On Sunday, May 15, 2022 the field crew of Upper Jasper County Water Authority was dispatched to a major water leak on RR 255.  Upon completion of the repair, one of our men was returning to the Authority office when the engine locked up in the company truck.  Then, just two days later, on a return trip from our South System, the motor came apart in our oldest truck, throwing engine parts all over Hwy 63W.

We were then down to one only truck to use for all daily operations.  The Board of Directors discussed purchasing a used, refurbished engine for the first truck, as there were no funds available at that time for the purchase of a new truck.  That would at least make it possible to not use the haul truck on a daily basis.  Field Supervisor, Jonathan Williams volunteered to install the replacement motor in an attempt to save the Authority mechanic fees. 

The Water Authority and the Precinct 1 County Barn are located next to each other.  The Precinct 1 County Commissioner Seth Martindale saw Jonathan Williams actively working on replacing the engine in the first truck and knew that the Water Authority would still be down a vehicle once the install was complete.   

During the next Commissioner’s Court, Commissioner Martindale explained that UJCWA was trying to operate both the North and South Systems with only one vehicle.  He explained that Precinct 1 has a 2003 Ford F150 that was about to be retired.  He asked the Court if he could donate the soon to be retired Ford F150 to Upper Jasper County Water Authority.  The Commissioners voted in favor of Commissioner Martindale’s recommendation. 

UJCWA would like to give a special thank you to Commissioner Martindale for recognizing the need and for presenting that need to the Jasper County Commissioners Court.  We would also like to thank the Court for approving the truck donation.  This kind act has provided a great relief to the Water Authority in a time of need.