Please note: All agenda items are considered PASSED unless indicated otherwise.

OPEN SESSION:

RESOLUTION
1. Consider and take necessary action to adopt a resolution proclaiming August 26, 2025, as “Women’s Equality Day” in Smith County.
 
PRESENTATION
2. Presentation of employee recognition, longevity certificates, and service pins.
 
COURT ORDERS
 
COMMISSIONERS COURT
3. Consider and take necessary action to approve a bond increase, from $10,000 to $500,000, for County Court-at-Law 3 Judge Clay White, effective September 1, 2025, in accordance with SB 387 and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

Starting September 1, 2025, the bond for Judge Clay White of County Court-at-Law 3 in Smith County increased from $10,000 to $500,000, as approved by the Commissioners Court to comply with Senate Bill 387. A judicial bond is like a financial promise that holds judges accountable, ensuring they act responsibly in important cases like minor crimes, family disputes, and wills. This big jump in the bond amount is meant to discourage misconduct or negligence by making judges financially responsible for their actions, showing that Texas is serious about keeping its courts fair and trustworthy for the public.

4. Consider and take necessary action to approve an order authorizing the issuance of Smith County, Texas General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025; levying an ad valorem tax in support of the bonds; approving a paying agent/registrar agreement and official statement; and authorizing other matters relating to the bonds.

Comments: 

We finalized the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025, to fund the remaining $20 million for the Road Bond Phase 2 Program. Managed by Specialized Public Finance Inc., the bonds were awarded to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. 
Key Details:

• Bond Amount: $19,375,000
• Total Cost (Principal + Interest): $30,277,483.46
• Interest Rate: 4.19% (True Interest Cost)
• Term: 20 years, maturing August 15, 2045

The net proceeds will be deposited into the County’s construction fund on September 25, 2025, to support road improvements, exhausting the remaining voter-authorized debt. However, the Road and Bridge Department previously reported a need for an additional $15 million to fully address the Phase 2 road requirements.

5. Consider and take necessary action to approve the receipt of a donation from the Smith County 911 District of wireless microphones, worth the amount of $2,875.90, to the Smith County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.

Comments: 

Smith County Constable Pct 1, Ralph Caraway Jr., was approved to receive a donation of $2,875.90 in funding from the Smith County 9-1-1 District to buy 5 Motorola Wireless Bluetooth Radio Microphones, along with chargers and extra batteries, to help improve emergency communication operations for the Constable and Deputies. This funding was already approved by the Smith County 9-1-1 District Director, Bill Morales. We are deeply grateful to the Smith County 9-1-1 District for their generous support in enhancing emergency communications.

CONSTABLE – PCT 2

6. Consider and take necessary action to approve the reclassification of Precinct 2 Reserve Deputy to full-time paid Deputy effective no sooner than August 25, 2025.

Comments: 

We approved a change for Constable Precinct 2, where Reserve Deputy James Jones will move from a volunteer role to a full-time paid deputy, starting no earlier than August 25, 2025. This change is needed because Deputy Steve Dunklin retired on August 22, 2025, and James Jones will step in to fill his position. We warmly welcome Deputy James Jones to the Constable Precinct 2 team!

ROAD AND BRIDGE

7. Consider and take necessary action to accept the completion of the construction contract for Roadway Improvements to CR 178, with an underrun amount of $23,958.28, authorize the county judge to execute the Reconciliation Change Order, and authorize final payment to A.E. Shull & Company.

Comments:

We accepted the completion of the Roadway Improvements contract for CR 178, performed by A. E. Shull & Company, which was originally awarded for $717,164.10 but completed at a final cost of $693,205.82, resulting in a $23,958.28 underrun. This project, RB-18-25, improved 2.008 miles of county roadways from FM 2868 to CR 168.

FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE

8. Consider and take necessary to approve the Emergency Support Function 6, Mass Care, Annex and allow the Emergency Management Coordinator to upload to the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Comments:

The Emergency Support Function 6, Mass Care, Annex is basically a detailed game plan that’s part of a county’s overall emergency playbook. It spells out exactly how local officials, government agencies, nonprofits like the Red Cross, and other helpers will team up to handle a specific job during a crisis—like providing shelter, food, medical aid, and basic support to people who’ve been hit hard by a disaster, such as a flood or storm. Think of it as a roadmap that assigns roles, coordinates resources, and ensures quick, organized help gets to those who need it most, all while focusing on teamwork to keep things running smoothly and compassionately for citizens in our community.

9. Consider and take necessary to approve the Emergency Support Function 2, Communication, Annex and allow the Emergency Management Coordinator to upload to the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Comments:

The Emergency Support Function 2, Communication, Annex is like a clear plan that helps county leaders, emergency crews, and volunteers—like radio operators—work together to keep everyone connected during a disaster. It focuses on making sure phones, radios, emergency alerts, and other communication tools keep running, especially when things like storms or power outages mess up regular service. Think of it as a guide that sets up who does what, organizes backup systems, and makes sure people get the right info fast, so the community stays safe and in the loop during tough times.

HUMAN RESOURCES

10. Consider and take necessary action regarding the Smith County Health Plan, to authorize renewal of stop loss to AMWINS and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

Stop-loss insurance acts like a financial shield for our employee health plan, covering big medical costs if someone’s claims exceed a certain amount, so the taxpayers don’t have to foot the whole bill. We chose a plan from AMWINS with a $300,000 deductible, meaning we handle claims up to that amount per person before AMWINS steps in to cover the rest. We also opted for a gene therapy add-on, which moves the risk of those expensive treatments to a separate fully insured policy, saving us from paying the first $225,000 of those costs and avoiding potential future premium hikes or “lasers” (higher limits for specific high-risk cases). This decision is about finding the right balance between costs and benefits, while still making sure the plan remains strong and reliable for employees.

ELECTIONS

11. Consider and take necessary action to appoint the 2025-2026 Election Judges from the lists submitted by the Democratic and Republican Parties, in accordance with Chapters 32 and 85 of the Texas Election Code.

Comments:

Michelle Allcon, our Election Administrator, is hard at work preparing for the Constitutional Amendment Election this November. One of the tasks at hand is approving a list of Election Judges, both Republican and Democrat, who have agreed to serve. You can find the full list of Judges on pages 126-127 of the agenda packet for review.

12. Receive proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott ordering a Special Election for November 4, 2025, for the purpose of voting on 17 proposed constitutional amendments.

Comments:

Received.

13. Consider and take necessary action to approve interlocal agreements for conducting elections between Smith County and the following political subdivisions for the November 4, 2025, Special Election and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
           a. City of Whitehouse,
           b. Arp Independent School District,
           c. Troup Independent School District,
           d. Whitehouse Independent School District, and
           e. East Texas Municipal Utility District.

Comments:

The Commissioners Court has approved interlocal agreements for conducting elections in collaboration with various political subdivisions for the upcoming Special Election on November 4, 2025. The agreements outline the estimated costs for each entity involved:

• City of Whitehouse: Estimated election cost is $11,636.50
• Arp Independent School District: Estimated election cost is $9,025.01
• Troup Independent School District: Estimated election cost is $7,786.23
• Whitehouse Independent School District: Estimated election cost is $20,479.39
• East Texas Municipal Utility District: Estimated election cost is $6,974.37

These agreements ensure that the costs and logistics for each election are managed collaboratively between Smith County and these local entities.

14. Consider and take necessary action to approve the Notice of Combined Precincts for the November 4, 2025, Special Election.

In short, some precincts in Smith County will be combined for the election. This is being done to streamline the voting process, make the elections more efficient, and save on resources. While this means that voters in the combined precincts will vote together, Smith County remains a Countywide Polling Place county, so you’ll still be able to vote at any polling location across the county, not just at your assigned precinct.

You’ll be able to find the full list of combined precincts, along with the estimated voter turnout for each, in the official notice. The goal here is to improve overall election efficiency, but voters will still have the flexibility to choose where they cast their ballots within Smith County.

For more details, you can check out the full Notice of Election by visiting the Smith County Current Election Information page.

15. Consider and take necessary action to approve the Notice of Election for the November 4, 2025, Special Election.

Comments:

This notice details the dates, times and polling locations for the November 4th Special Election. Exhibit A lists the 17 proposed Constitutional Amendments. The Notice will be posted on the Elections website.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Proposition 1 – SJR 59 “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System.”

Proposition 2 – SJR 18 “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust.”

Proposition 3 – SJR 5 “The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.”

Proposition 4 – HJR 7 “The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.”

Proposition 5 – HJR 99 “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.”

Proposition 6 – HJR 4 “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from enacting a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions.”

Proposition 7 – HJR 133 “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.”

Proposition 8 – HJR 2 “The constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent’s property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift.”

Proposition 9 – HJR 1 “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.”

Proposition 10 – SJR 84 “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.”

Proposition 11 – SJR 85 “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.”

Proposition 12 – SJR 27 “The constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission’s recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.”

Proposition 13 – SJR 2 “The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000.”

Proposition 14 – SJR 3 “The constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.”

Proposition 15 – SJR 34 “The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children.”

Proposition 16 – SJR 37 “The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.”

Proposition 17 – HJR 34 “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements.”

Comments:

I’m still doing my homework on the proposed Constitutional Amendments. Some of the propositions are no-brainers, while others are a bit more complicated. Once I’ve finished my review, I’ll send out a separate email with my recommendations. In the meantime, I encourage you to do your homework too—I’m looking forward to some lively discussions and a good debate with you!

16. Consider and take necessary action to approve Facility Use Agreements between Smith County and the following locations for the November 4, 2025, Special Election and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
          a. Arp First Baptist Church,
          b. Chapel Hill Fire Department,
          c. Flint Baptist Church,
          d. First Baptist Church-Gresham,
          e. Hill Creek Baptist Church,
          f. Mt. Carmel Baptist Church,
          g. Noonday Community Center,
          h. Old Tyler Airport,
          i. Rose Heights Church-Lindale,
          j. Shiloh Road Church of Christ,
          k. St. Violet Baptist Church,
          l. Swan Wood Springs Methodist Church,
         m. Tyler Independent School District campuses: Bell Elementary, Clarkston Elementary Jones-Boshears Elementary, and Three Lakes Middle School, and
          n. Tyler Senior Center.

Comments:

These are the polling locations covered by a Facilities Use Agreement, which allows us to conduct elections at these sites.

RECURRING BUSINESS
 
ROAD AND BRIDGE

17. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the:
          a. Final Plat for the Murphy 1 Subdivision, Precinct 3; and
          b. Re-Plat for the Ben Roy Bay Subdivision, Precinct 1.
 
18. Receive pipe and/or utility line installation request (notice only) for, County Road 4134,1143,1145, and 1345, Metronet, install fiber optic cable, Precinct 4.
 
AUDITOR’S OFFICE

19. Receive Monthly Auditor Report and Executive Summary for July 2025.

20. Consider and take necessary action to approve and/or ratify payment of accounts, bills, payroll, transfer of funds, amendments, and health claims.

Comments:

BUDGET TRANSFER
DEPT: Justices of the Peace Precincts 3, 4, 5
Transfer From: Contingency = $31,000
 
Transfer To: JP#3 Autopsies = $11,000
                        JP#4 Autopsies = $15,000
                        JP#5 Autopsies = $5,000
 
Explanation: “Cover autopsies. Attached are guidelines for each.”

JP #3 Budgeted $80,000 for Autopsies. Currently has a deficit of -$495.
JP #4 Budgeted $90,000 for Autopsies. Currently has a deficit of -$4,345.
JP #5 Budgeted $75,000 for Autopsies. Currently has $160.50 left in budget.
 
Optum Rx Prescription Billing 8/1/25 – 8/15/25: $181,374.90

ADJOURN