capable of approving the construction without input but decided to hold a public hearing with members of the surrounding community, Stringer said.
The court will also consider the installation of “No thru truck” signs on 15 different lengths of road in Precinct 3 but must hold a public hearing to comply with state law.
“A number of the county roads are being used as a pass through from a state road to another, and that’s not really the intent of a county road,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner John Matthews. “If there is a business purpose on that road, that’s perfectly legal, but overweight trucks and water haulers, the things that tear up the roads, are going to be restricted from using those roadways.”
A truancy program, using alternative technological methods to keep kids in school, has been used for several years, Matthews said. Commissioners will consider entering a contract with Cleburne Independent School District to bring the program to Precinct 1.
“Precinct 2 and Precinct 3 have implemented some innovative new programs where we’re putting on ankle bracelets and monitor devices instead of sending kids to juvenile hall, and that’s working out very well,” he said.
The commissioners will also consider placing information and instructions about the 2010 census on the county Web site. If approved, the information should be posted immediately, Matthews said.
In other business, the court will continue discussions on the architectural design, financial program requirements, and other details concerning the adult probation building, the old band hall for Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace offices, and the third floor expansion of the Guinn Justice Center.
Matthews said he expects to reappoint Precinct 4 Commissioner Don Beeson to the board of directors for the Johnson County Central Appraisal District for 2010-11 at the meeting.
“He’ll go kicking and screaming, but we’ll send him to the wolves again,” Matthews said.
The court meets at 9 a.m. Monday morning in Room 201 of the Johnson County Courthouse at 2 Main St. in Cleburne.
- Johnson County
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