Always putting YOU first!
Serving Smith County – Precinct 1
Government Transparency & Accountability
If you are interested in regular updates from Commissioner Christina Drewry, please send the info below.
PRESS RELEASE
Statement on the FY2027 Budget & tax rate vote
I am not a politician. I am an EMPLOYEE of Precinct 1. I see my BOSSES every month — whether it’s my weekly Coffee with the Commissioner, my monthlyTown Halls, checking on road issues or their replies to my weekly emails. They know what’s happening with their money because I tell them. And they told me, plainly: Don’t raise my taxes. Trim your own budget first.
The latest update
September 22, 2026 – Commissioners Court
Commissioners Court Notes
Please note: All agenda items are considered PASSED unless indicated otherwise.
OPEN SESSION:
RESOLUTIONS
1. Consider and take necessary action to approve a resolution proclaiming September 20-26, 2026, as “National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Week” in Smith County.
Comments:
I was proud to read this resolution proclaiming September 20–26, 2026, as National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Week in Smith County.
CERT is neighbors helping neighbors when the professionals cannot get there first. These volunteers train on their own time so Smith County is more prepared when a storm, fire, or other emergency hits.
I want to recognize Jason Boyd, Director of Smith County CERT, and the CERT members who joined us in the courtroom. We are grateful for Brandon Moore, Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator as our Team Lead.
I am a trained CERT member, and so is my husband. I appreciate every volunteer who puts in the hours so our communities can take care of their own. Thank you for showing up and for the work you do year-round.
2. Consider and take necessary action to approve a resolution proclaiming September 20-26, 2026, as “PATH Week” in Smith County.
3. Consider and take necessary action to approve a resolution proclaiming September 25, 2026, as “Roundup Day” in Smith County.
PRESENTATION
4. Receive burn ban update from Fire Marshal Chad Hogue.
Comments:
Fire Marshal Chad Hogue gave the Court a Week 5 update on the countywide burn ban that was ordered on August 18, 2026. There were 32 incidents during the week.
COURT ORDERS
COMMISSIONERS COURT
5. Consider and take necessary action to approve a Contract for Legal Services for Smith County Mental Health Patients, FY 2027 between Smith County and Richard Patteson and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
Comments:
This is the annual contract for court-appointed legal counsel in mental health commitment proceedings in County Court. Similar to our indigent defense contracts, Smith County contracts with outside counsel to represent patients in those cases.
The FY 2027 contract with Richard Patteson runs October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The annual amount is $40,020 or $3,335 per month.
This is the same structure and amount we approved for FY 2026.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
6. Consider and take necessary action to approve and ratify the FY2027 Solid Waste Grant Program Agreement between Smith County and East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG).
Comments:
We approved and ratified the FY2027 Solid Waste Grant Program Agreement with the East Texas Council of Governments. The grant provides $4,000 to offset costs. The next county cleanup event is scheduled for April.
ELECTION’S OFFICE
7. Consider and take necessary action to approve the Notice of Election for the November 3, 2026, General Election.
Comments:
The Court approved the official Notice of Election for the November 3, 2026, General Election. This is the public notice required before early voting begins.
Early Voting Dates: October 19–30, 2026
Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23: 8:00AM –5 :00PM
Saturday, October 24: 7:00AM – 7:00PM
Sunday, October 25: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30: 7:00AM – 7:00PM
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3
Vote Centers open 7:00AM–7:00PM
Registered Smith County voters may vote at any listed Vote Center.
MAP of Voting Centers
Questions: scelections@smith-county.com or 903-590-4777.
JUVENILE SERVICES
8. Consider and take necessary action to approve the donation of a “Tiny Home” constructed by students at the H.O.P.E. Academy to Calvary Commission, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, § 263.152.
Comments:
Over the past 2 years, students at Smith County Juvenile Services’ H.O.P.E. Academy built a tiny home as part of their program. The Juvenile Board approved donating it on September 3, 2026. The Court approved the donation to Calvary Commission.
That is the right use of surplus property. The students learned a trade. The county does not spend extra money hauling or storing a building it no longer needs. A local ministry puts the home to work. I am proud of the H.O.P.E. Academy students who built it.
PURCHASING
9. Consider and take necessary action to award a contract to Wellborn Mechanical Services for 31-26 HVAC Services for Smith County and authorize the County Judge to sign all related documentation.
Comments:
On August 4, 2026, the Court authorized Purchasing to bid annual as-needed HVAC services for county buildings. Two bids came in. Purchasing recommended Wellborn Mechanical Services as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Ed Nichols, Facilities Director said that the price stayed the same as last year and that they have a great working relationship with Wellborn.
Wellborn Mechanical: $167,799
This is an as-needed contract for maintenance, repairs, and small projects. Competitive bidding is how we keep HVAC work priced right for the taxpayer.
RECURRING BUSINESS
COUNTY CLERK
10. Consider and take the necessary action to approve the Commissioners Court minutes for August 2026.
11. Receive Commissioners Court recordings for August 2026.
ROAD AND BRIDGE
12. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the:
- Final Plat for the F.M. 344 South Subdivision, Unit 2, Precinct 1,
- Final Plat for Coyote Canyon, Precinct 3, and
- Re-Plat for Wild Estates, Unit II, Precinct 3.
AUDITOR’S OFFICE
13. Consider and take necessary action to approve and/or ratify payment of accounts,
ADJOURN
Events
Upcoming Event
Flag Retirement Ceremony
Saturday October 3, 2026 @ 2pm
VFW Post 1799, Tyler, TX
Recurring Meetings
Coffee with the Commissioner – Precinct One
Join us each Wednesday* at 8 am
at Blakeney Hardware
* unless otherwise noted
Lindale Republican Club
Meets the 1st Thursday of each month
Grassroots America – We the People
October 13 – Topic: The Texas Property Tax Showdown after Three Decades of Debate
November 10 – Speaker: Loren Spivak, national speaker & author
December 8 – Speaker: State Sen. Bryan Hughes, Chair, Senate State Affairs Committee
Smith County Republican Club
Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month
Smith County Republican Women
Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month
Potpourri House
3320 Troup Hwy, Tyler
Our September Town Hall was PACKED!
Grateful for these patriots who gave up a Friday night to learn how their county actually works and ask the questions that matter. We talked budget, the higher tax rate, and how we fight together for a better FY28.
This is you using your power. I work for you. I report to you. You ask the questions and tell me how you feel.
That’s accountability. That’s a job review — and that’s how this job is supposed to work.
Town Hall – Save the Date!
Tentatively on
Friday, October 30
@ 6:30 pm
My Town Halls…
are held monthly for members of the community to gather together to discuss issues, concerns and ideas. These meetings can provide the citizens with information about the decisions of the Commissioners Court, capital improvement projects, road repair updates and other county business. You can’t do anything about what you don’t know!
From time to time, other elected officials or department heads may want to give a special presentation and/or take questions. I want to encourage any elected official that would like to engage with the public to join me.
Town Hall meetings serve as a way for me to gather feedback about our decisions, input on proposed policies or projects, and address concerns raised by the community. This is my job review! I answer to you.
Just as our founding fathers, I believe in the consent of the governed and I support your right to free speech. I encourage you to come as you are and engage with your elected official about your community. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend.
*No food or drinks will be served at this meeting.
*This is an informal meeting.
*We will not live stream or record.
I hope you can join us!
Remember…
County Commissioners have a duty to:
Protect our citizens’ natural rights against rogue actions of the state or federal government;
Prioritize obtaining “consent of the governed” through transparency and citizen participation;
Ensure every election is secure and the results for every vote cast in every race or ballot initiative can be verified;
Ethically manage county business;
Uphold the rule of law at all times;
Prioritize public safety through effective law enforcement and the court systems;
Represent the people of our precincts over special interests;
Properly maintain county infrastructure (roads, bridges, drainage, buildings, vehicles, equipment, county data, and human resources);
Utilize tax revenue effectively and efficiently, ensuring the highest quality for the best price;
Set a tax rate with the burden of the taxpayer at the forefront of our minds.