NEW BOSTON, Texas -- Bowie County Commissioners agreed Monday to cancel a previous car-purchasing plan in favor of a new plan to acquire five new SUVs for the Sheriff's Office.
Commissioners agreed to spend $223,674 in American Rescue Plan funds to purchase the 2023 Ford Explorers rather than spend $204,524 to buy five 2022 models.
County Judge Bobby Howell said the change amounts to just a house-clearing measure to get newer vehicles to the Sheriff's Office.
In other business, commissioners listened to a presentation by Corey Williams, a public information officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance. Williams spoke on the possible need to offer disaster assistance and relief loans not only to county businesses, but also to homeowners and nonprofit agencies.
At least one or more tornadoes tore through Simms and New Boston on Nov. 4.
Williams told commissioners the SBA has set up an office at New Boston City Hall.
Commissioners also adopted a five-year hazard mitigation plan. The agreement is between the county and the cities of DeKalb, Hooks, Leary, Maud, Nash, New Boston, Red Lick, Redwater and Wake Village, along with the special district of the TexAmericas Center.