Wood County commissioners approved an action plan Tuesday concerning broadband with the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). 

Executive Director David Cleveland reported the four projects in the county to receive funds from the grants, Quitman, Alba, Hawkins and Winnsboro, to bring broadband to these areas. 

These projects are fiber-optic deployments and the creation of public Wi-Fi access for each of the cities.

Estimated budgets for these projects are Quitman, $199,092; Hawkins, $191,038; Alba, $148,422; and Winnsboro, $145,210.

The Quitman project includes fiber on the square at Main, Lipscomb, Stephens, and Bermuda Streets, then travels down Goode St. (Hwy. 154). The free Wi-Fi will also cover Jim Hogg City Park just south of downtown.

In Alba, the fiber will run the length of Broadway between Holly St. and Quitman St. This will give free Wi-Fi access for downtown Alba. In Winnsboro the fiber line runs the length of Main Street between Broadway and Locust. At Hawkins, the fiber runs downtown along Beulah and Blackburn Streets giving Wi-Fi to downtown. 

ETCOG serves as the bridge between federal, state and local governments, helping cities and counties solve challenges and impact the future regionally. 

Wood County Economic Development Commission member Lee Smith has been working diligently on getting Wi-Fi to as much of Wood County as possible.

ETCOG has developed a regional broadband strategic plan for unserved and underserved rural areas in East Texas. Wood County is one of 14 counties served by ETCOG. 

In other action, commissioners approved the rules of procedure, conduct and decorum at the meetings of commissioners.

Commissioners approved the annual maintenance agreement with Maddox Air Conditioning, Inc. for $1,089. The renewal of the agreement offers regular inspection and periodic maintenance that can add years to the life of the air conditioning system. The contract will last until Dec. 31. 

Several personnel moves were approved. In the Sheriff’s Office, Austin Milbourn was changed from a patrol sergeant to patrol lieutenant, replacing Paul Holland, who resigned. Robert Comeaux was transferred from jailer to jailer sergeant. 

Sean Graham resigned from the Juvenile Probation Office, Tiffany Murdock was hired full-time for the auditor’s office, Tonia Lassen was hired full-time as a custodian of public facilities, and in Price. 3 Steven Kappus went from road tech to foreman.

Commissioners approved a request from Prec. 4 Commissioner Russell Acker to advertise for bids to purchase a used dump truck. Bids will be opened Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. and bid will be awarded Feb. 17.

A public hearing on the revision of Lots 390 and 391, Section 9, Holly Lake Ranch Subdivision was held and commissioners approved a public hearing March 7 at 9 a.m. Also set for a March 7 was a public hearing for the revision of Lots 199 and 200, Section 9, Holly Lake Ranch Subdivision at 9 a.m.

A public hearing was held and a revision for Lots 206, 207 and 208, section 9 at Holly Lake Ranch Subdivision was approved. Another public hearing was held and commissioners approved a revision for Lot 5, Block 3, Golden Acres Subdivision.  

Commissioners approved a resolution to select a grant administration firm to assist in the submission and administration of a contract, if awarded, from the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Community Block Grant Program on behalf of Sharon Water Supply.