Montgomery County Commissioners agreed to a contract that will allow the county permitting process be available online. The public will be able to go online to file for permits beginning in nine months.
Commissioners accepted a bid from Schneider Geospatial in the amount of $33,900 with an annual maintenance fee of $23,700 for the software and implementation of the new service.
The online portal will be used for the filing and obtaining numerous permits from nearly all county departments such as the building department, planning and zoning, health department plus more.
County residents will benefit from the new portal by eliminating numerous trips to government offices, paying for permits on line and 24/7 communication about the permit process.
County Building Department Director Marc Bonwell said the new service should be available to the public by the end of 2024.
Commissioners entered into an agreement with THRIVE West Central in the amount not to exceed $5,000 for the purpose of a grant to demolish the old Alamo High School Gymnasium. The gym has been neglected for several years and is considered to be unsafe. The partially collapsed building sits inside the town of Alamo.
The agreement gives permission for THRIVE to pursue a grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs Blight Clearance Program to raze the blighted property.
If THRIVE obtains the grant, then the fee will be waived because their services would be paid through the grant.
An engagement letter with Peters Franklin LTD was accepted to provide advisory services in relation to the issuance of the proposed lease rental property tax bonds to be used for courthouse repairs and renovation. The cost of the service is $42,500.
County Administrator Tom Klein announced there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the Purple Heart Parkway project at 3 p.m. April 2. The ceremony will take place near the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant located at 1870 U.S. 231 South.
An ordinance to prohibit visitors to the courthouse from bringing beverages and food was approved on first reading.
Commissioners signed a resolution to transfer the vacant building at 110 W. South Boulevard to Montgomery County Community Fund Bridge. MCCF has plans to construct an early learning center at the property. Ground breaking is schedule for 11:30 a.m. April 11.
Commissioners honored county recorder Jennifer Pursell for 30-years of service which began in 1994. Pursell worked in the clerk’s office previously to being the county recorder. Pursell has told commissioners she is resigning her post as of April 5.
