TERRELL, Texas — Open Infra Inc. was back on the Kaufman County Commissioners agenda on January 9th for the second week — this after only six weeks of construction in the county marred by busted water and sewer pipes, damaged roads, and complaints from rural utility districts and residents.
TERRELL, Texas — Open Infra Inc. was back on the Kaufman County Commissioners agenda on January 9th for the second week — this after only six weeks of construction in the county marred by busted water and sewer pipes, damaged roads, and complaints from rural utility districts and residents.
Monique Hunter, Kaufman County’s Development Services Director, reported to the Commissioners Court that, as instructed on January 2, 2024, they had developed guidelines for fiber permits moving forward and a memorandum of understanding that companies would sign. The memorandum outlines the expectations and procedures to be followed upon obtaining permits.
During the January 2nd meeting, the Commissioners tabled future Open Infra permit applications until January 9th, after staff had a chance to create guidelines, discuss further, and be prepared for future work. The existing permits granted to Open Infra were to remain active, and their work could continue.
Over the last week, more damage has occurred at Open Infra’s work sites in Kaufman County, according to county officials, and an outstanding invoice has not yet been paid. Open Infra paid one damage-related invoice issued by Rose Hill Special Utility District (Rose Hill SUD) and stated at the last Commissioner’s Court meeting that they’d review a second outstanding invoice.
When County Judge Jakie Allen inquired about the outstanding invoice, Steven Fowler, Head of Construction Operations at Open Infra, said it would go for “further litigation," and a possible insurance claim.
“I think that one is going to go into further litigation,” stated Fowler. “There’s no agreement on culpability or who is at fault.”
In response, County Judge Jakie Allen told the Commissioners that Open Infra had done the work.
“I guess if they weren’t drilling, it wouldn’t have happened,” said Judge Allen.
Open Infra has been working in the Rose Hill SUD for just over six weeks, and according to the SUD, they have been hit seven times by Open Infra’s workers.
InForney.com visited the SUD’s headquarters and obtained a photo of a water pipe allegedly damaged by Open Infra team members who, county and SUD officials say continue to carelessly drill.
The 65-foot section of pipe was damaged on December 14, 2023, around 2 p.m. Rose Hill SUD crews worked until 10 p.m. to fix the damage and restore water to customers.
According to Hunter, the county has had more than two dozen complaints, which includes the complaints Kaufman County Commissioners have fielded. The damage alleged caused by Open Infra includes water lines, culverts, septic lines, county roads, and a crews have left debris at their job sites.
Hunter recently received a call from a Septic Provider letting her know that Open Infra had cut into a septic lateral line when they entered a property from a right-of-way. Hunter now recommends that if a homeowner is going to sign up for fiber optic, know where their septic lines are and provide that information to the contractors.
Back to the Commissioners Court meeting, Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Moore stated that the Commissioners and others involved are hearing that repairs will be made, yet nothing is being done. He recommended the Court not approve the permits going forward.
“We’re hearing all of the ‘we’ve got this,’ the blame game, but nothing is being done,” stated Moore. “After that meeting on the 20th…..we discussed that it was supposed to stop, and everything was blamed on Dennis or somebody else; my recommendation is not to approve the permits going forward.”
Last week, Open Infra continued working on existing permits, and now Moore says two more roads need to be repaired following that work.
“Last week, two roads were done the same way, so not only do we have to go rip up 4116, now we have to 277 and 302 because the same thing that happened last week. So when will this stop?” said Commissioner Moore. “It doesn’t appear to be stopping, so there’s a communication failure here, so I would say we need not to approve this, and then next week I’ll take it to Executive Session.”
Judge Allen expressed frustration over the lack of concern and action shown by Open Infra throughout this process.
“I think it’s very aggravating when we are promised this, and it’s like talking to my three-year-old,” Allen said to Open Infra's Fowler. “I know you hear me, but do you understand me?”
Allen said that either the crew is not listening or being told not to care.
“We have to come to a resolution to fix this. It’s our citizens; it is a health and safety issue, and we’ve wasted a lot of time here talking about something that should have already been taken care of,” said Allen.
Open Infra is a Swedish company, and its headquarters locally is in Denton. Their Better Business Bureau reviews and reviews on other sites rate them poorly, with many complaints expressing the sentiments felt in Kaufman County.
Regarding the permit process and work at the county level, Hunter said they have tried to work with Open Infra, exhausting every reasonable attempt.
“The county has made every reasonable attempt to work with Open Infra on the issues we have been experiencing,” said Hunter.
“The county never wants to stop someone from coming in and giving the citizens something that is needed and valuable; however, not at the expense of their property or the infrastructure," said Hunter.
