County Judge optimistic for 2020

Wilbarger County Judge Greg Tyra said that 2019 was a good year for Wilbarger County and he is optimistic for 2020.

“I think it’s going to be a good year for Wilbarger County. As always, there are challenges we will have to face, but there are no pressing issues that we have not dealt with. We have a dedicated group of elected county officials and employees that are working hard for the citizens and are watching the budgets tightly. The county finances are in good shape. Wilbarger County is a good place to live and there are a lot of opportunities,” Judge Tyra said.

Judge Tyra said the county had made several improvements to county facilities during 2019, including installing new custom fitted curtains at the Wilbarger Auditorium. The previous curtains in the facility had been original with it from the 1950s. The county installed new lighting at the show barn exhibit building. County facilities got a technological upgrade by hooking onto fiber optic internet at the courthouse.

“Airport improvements were made to the runway and new lights installed. Other airport renovations will be coming in the next year,” Tyra said. “Precinct 4 is doing lots of road upgrades with material allotted from the state.”

Judge Tyra said that the closure of the AEP power plant, scheduled for this coming September is a concern as it will significantly impact the county’s tax base and employees a number of local families.

“We have been planning for it and looking into all of our options. We will be all right,” he said.

Tyra said that another wind farm is coming in the south part of the county, that will make four wind farms and other alternative energy company are considering wind and solar farms.