Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

Texas County News Reviews

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North & East Texas

Bell County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with home security company Ring for the sheriff’s department to access video from residents who have installed the company’s cameras at their homes. “This allows us to go into a portal and ask to look at video from some of these neighbors…It’s turned into an effective law enforcement tool,” Deputy Chuck Cox told the Killeen Daily Herald.

Bowie County received a grant of $350,000 from the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a feasibility study to connect Interstate 369 to I-30 and major U.S. highways.

Brazos County Commissioners Court approved a contract with Dallas architectural firm TreanorHL for design and construction management for a new kitchen at the detention center.

Coryell County Commissioners Court approved grants totaling $66,269 to nine fire departments in the county after the recent Harmon Road fire.

Denton County Commissioners Court awarded a contract to Arizona-based Sundt Construction to build Phase III of a new administrative complex – a $41 million office building of 89,225 square feet for several departments, Precinct 1 offices, and the Commissioners Court courtroom.

Grayson County Commissioners Court approved an agreement that will permit county dispatchers to work with Whitewright ISD’s newly formed, two-person police department.

Gregg County received a donation of equipment from the Christus Good Shepherd Health System that will substantially boost the storage capacity of the county’s information technology system and add multiple storage locations.

Harrison County converted the patrol division of the sheriff’s office from 9- to 12-hour shifts, according to the Longview News Journal. “I think (it) is a real benefit for public safety for Harrison County,” Sheriff Tom McCool said. The county received a grant of $150,000 from the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a highway relief route through Marshall.

Jefferson County completed the first phase of its Hurricane Harvey restoration project in drainage district No. 6 with funding and technical assistance from the emergency watershed protection program of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Kaufman County Commissioners Court approved seven school resource officers from the sheriff’s office for the 14 campuses of Forney ISD. Commissioners Court also increased funding for Senior Connect to eliminate a wait list for Meals on Wheels.

Lamar County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with NCIC Inmate Communications of Longview for a telephone system at the county jail.

Leon County Commissioners Court was host to several members of the 4-H club who reported on their experiences in the local program. In other news, Commissioners Court approved a grant to the Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

Liberty County Commissioners Court approved a new security plan for the courthouse that will consolidate public entrances into one near the tax office that will be manned with security personnel and equipped with metal detectors and X-ray machines. The Liberty Vindicator said other doors will be emergency exits.

Milam County has an interim sheriff. Chief deputy Chris White was appointed by Commissioners Court after the death of Sheriff David Greene. The Temple Daily Telegram said Greene died July 20 while on vacation in Portland, Ore. In other business, Commissioners Court approved a total of $24,000 in donations to fire departments in the county and to the child protective services board from the district attorney forfeiture funds. Finally, tax abatements were awarded to Bitmain Technologies for its new $500 million data center in Rockdale.

Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved the addition of a deputy for the Precinct 1 constable’s office to serve as a school resource officer for Willis ISD.

Panola County Commissioners Court approved a tax reinvestment zone at the site of a proposed $125 million gas processing plant in Antioch by Enterprise Products Partners.

Smith County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Dragline Service Specialties, a division of Wyoming Machinery Co., for a $14.9 million project near Tyler that creates 88 new jobs. Commissioners Court also approved the purchase of fleet management software FleetWave from Fitchburg, Mass.-based Chevin and created a disaster relief fund to be administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation.

Upshur County renewed its agreement with Keefe Commissary Network as provider for the jail commissary.

Van Zandt County received a planning grant of $600,000 from the Texas State Historical Commission for restoration of the courthouse.

 

South Texas

Austin County Commissioners Court approved $9.5 million in certificates of obligation for renovation of the sheriff’s office and jail.

Bastrop County Commissioners Court approved $9.3 million in certificates of obligation to finance construction of a community center of 12,500 square feet and emergency shelter near Mayfest Park.

Bexar County enlisted 245 employees in the eight-week Walk Across Texas Health and Wellness Program. The participants walked more than 44,000 miles, including 2,730 miles by leading team Lady Bexars and 731 by leading individual Shannon Washington.

Brazoria County Commissioners Court approved $8.725 million in certificates of obligation to fund capital projects, including construction of a new satellite county office, rebuild of the animal control facility, renovations of the county museum, and a new parking lot.

Caldwell County Commissioners Court approved $6 million in certificates of obligation for capital improvements, including the sheriff’s office, voting equipment, and other projects. Commissioners Court approved purchase of ExpressVote, including hardware, software, pollbooks, and maintenance, from Election Systems & Software.

Galveston County Commissioners Court approved 24 additional sheriff’s deputies to serve as school resource officers at three school districts in the county – 15 additional deputies at Clear Creek ISD, eight at Texas City ISD, and one at Dickinson ISD. In addition, the Moody Foundation donated 200 ballistic helmets and 200 tourniquet kits for county deputies and constables.

Guadalupe County was declared a Purple Heart County. The Seguin Gazette Enterprise said Guadalupe is the 15th county in Texas (along with 38 cities) for this designation. “The contributions of men and women from Guadalupe County have been vital to maintaining the way of life for our citizens,” Commissioner Greg Seidenberger said. In other business, tax abatements were approved for an expansion by local manufacturer Minigrip.

Hays County Commissioners Court selected CP&Y Inc. to conduct an environmental study for expansion of State Highway 21. Commissioners Court also approved the purchase of an election management system with local and state funds from Tenex Software Solutions. In other news, Commissioners Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe and Lon Shell are members of the new Community Partnership Committee for collaboration with the city of San Marcos and San Marcos ISD.

Medina County selected Houston-based Valdarrama Energy Services to conduct a survey of county buildings to determine possible budget savings on energy. Commissioners Court also selected Community Solutions to provide an intrusion detection system and fire and smoke detectors.

Nueces County Commissioner Carolyn Vaughn is chairing a committee working to restore the historic Ritz Theatre in downtown Corpus Christi.

Travis County opened its sobering center in partnership with the city of Austin. The center gives law enforcement and emergency medical staff an alternative destination for intoxicated individuals other than jail or a hospital. The county is providing a building and $1.7 million in annual funds.

Uvalde County officials expect the county’s new flood early-warning system to begin operating this fall. Sensors and monitors are being placed along the Frio, Nueces, and Sabinal rivers. The $554,000 project was partially funded by a grant from the Texas Water Development Board.

Victoria County Commissioners Court approved a contract with architecture and engineering firm PGAL to renovate a former downtown fire station, built in 1916, into a public safety building for the sheriff’s office.

Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a parks master plan that includes a proposed regional trail system. The parks department oversees 27 miles of hiking, biking, and running trails, and another 12 miles will be added in 2019.

 

West Texas

Andrews County Commissioners Court authorized $18 million in certificates of obligation to finance a new jail and sheriff’s office.

Archer County was approved for countywide vote centers for the Nov. 6 general election. The Archer County News said Archer is one of four counties in Texas with less than 100,000 people to receive approval.

Childress County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Misae Solar Park II by Excel Advantage, a project of 515 MW that the Red River Sun said will be the largest of its kind in the world. Construction on the first park was scheduled to start in September.

Crockett County Commissioners Court approved a reinvestment zone for High Lonesome Wind Power and the installation of a security system at the wellness center.

Gaines County Commissioners Court renewed the county’s contract for CodeRED emergency telecommunications service from Ormond Beach, Fla.-based OnSolve.

Garza County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with Flatland Abstract Co. to digitize and index property and land records prior to 2007.

Hockley County Commissioners Court approved an additional $200,000 for Covenant Hospital Levelland.

Lampasas County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of justice of the peace software iCon from NET Data of Sulphur Springs.

Midland County Commissioners Court approved the purchase and installation of additional software from TechShare for $900,000 for case management and electronic filing. In other news, Commissioners Court approved $11.8 million to organizations with written agreements from better-than-expected sales tax collections, including $5 million to Midland ISD, $2.5 million each to Midland College and Midland Memorial Hospital, $700,000 to the Midland Humane Coalition, and $100,000 to Chris Davidson Opportunity Park.

Moore County Commissioners Court authorized several maintenance projects at the airport partially funded with $50,000 from the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) of the Texas Department of Transportation.

Parker County leads the state in new water wells drilled, according to the Weatherford Democrat. Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District general manager Doug Shaw said the district processed about 600 new well applications in 2017 compared to less than 50 for most counties. “There is a tremendous amount of water down there,” Shaw told the Democrat. “Does that mean it’s going to run empty any time soon? No. But it is something to be concerned about.”

Wichita County officials told the Times Record News they are finalizing a list of polling places to replace 16 schools previously used for casting votes. Wichita Falls ISD told Commissioners Court that schools were not available after the May 2018 elections for security reasons.

Wilbarger County Commissioners Court approved the use of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System for emergency notifications and warnings.

Young County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with the city of Olney to place a sheriff’s deputy in Olney while the city has only one full-time police officer.  Commissioners Court also transferred the county’s agricultural activity center with 1.35 acres to the city of Graham for possible use by parks and recreation. **

Texas News Reviews: July 2014

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North & East Texas

Angelina County will partner with Harold’s House (East Texas Alliance for Children) to establish a children’s waiting area at the courthouse – a safe and comfortable space for victims of sexual and physical abuse and neglect who previously had nowhere to wait when attending trials or hearings except wooden benches in the courthouse.

* * * * *

Bell County received about $200,000 for its annual tobacco settlement to be used to cover about two percent of indigent health care expenses, according to the Temple Daily Telegram.  The auditor’s office said Bell has received about $6.5 million from the fund since 1998.  Commissioners Court also renewed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for law enforcement at Belton and Stillhouse Hollow lakes.

* * * * *

Coryell County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Laerdal Medical Corp. for its $1.9 million expansion of 17,500 square feet of warehouse and office space and installation of manufacturing equipment.

* * * * *

Dallas County Commissioners Court updated its financial disclosure policy by designating a central location for all elected officials and department heads to submit annual disclosure forms from the Texas Ethics Commission.

* * * * *

Denton County Commissioners Court approved a $100,000 contract with Freese and Nichols to develop a thoroughfare plan – giving county officials the ability to reserve rights of way on county roads for expansion.

* * * * *

Ellis County now provides live and archived video of the county’s open meetings.  Judge Carol Bush told the Waxahachie Daily Light, “We are very pleased to provide the community with even greater access to the Commissioners Court proceedings.”  Commissioners Court also approved the purchase of a mass notification system from Everbridge for emergency management.

* * * * *

Fannin County Commissioners Court conveyed property to a church in Honey Grove, including a former armory, for use by its youth program and as a food pantry and food distribution center.

* * * * *

Henderson County received the 2014 Platinum Leadership Circle Award from the state comptroller’s office for financial transparency.

* * * * *

Hopkins County Commissioners Court selected Sedalco Construction of Fort Worth as construction manager for the new county  jail.  The Sulphur Springs News Telegram said the jail is scheduled to be completed in fall 2015 to house more than
190 inmates.

* * * * *

Johnson County received a U.S. flag from Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, that flew over the Capitol in Washington, D.C., in honor of the centennial of the Johnson County Courthouse.  Commissioners also authorized a $128,500 study by architect Kenny Burns of Austin on jail remodeling and expansion.

* * * * *

Limestone County Commissioners Court voted to continue maintenance of flood control structures in northwest Limestone County.  According to the Mexia News, the Natural Resources Conservation Service said some of the dams in Limestone have reached the end of their expected 50-year lifespan.  Limestone also received a courthouse repair grant of $41,103 from the Texas Historical Commission.

* * * * *

Rains County Commissioners Court selected Indigent Healthcare Solutions to provide software for the county at $900 per month for
FY 2014-15.  The Emory Rains County Leader said IHS provides software for 110 Texas counties.

* * * * *

Rusk County Commissioners Court voted to transfer jail medical records from paper to a digital database.  Installation of the system will cost $34,000 with an additional $250 monthly fee, according to the Longview News Journal.

* * * * *

Titus County Commissioners Court approved $186,478 in renovations at the Ratliff Building to house the elections administration office and the county tax office.

* * * * *

Upshur County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Ore City-based Steel Country Threaders, which plans a new
$10.5 million pipe heat treatment facility with 140 jobs.

 

South Texas

Bexar County Commissioners Court approved economic incentives for Tacoma supplier Arvin Sango, Inc., which manufactures mufflers and plans to spend $16.6 million and create 46 jobs at a new facility at Toyota’s southside truck plant in San Antonio.

* * * * *

Burnet County Commissioners Court voted to allow the sheriff’s office to accept a donation of 30 AR15 rifles from an anonymous donor.  The Marble Falls Highlander said the donor is a local firearms manufacturer.

* * * * *

Calhoun County Commissioners Court approved plans for a new library in Port O’Connor.  Commissioners Court also accepted homeland security grants of $150,000 for 2012 and $252,132 for 2013 to pay for extra law enforcement.

* * * * *

Cameron County Commissioner Ernie L. Hernandez, Jr., Precinct 2, resigned April 25, according to the Brownsville Herald.

* * * * *

Colorado County held rededication ceremonies in May after restoration work at the courthouse with two grants from the Texas Historical Commission totaling $5.027 million.

* * * * *

Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved a $600,000 project for a pedestrian plaza to connect the courthouse with the William B. Travis Building in Richwood.

* * * * *

Hays County received the Leadership Circle platinum award for the highest level of financial transparency from the state comptroller’s office.  “We met all 22 of the requirements set by the comptroller’s office,” Auditor Bill Herzog told the Dripping Springs Century News.  Commissioners Court also approved a $110,000 expansion of the health department.

* * * * *

Karnes County Commissioners Court approved emergency funding to hire six full-time deputies to staff a new traffic unit for the sheriff’s office.

* * * * *

Lavaca County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Heyco LNG, which plans to construct a $91 million liquid natural gas plant near the Enterprise plant northeast of Yoakum.  It will create eight new jobs, according to the Moulton Eagle.

* * * * *

Lee County received an emergency grant of $450,000 for courthouse preservation from the Texas Historical Commission.

* * * * *

Matagorda County honored District Clerk Becky Denn, who is retiring after 40 years of service to the county.

* * * * *

Orange County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for International Paper for a proposed $80 million expansion of the Temple Inland plant north of Orange on the Sabine River; the plant employs 300 people.

* * * * *

Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe is retiring at the end of 2014 after 25 years – 16 years as County Judge, and nine years as County Commissioner.

* * * * *

Uvalde County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for OCI Solar of San Antonio for a solar farm of 2,500 acres near Garner Field Airport.  The Uvalde Leader-News said it would be the largest solar farm in the state.

* * * * *

Webb County has a temporary County Commissioner for Precinct 1.  Linda Ramirez, a high school teacher, was selected to replace Mike Montemayor, who accepted a temporary suspension, according to the Laredo Morning Times.  Commissioners Court also adopted a new pay scale that will mean a salary increase for most county employees.

* * * * *

Wilson County received an emergency grant of $450,000 from the Texas Historical Commission for repairs to the 130-year-old courthouse.

 

West Texas

Andrews County Commissioners Court accepted payment of more than $400,000 from Waste Control Specialists (WCS) for the first quarter of 2014.  The county receives
5 percent of WCS’ gross receipts in four payments each year for community projects such as a splash park and a community building.  Commissioners Court also approved construction of skeet and trap ranges for the 4-H Club for $77,451 by Excel Construction.

* * * * *

Borden County accepted a donation of $5,000 from Wind Tex Energy for its helipad lighting project.

* * * * *

Dawson County Commissioners Court assigned tax abatements for Mesquite Creek wind farm to Union Bank and designated a reinvestment zone southeast of Lamesa for Lamesa Solar, a solar energy farm.

* * * * *

Eastland County is receiving $71,000 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for trash removal, according to Eastland County Today.

* * * * *

Ector County Commissioners Court awarded a contract of $33,741 to Hawkins Construction for a walking track and outdoor pavilion at Southside Senior Center.

* * * * *

El Paso County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority to install a toll collection system at the new Tornillo-Guadalupe port of entry.  The El Paso Times said the system, the first of its kind in the region, will cost the county
$1.7 million.

* * * * *

Hardeman County conducted rededication ceremonies in May for its 106-year-old courthouse after restoration with $5.5 million in grants from the Texas Historical Commission.  Among the speakers were County Judge Ronald Ingram, former County Judge Ken McNabb, Sen. Robert Duncan and Rep. Drew Springer.

* * * * *

Hudspeth County Commissioners Court approved measures to tighten the requirements to qualify for the county’s indigent health care program.

* * * * *

Kerr County has an interim commissioner for Precinct 4.  Replacing Bruce Oehler, who died, is Bob Reeves, president of the Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show Association.

* * * * *

Lynn County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Phase II of Stephens Ranch Wind Energy, which will construct a total of 205 wind turbines in Lynn and Borden counties.

* * * * *

Parker County expects to save $1.053 million after Commissioners Court voted to refund the county’s series 2005 tax certificates – achieving total present-value savings of 7.284 percent of the $12,105,000.  Judge Mark Riley said S&P Rating Co. also upgraded the county’s bond rating from AA- to AA.

* * * * *

Pecos County Commissioners Court heard a report from McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis on outdoor lighting practices in the oil fields in seven counties in West Texas, their effects on the night sky, and control of light pollution.

* * * * *

Presidio County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for SunPower and First Solar for proposed developments near Marfa.

* * * * *

Schleicher County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of COPsync law enforcement computer equipment and software for six vehicles in the sheriff’s department for four annual payments of $12,295 each.

* * * * *

Taylor County Commissioners Court approved an intergovernmental transfer of $600,000 to the Health and Human Services Commission to quality for additional federal funds to expand indigent health care.

* * * * *

Tom Green County Commissioners Court voted to rename the justice center the Judge Michael D. Brown Justice Center in honor of Brown, who retired last December after serving as county judge from 1995 to 2013.

* * * * *

Ward County Commissioners Court accepted a “check” for $650,544 representing volunteer hours of service by Monahans Area Retired School Personnel for such organizations as Meals on Wheels, 4-H, Friends of the Library, and Desert Sands Garden Club. H

– Compiled by Garner Roberts

Texas News Reviews: June 2014

by

North & East Texas

Angelina County Commissioners Court granted permission for a military exercise at the county airport by the Operations Group of the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La.  The airport will remain open with county staff members, but the runway lights will be off during the nighttime exercise.

* * * * *

Bowie County Commissioner Pat McCoy resigned in April, and Judge Sterling Lacy appointed Texarkana businessman Mike Carter to fill the vacancy.

* * * * *

Dallas County was recognized by the National Weather Service as a “Storm Ready Community,” a national preparedness program that distinguishes communities for their work in advance planning, education, and awareness of hazardous weather situations.

* * * * *

Denton County adopted CodeRED, an emergency communications network, for residents across the county.

* * * * *

Ellis County Commissioners Court approved a grant of $25,000 for Meals on Wheels.

* * * * *

Grayson County Commissioners Court voted to require county employees covered in Grayson’s insurance program to get annual physical examinations, including biometrics and online health assessments, or pay a fine.

* * * * *

Houston County Judge Erin Ford was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Product Development and Small Business Incubator Board.   

* * * * *

Jefferson County Commissioners Court approved tax incentives to speed the development of a hotel and water amusement park at Ford Park.

* * * * *

Johnson County received a U.S. flag from Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, that flew at the U.S. Capitol in honor of the centennial celebration of the courthouse.

* * * * *

Kaufman County Commissioners Court approved installation of cameras on school buses to catch drivers who fail to stop as children exit buses and to catch drivers who are speeding in school zones.  Commissioners Court also approved $1.l million to renovate a National Guard armory building for use as a regional dispatch center.

* * * * *

Limestone County Commissioners Court approved tax refunds for Rogers Manufacturing Co., which is establishing a new
$2.6 million facility in Mexia to employ at least 21 people to build wooden trusses.

* * * * *

McLennan County Commissioners Court eliminated six county positions (justice of the peace, clerk, and constable in each of two precincts) by approving a new map that reduces the justice of the peace precincts from seven to five.  The Waco Tribune said the move will save McLennan about $1 million in four years.

* * * * *

San Augustine County Judge Samye Johnson was honored by the Deep East Texas 12-county branch of the National Association of Social Workers as the Elected Public Official of the Year.

* * * * *

Smith County Commissioners Court added electronic cigarettes to the list of tobacco products banned within and adjacent to county facilities.

* * * * *

Upshur County Commissioners Court approved a two-year contract with Sysco-East Texas of Longview for food for inmates in the county jail.  Commissioners Court also approved a contract with Longview-based Community Healthcore for emergency mental health services.

 

South Texas

Bexar County reached an agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas to purchase the bank’s building of 90,980 square feet and an adjacent parking lot in downtown San Antonio.  Construction of a new bank building is nearing completion, according to the San Antonio Express News.

* * * * *

Burnet County is again operating its jail after Southwestern Corrections did not sign a new contract when the previous contract expired March 31.

* * * * *

Comal County Commissioners Court voted to abolish the position of county elections administrator and assign duties of voter registration and elections management to the county clerk.  Commissioners Court also allocated $20,000 to begin converting a donated 52-acre tract of land near Canyon Lake into James Curry Nature Center.

* * * * *

Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with Fort Bend County Women’s Center for funds to help victims of family violence and child neglect.

* * * * *

Gonzales County Commissioners Court approved a joint physical fitness and wellness program with the local Texas Department of Public Safety.  Also, Commissioners Court voted to purchase the Randle-Rather Building in downtown Gonzales to provide much-needed space for the office of the tax assessor-collector.

* * * * *

Guadalupe County Commissioners Court voted to donate
4.76 acres of land owned by the county to the city of Martindale to expand Allen Bates River Park.

* * * * *

Hays County Commissioners Court approved $5 million for the southwest portion of the SH45 road project, a four-lane toll road in southwestern Travis County and northern Hays County.

* * * * *

Hidalgo County has an interim sheriff until the November election.  Eddie Guerra, 52, Precinct 4 constable, was appointed after the resignation of Lupe Trevino.  Commissioners Court also honored county resident Pedro Cano, World War II veteran and U.S. citizen since 1946 who was one of 24 recipients of the Medal of Honor on March 19 in Washington, D.C.

* * * * *

Lavaca County Commissioners Court approved the sale of the county’s old jail for $35,000 to Rita Inc. of Brenham.

* * * * *

Live Oak County received a donation of $5,000 from Talisman Energy for new computers.

* * * * *

Matagorda County conducted a free health fair for county employees and residents in May on the grounds of the courthouse.

* * * * *

Travis County Commissioners Court approved a $1 million program to help poor families in unincorporated areas with housing, job training, services for children and teens, behavioral health services, and access to healthy food and good transportation.  Also, the community of Travis Country in southwest Austin earned recognition as a Firewise Community from the National Fire Protection Association.  In addition, Commissioners Court approved
$84.8 million in bonds for transportation and park projects, design of a new medical examiners building, and part of construction of a building for the district attorney.

* * * * *

Washington County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of 10 conducted electrical weapons by TASER International for the sheriff’s office.

* * * * *

Williamson County Commissioners Court voted to pay $10,000 to evaluate a new source of water in adjacent Lee County.  Williamson is considering buying rights from 180 acres in the Corrizo-Wilcox aquifer, a major source of groundwater extending from Louisiana to Mexico.

 

West Texas

Andrews County Commissioner Hiram Hubert resigned in March during his third term.  His interim replacement, Jeneane Anderegg, businesswoman and volunteer, is the county’s first female Commissioner, according to the Andrews County News.

* * * * *

El Paso County Commissioners Court approved the use of a new automated phone calling system, I-Plow, justice collection and compliance solution provider in San Antonio, to collect unpaid fines and court fees.

* * * * *

Hardeman County held rededication ceremonies in May after restoration of its 106-year-old courthouse.

* * * * *

Hemphill County Commissioners Court voted to fund construction of a Texas Department of Public Safety scale facility in Canadian.  The Canadian Record said total cost is about $300,000.

* * * * *

Kerr County received the Gold Star Safety Award for the 2nd consecutive year from the Texas Association of Counties.  This award is given to counties with an active safety program that meets or exceeds the award criteria.  All of Kerr County’s departments comply with the county’s safety and health programs.  The Kerry County Road and Bridge Department continues to innovate new ways to prevent both vehicle and workers’ compensation injuries.

* * * * *

Parker County Commissioners Court adjusted the county’s 50 percent cost-share agreement with the city of Springtown to $700,000 for a flood mitigation project, according to the Springtown Epigraph.

* * * * *

Pecos County Commissioners Court approved an annual grant of $25,000 for the Lilah Smith Safe House for victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

* * * * *

Reagan County Commissioners Court approved the paving of two streets in Big Lake as “a clear benefit to the county” to improve highway access for residents northeast of the city.  The Big Lake Wildcat said the cost is about $100,000.

* * * * *

Scurry County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements and a $2.7 million, 30-year loan for the Texas Housing Foundation, which has proposed a 127-unit apartment complex in Snyder.  Half the units will provide affordable rent based on income, according to the Snyder Daily News.

* * * * *

Wise County has an interim County Judge.  Glenn Hughes, the county’s special projects manager and interim commissioner for Precinct 4, was appointed to serve as Judge after the death of Bill McElhaney until the November election.
– Compiled by Garner Roberts

 

Texas News Reviews – May 2014

by

North & East Texas

Anderson County received a federal grant of $79,195 for equipment for the juvenile and sheriff’s departments.

•••••

Angelina County accepted state grants for special court programs of $94,000 for a substance abuse re-entry program, $100,000 for drug court, and $32,000 for family court.

•••••

Bell County Commissioners Court approved a resolution of support for development of a 50-unit apartment complex for senior citizens in Saledo by JES Development Co.

•••••

Bosque County Commissioners Court appointed Judge-elect Dewey Ratliff to fill the unexpired term of Cole Word, who retired after 12 years.  The Meridian Tribune said Ratliff, former county EMS coordinator, is the first Republican Judge for Bosque since the county was established in 1854.

•••••

Gregg County Commissioners Court approved a payment of $511,100 as the county’s portion of a $5 million project for roads around East Texas Regional Airport.  The project is primarily funded by the Federal Aviation Administration.  Commissioners Court also approved the purchase of computer software for inventory from Records Consultants of San Antonio.

•••••

Harrison County Commissioners Court approved a grant of $350,000 from the Texas Department of Agriculture to fund connection of water supply systems for Leigh and Karnack.

•••••

Henderson County Commissioners Court approved the sale of property to Nautical Affordable Housing for $27,460, the amount of the tax judgment against the property, according to the Malakoff News.  Nautical will remove an old nursing home and apartment building to allow for new development.

•••••

Johnson County Commissioners Court approved a contract of $41,000 with RIO Steel and Tower for a tower to hold the $50,000 CASA weather radar unit that officials say will significantly improve public safety.

•••••

Leon County Commissioners Court approved a contract with Southern Health Partners for inmate health care services, including a registered nurse several days a week at the jail.

•••••

Limestone County Commissioners Court approved a contract with TxDOT Aviation for expansion of the airport.  The county will provide funds for 10 percent of the $2.8 million project.

•••••

Marion County Commissioners Court approved a contract with Champion EMS for $2,500 per month.

•••••

Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved a tax increment financing policy to support and stimulate continued economic growth and to provide guidelines for developers and businesses.

•••••

Nacogdoches County Judge Joe English resigned in March near the end of his second term to “accept a position with another county,” according to the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel.

•••••

Navarro County Commissioners Court voted to accept a donation of $250,000 from the Navarro Community Foundation for courthouse renovation.

H

Panola County has its first female County Judge in its 167-year history, according to the Longview News-Journal.  LeeAnn Jones, a 19-year veteran of the County Judge’s staff, was elected with 50.04 percent of the vote in the recent Republican primary to succeed David Anderson, who did not seek re-election.  No Democrats filed for the office.

•••••

Robertson County Commissioners Court approved a hazard mitigation plan to make the county eligible for federal grants and to help support applications for grants.

•••••

Upshur County accepted $164,824 from oil pipeline company TransCanada for road use damages.

•••••

Walker County opened its
$18 million state-of-the-art new jail of 75,000 square feet.

 

South Texas

Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski was named Citizen of the Year by the Industry-West End Lions Club.  Bilski, who is completing her fifth term, is the first female County Judge in Austin County, according to the New Ulm Enterprise.  In other business, Commissioners Court also approved the county tax office’s new policy of not accepting cash.

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Brazoria County Judge E.J. (Joe) King, 70, who served as sheriff before being elected Judge in 2004, is retiring Dec. 31, according to the Houston Chronicle.

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Comal County Commissioners Court accepted the donation of 43 undeveloped acres for a park from the Helena Kleck Vivian Living Trust.

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Guadalupe County is relocating offices to its new justice center, a
$1.3 million project of the Koehler Co. that will complete the remodeling of a building that previously housed Economy Furniture.  The total project, including the original purchase price of the building and an adjacent parking garage, was $14.5 million, according to the Seguin Gazette.

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Hays County Commissioners Court approved a grant of $25,000 for the Greater San Marcos Youth Council.  Commissioners Court also accepted a grant of $8,799 from the National Rifle Association to purchase shotguns for each of the county’s constable offices.

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Jim Hogg County has a new Judge.  Dr. Humberto Gonzalez was appointed to complete the unexpired term of the late Guadalupe Canales.  Gonzalez will begin a four-year term Jan. 1, 2015, after his recent election to the post.

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Karnes County has a new interim County Judge after Judge Barbara Shaw resigned in March, according to the Karnes Countywide.  Attorney Richard Butler, whose father Ted Butler was County Judge in 1959-63, was appointed interim Judge.

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Travis County Commissioners Court authorized $15 million for Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority to help finance the
$100 million Texas 45 Southwest tollway over a sensitive aquifer.

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Victoria County Commissioners Court voted to purchase software from IQM2 for live broadcasts on the county’s website of public meetings.  “Our ultimate goal is to reduce cost and improve efficiency of county government and enhance our transparency and open government,” County Clerk Robert Cortez told the Victoria Advocate.

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Willacy County Commissioners Court approved a contract of approximately $1 million with Peacock General Contractors of Harlingen for Laguna Point Recreation Park, which will include a 200-foot fishing pier, playground, walking trail, conservation and habitat area, and a boardwalk.  Funding includes $800,000 in state grants.  Commissioners Court also approved $50,000 to help Lyford build four ball fields at the city’s park.

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Williamson County Commissioners Court voted to retain Prime Strategies and HNTB, both of Austin, for bond projects.  Voters approved a $315 million bond package in November for roads and parks improvement.  Prime Strategies will be general engineering consultant for road projects, and HNTB will be responsible for construction and administration.  Commissioners Court also approved a total of $545,315 for fire departments, $20,000 for the fire chiefs association for training, and $165,000 for renovations at the Jonah Community Center.

 

West Texas

Andrews County Commissioners Court approved floor plans for the first commercial hangar at Andrews County Airport.  The
$1.29 million project will provide a hangar for KCSI Aerial Patrol.

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Borden County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with the city of O’Donnell for rural fire protection.

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Collingsworth County Commissioners Court accepted the resignation of Sheriff Jerry Allen, according to the Wellington Leader.  Kent Riley was appointed to replace Allen.

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Culberson County Commissioners Court approved remodeling of the Big Bend community action center to house the county’s food bank.

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Dawson County Commissioners Court approved a county grant of $10,000 for Lamesa’s Chicken Fried Steak Festival.

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Ector County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Invenergy, which has proposed a $120 million, 386 megawatt power plant near Goldsmith.

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El Paso County Commissioners Court approved Phase II of $17.2 million for a roadway that will connect Interstate 10 to the new Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry.  “The highway is a very important component of the port of entry,” Commissioner Vince Perez told the El Paso Times.  “It’s ultimately the road that is going to help relieve traffic to I-10.”

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Gaines County Commissioners Court selected Sedalco Construction of Fort Worth as construction manager at risk for its $8.14 million law enforcement center with a 72-bed jail.

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Kerr County has a new County Judge.  Commissioners appointed Judge-elect Tom Pollard, attorney, and he took the oath of office in March to replace Pat Tinley, who died in January.  In other business, Kerr County Commissioners Court approved $3.8 million in certificates of obligation to fund several projects, including renovations of the exhibit hall and the indoor arena at Hill Country Youth Event Center, a new communications system for the sheriff’s office, and a new firehouse for Kerrville South.  Commissioners Court also approved a 10-year agreement with the city of Kerrville for fire and EMS services.

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Moore County Commissioners Court approved a request by American Legion to construct a new shooting range primarily for members of the Boy Scouts and 4-H Club.

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Ochiltree County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of mobile data terminals for eight vehicles in the sheriff’s department for $16,149 from local merchant A Tech 4 U.

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Pecos County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements and a reinvestment zone for Recurrent Energy for 2,500 acres for a solar farm expected to generate 100 megawatts of electricity.

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Scurry County Commissioners Court approved two resolutions of support for housing tax credits with the Texas Housing Foundation for an affordable housing project.

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Ward County Commissioners Court approved an exchange of land with the Monahans Economic Development Council to acquire 12 acres for the proposed Ward County Events Center.

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Wheeler County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of a 2014 Ford ambulance for North Wheeler County EMS from Southwest Ambulance Sales of Garland for $159,271.  Also, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards approved the county’s new law enforcement center.

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Wilbarger County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Fikes Wholesale, which plans to demolish a truck stop on U.S. Highway 287 and build a new $3.95 million travel center with a 24-hour restaurant.

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Wise County and Fort Worth-based Steele & Freeman Inc. received the 2013 Distinguished Building Award for the county’s branch campus of Weatherford College in the category of buildings in North Texas from $10 million to $30 million.

– Compiled by Garner Roberts

Texas County News Reviews

by

North & East Texas

 

Anderson County Commissioners Court approved an ordinance to allow construction of two heliports in the county.

 

Cherokee County Commissioners Court approved a $2.7 million airport development plan that will begin with extending roads around the airport, taxiway and ramp.

 

Cooke County Commissioners Court approved a grant of $5,040 to Abigail’s Arms to start a battering intervention and prevention program.  Commissioners Court also marked the 50th anniversary of Muenster Memorial Hospital District.

 

Coryell County Commissioners Court renewed agreements with Milam and McLennan counties to house overflow inmates from Coryell’s crowded jail.

 

Dallas County Commissioners Court approved a project of $165,000 for outreach to voters regarding the state’s new voter identification law.

 

Ellis County received two Homeland Security Grants through the Texas Department of Public Safety. In other business, Commissioners Court approved a contract with Swagit Productions of Plano for live video streaming of Commissioners Court meetings.

 

Johnson County Commissioners Court celebrated the birthday of a former teacher, Sister Herbie Stone, who received her teacher’s certificate from Paul Quinn College and taught in a one-room school in Venus.

 

Kaufman County Commissioners Court approved a county recovery plan to encourage the rebuilding of homes and businesses after a major disaster.  Commissioners Court also issued $31 million in transportation bonds.

 

Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of six new Harley-Davidson motorcycles for $73,602 with the trade-in of five sheriff’s office motorcycles.

 

Morris County Commissioners Court approved a new communications tower to be erected for $81,159 by Inter-County Communications of Sulphur Springs.  The project includes a grant of $63,460.

 

Panola County Judge David Anderson was named chair of the board of trustees for East Texas Baptist University.

 

Robertson County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of a drug dog for the sheriff’s office for $8,500.

 

Shelby County Commissioners Court approved tax abatements for Tenet Health Corp., which plans a $7.8 million emergency medical facility as part of Nacogdoches Medical Center.

 

Somervell County Commissioners Court voted to deed 7.19 acres of land in Gibbs Industrial Park to Prometheus Solutions, which plans to make at least $1 million in improvements within 18 months with construction of a weapons manufacturing facility.

 

Titus County Commissioners Court approved $1.8 million in repairs to a bridge on U.S. Highway 271 over the Union Pacific Railroad.

 

Walker County Commissioners Court awarded a contract of $39,470 to LMC Corp. of Houston to improve security at the district attorney’s office.  Walker County also received a federal grant to replace a bridge on Stubblefield Lake Road near the entrance to campgrounds in Sam Houston National Forest.

 

South Texas

 

Aransas County Commissioners Court approved projects worth some $1 million for 2014 at Aransas Pathways, including primitive trails, bird drips, pavilions and ponds.

 

Austin County Commissioners Court approved construction of a new communications tower and base for the sheriff’s office.

 

Bexar County Commissioners Court approved a $7 million flood control project on the west side of San Antonio at Elmendorf Lake Park.

 

Brazoria County Commissioners Court approved purchase of 183 acres of land adjacent to the Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport for airport expansion and economic development.

 

Burnet County is seeking another company to operate the 592-bed jail after its five-year agreement ended March 31 with LaSalle Southwest Corrections.  Commissioners Court also accepted a donation of $17,500 to purchase computer equipment for the sheriff’s office.

 

Edwards County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with Sutton County Hospital District for a clinic in Rocksprings.

 

Fayette County Commissioners Court approved a plan for commercial development of an oilfield pipeline training facility by Weishuhn Engineering on 1,942 acres known as Lazy Q Ranch.  Fourteen structures will be built, including a septic system, classrooms, housing, and a food preparation area.

 

Fort Bend County held rededication ceremonies for its historic courthouse after a $5.8 million restoration project on the 105-year-old building.  Commissioners Court also voted to refinance $18.8 million in county debt to save more than $2 million, and voted to approve an agreement with the city of Katy for fire protection in certain unincorporated areas of the county.

 

Hays County Commissioner Will Conley was re-elected chairman of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

 

Jim Hogg County Commissioners Court voted to reopen the nutrition center for seniors after receipt of a federal grant of $55,910.

 

Kleberg County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of equipment for volunteer firefighters in Riviera and Ricardo.

 

Lavaca County Commissioners Court approved a project to scan images from about 10,000 courthouse files for $23,839 with Cogniserv of Irving.  Lavaca received a grant for the project of $35,000 from the Dickson-Allen Foundation.

 

San Patricio County Commissioners Court approved reinvestment zones and tax abatements on the LaQuinta Ship Channel for Occidental Chemical and Dupont, which plans a $150 million plant with groundbreaking in 2015 and start-up in 2016.

 

Uvalde County Commissioners Court received a grant of $500,000 from the Texas Department of Agriculture for the Colonia Construction Fund to replace on-site septic systems at Uvalde Estates and Utopia.

 

Victoria County Commissioners Court approved a project led by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority to study logjams in rivers and creeks in the region that are causing flooding.  Also, Commissioners Court added a fourth online recording system, PropertyInfo Corp. of San Antonio, for real estate documents.

 

Waller County Commissioners Court authorized $5 million in certificates of obligation for the remodeling of county facilities.

 

Willacy County Commissioners Court approved plans to use $2 million in wind farm revenue from Duke Energy to help fund a multimillion-dollar sports complex and events center on 50 acres of land.  Another $60,000 in wind farm revenue will help fund a Boys and Girls Club, and the county will donate $250,000 for lights at a city Pony League field in Raymondville.

 

Williamson County Commissioners Court banned the use of electronic cigarettes inside and outside county buildings.

 

Wilson County Commissioners Court issued $8.5 million in certificates of obligation to fund renovation and stabilization of the courthouse and courthouse annex.

 

West Texas

 

Andrews County Commissioners Court approved a contract of approximately $1.2 million with NC Sturgeon of Midland for a commercial hangar for a pipeline patrol business at the county airport.  The facility of 15,600 square feet is expected to cost $800,000, including a grant of $300,000 from Andrews Economic Development Council.

 

Cochran County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of new video systems for sheriff’s office vehicles for $48,915 from Watch Guard, and hardware replacement for the county jail for $60,100 from  Southern Folger.

 

Crockett County Commissioners Court accepted a bid of $255,000 from Lopez Construction for a new animal control building.

 

Donley County Commissioners Court approved a contract of $30,091 with Texas Panhandle Cyber Medics for a new security system for the jail, courthouse, and courthouse annex.

 

El Paso County Commissioners Court authorized the sheriff’s office to accept a federal grant of $1.25 million to pay for 10 school resource officers.

 

Hall County received provisional approval for its hazard mitigation plan from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.  The plan also covers Etelline, Lakeview, Memphis and Turkey.

 

Lubbock County Commissioners Court voted to purchase property in Lubbock for $696,960 for expansion of EMS maintenance facilities.

 

Nolan County Commissioners Court gave its approval for a new 300-acre rail terminal near Sweetwater by Fort Worth-based USA Rail Terminals, which has served the oil and gas industry across the United States for about 20 years.

 

Pecos County Commissioners Court approved the purchase of 22 laptop computers and docking stations for $74,808 from COPsync for vehicles of the sheriff’s department to enable the department to share data with other agencies.

 

Presidio County Commissioners Court approved a reinvestment zone for SunPower, which is proposing a 300-acre solar power plant of 50 megawatts near Marfa.

 

Schleicher County accepted the donation of a sound system valued at $7,560 for the civic center from Eldorado Game Association.  – Compiled by Garner Roberts

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