Hockley County Commissioners Update Disaster Declaration

The Hockley County Commissioners met Wednesday morning in an emergency meeting to act on the disaster declaration which was signed by the County Judge on March 19th.

The Commissioners Court took action to renew the local disaster declaration and to amend it to match the Governor’s Executive order which limits gatherings to no more than 10 people. County Judge Sharla Baldridge pointed out that it is necessary to keep the local declaration in place to aid in enforcement as well as future federal and state funds.

Commissioners also took action to amend the Hockley County Emergency plan to show the penalty for non-compliance of disaster declaration, including up to a $1000 fine and/or 180 days in jail.

Judge Baldridge noted that the Texas Department of Health Services is concerned about the number of cases of COVID-19 in Hockley County, noting that Lubbock which is 13 times larger than Hockley County has 14 cases and Hockley county has 5 cases. It was discussed that more restrictions may have to be put in place to combat the spread. All county commissioners echoed that they wish to leave the restrictions as they are, but, add the enforcement piece and law enforcement will strictly enforce across the county.

The disaster declaration will expire at 11:59 pm on April 3rd unless extended by the Commissioners Court.