Published: July 12, 2008 06:06 pm      

Oil wells back on county agenda

A request for permits to drill six oil wells returns to the Navarro County Commissioners Court yet again, but this time it’s likely for the last time.

Commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. Monday in the first floor courtroom of the courthouse.

Texas M.O.R. Inc.’s request saw five of the six drilling permits recommended for approval at the Navarro County Lake Planning and Zoning Commission’s meeting earlier this month. The one well site not getting a P&Z recommendation is 136 feet from the nearest residence, which is in conflict with the county’s lakeshore ordinance.

The requests have gone through several meetings, delayed first by a lack of information, then by a conflict over the posting of a road bond by the oil company. With those hurdles overcome, county commissioners now face a “up or down” vote on the drilling requests although they might again see a permit request for the one well site without a P&Z recommendation.

Texas M.O.R. president Vern O.C. Wilson has repeatedly noted the presence of his company in Navarro County. His company recently opened expanded offices in Corsicana and has seen its employment here jump dramatically in recent years.

In other business, commissioners will consider:

• A petition, public hearing and vote on the creation of a Fresh Water Supply District for Southport Marina, Inc. P&Z members have already expressed concern over eminent domain powers included with such a district and have recommended seeking an attorney general’s opinion on if it’s possible to remove that power during the creation phase.

• Approval and continuation of the burn ban, created by emergency order recently by County Judge H.M. Davenport after a recommendation by Eric Meyers Jr., the county’s emergency management coordinator. It needs formal approval by the commissioners court to remain in effect.

• Budget amendments for Precinct 3 and Precinct 4.

• A refund of property taxes to Trinidad Drilling, LLP due to being rendered in an incorrect county.

• A memorandum of understanding for services AT-Risk Children, Youth, Young Adults, and Families with Central Texas Youth Services Bureau, Inc.

• Presentation of an applicant for the county extension agent, 4-H position.

• Final plats for two subdivisions, Grandview Deux and Baybridge.

• A special use permit for Paul M. Kenner for a used manufactured home to be located on SECR 0110. This item was tabled by planning and zoning at its last meeting.

• Payment of bills as submitted by the county auditor and the tax report from the tax assessor/collector.

• Execution session (closed to the public) items that include: pending/anticpated litigation and consultation with an attorney, discussions concerning real property, and a personnel item.

—————

Loyd Cook may be reached via e-mail at lcook@corsicanadailysun.com