Monitor Photo/Di Johnson
State Representative Keith Bell (third from left) delivers a resolution celebrating 175 years of Kaufman County to Commissioner Tommy Moore (from left), Commissioner Skeet Phillips, County Judge Jakie Allen, Commissioner Terry Barber and Commissioner Mike Hunt at the Kaufman County Commissioners’ Court meeting Oct. 10. County officials are dressed in period garb from the start of the county.

Monitor Photo/Di Johnson
Representative Lance Gooden’s District Director Jennifer Alden (third from left) presents Commissioner Skeet Phillips (from left), County Judge Jakie Allen, Commissioner Mike Hunt, Commissioner Terry Barber and Commissioner Tommy Moore with a certificate from Gooden.

KAUFMAN COUNTY–County officials were in the spirit of celebration as Kaufman County was recognized for 175 years Oct. 10 at the commissioners’ court meeting. Commissioners and County Judge Jakie Allen wore period dress from 1848, the time of the county’s birth, and special visitors Texas Representative Keith Bell, Christopher Morris of Senator Bob Hall’s office and Representative Lance Gooden’s District Director Jennifer Alden attended to honor the occasion.
“The word of the day in Kaufman County is dapper,” said Bell, joking about the costumes worn by officials before beginning his speech. “It’s an honor to be here in front of you, and it’s a great occasion.”
Bell read a resolution from the state for Kaufman County for the 175th-anniversary celebration and spoke on the county’s prosperity and longevity, stating he was honored to be a citizen of Kaufman County himself for the last 40 years.
“I’m proud of the job you guys are doing here,” said Bell. “You should be commended for that, and you’re setting us on the path for the next 175… I appreciate your service.”
Alden also presented a certificate from Gooden to commissioners and Allen celebrating the anniversary of the county, and Morris brought a proclamation from Hall congratulating Kaufman County.
A celebration for county leaders was held at the Poor Farm that evening with guest speakers and refreshments. Additional celebration for the public will be held in downtown Kaufman Oct. 14 during the City of Kaufman’s harvest festival.
In other business, commissioners:
• Approved consent agenda items.
• Approved a letter of commitment for a flood control dam.
• Approved a replat on Pea Ridge Road.
• Declared Oct. 8-14 Fire Prevention Week in Kaufman County with a theme of cooking safely.
• Approved Sustainable Pavement Technologies as a sole source vendor.
• Discussed county purchases from Amazon.
• Agreed to enter into a contract with MB Concrete Construction per an interlocal agreement with the City of Forney for concrete maintenance and repair.
• Approved financing a paving machine for Pct. 1 Road & Bridge.
• Discussed a TxDOT proposal to purchase a small piece of property from Kaufman County for road expansion.
• Approved renaming the Kemp Sub-Courthouse as the Kaufman County Pct. 4 Annex Building.
• Approved the City of Crandall annexing Blackland Road.
• Approved line item and budget corrections.
• Approved claims for payment per the county auditor.