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

OPEN SESSION:

RESOLUTIONS

1. Consider and take necessary action to adopt a resolution proclaiming April 5-11, 2026, as “National Public Health Week” in Smith County.

2. Consider and take necessary action to adopt a resolution proclaiming April 2026, as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Smith County.

COURT ORDERS

CONSTABLE PCT 5

3. Consider and take necessary action to approve an order authorizing the sale/trade of County (Precinct 5 Constable) owned surplus firearms to Sentinel Supply, a Federal Firearms Licensee, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: 

We approved the order authorizing the sale/trade of 88 surplus firearms from Precinct 5 Constable’s Office to Sentinel Supply. Constable Wesley Hicks explained that these firearms had been cleared case-by-case after sitting in evidence for years. The office will receive a $5,370 credit toward needed law enforcement equipment. Any firearms with no resale value will be destroyed at no cost to the county.

Constable Hicks specifically noted that part of the credit will go toward purchasing a ballistic shield — now a state-mandated item under House Bill 33 (the Uvalde Strong Act) from the 89th Texas Legislature. HB 33 requires law enforcement agencies to have sufficient tactical equipment, including ballistic shields, to respond effectively to critical incidents. Using the credit from surplus firearms helps us meet this unfunded mandate without pulling extra money from the general budget. This is exactly the kind of smart, resourceful approach I support — turning unused county assets into tools that keep our officers safer while protecting your tax dollars.

PURCHASING

4. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the Purchasing Department to advertise, solicit, and receive sealed bids for the following:

1. RB-27-26 Pavement Preservation Program,
   
2. RB-28-26 Road Improvements to CR 42 (SH 110 to FM 724), and
   
3. RB-29-26 Road Improvements to CR 178 (CR 192 to CR 168) & CR 167.

Comments:

We authorized the Purchasing Department to advertise, solicit, and receive sealed bids for three important road projects. This includes the regular FY26 Pavement Preservation Program as well as two Phase 2 Road Bond projects — improvements to CR 42 and, especially important for Precinct 1 residents, road improvements to CR 178 (from CR 192 to CR 168) and CR 167.

I have received a lot of complaints from Precinct 1 residents about the poor condition of CR 178. I’m very glad this project is finally going out for competitive bidding. Competitive bidding will help ensure we get the best possible price and quality of work while protecting your tax dollars. Addressing long-standing road issues in Precinct 1 remains one of my top priorities.

321ST DISTRICT COURT

5. Consider and take necessary action to approve a Smith County Indigent Defense Agreement for the 321st District Court with Jeremy Coe and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

We approved the Smith County Indigent Defense Agreement for the 321st District Court with Jeremy Coe. Civil District Attorney Thomas Wilson explained that one of the existing contract attorneys decided to move on, creating a vacancy. District Judge Wilson selected Jeremy Coe as the replacement, and he began work effective April 1, 2026. This item serves as the formal ratification of that contract.

These indigent defense contracts are critical because they ensure that defendants who cannot afford private counsel still receive competent legal representation as required by state and federal law.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

6. Consider and take necessary action to approve an interlocal agreement between the City of Dallas and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office regarding the North Texas (Dallas) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

We approved the interlocal agreement with the City of Dallas and the Dallas Police Department so our Smith County Sheriff’s Office can continue participating in the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

Chief Tim Jones explained that ICAC is a nationwide network of 61 task forces made up of more than 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Their mission is to investigate, prosecute, and prevent online child sexual exploitation — including child enticement and the sharing of child sexual abuse material. Smith County has been an active member of the Northeast Texas ICAC Task Force for several years. This new interlocal agreement formalizes our partnership with the Dallas-led task force and, for the first time, makes us eligible for reimbursement of training and salaries.

Important: These funds come from federal and state sources — zero additional cost to Smith County taxpayers. Protecting our children from online predators is one of the most important things we do, and I’m glad our Sheriff’s Office can stay fully engaged in this critical work while bringing outside dollars back home.

RECURRING BUSINESS

ROAD AND BRIDGE 

7. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the final plat for the Old Kilgore Addition, Precinct 3.

8. Receive pipe and/or utility line installation request (notice only):
a. County Road 149, CenterPoint Energy, install gas line for service, Precinct 1, and
b. County Road 383, Oncor Energy, LLC, install new poles and line, Precinct 3.

AUDITOR’S OFFICE

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

Comments:

We approved the bills. This included standard insurance proceeds for the Sheriff’s Office and a small transfer within the FCIC budget.

ADJOURN