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 May 9, 2026, as “Bishop Rodney Lamar Atkins Day” in Smith County.

COURT ORDERS
COMMISSIONERS COURT

2. Consider and take necessary action to approve an application for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts distribution of Unclaimed Property Capital Credits for 2025 and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

We approved the application for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts distribution of Unclaimed Property Capital Credits for 2025. Electric Cooperatives are member-owned, not-for-profit organizations. Any extra money left after covering costs is allocated back to members as capital credits. When some of those credits go unclaimed – often because people have moved or passed away – state law requires the cooperatives to turn them over to the Texas Comptroller as unclaimed property after a set period.

The Comptroller then distributes those funds to the counties where the electricity was originally used. For Smith County, this is essentially a refund coming back home.

Approving this application is simply the first step that allows the funds to be processed and deposited. Every dollar helps offset county operations without increasing your property taxes.

These distributions have been a helpful, recurring source of non-tax revenue in past years. It’s a quiet, practical win for Smith County taxpayers.

3. Discuss Participation in a Sub-Regional Planning Commission pursuant to Chapter 391, of the Texas Local Government Code.

Comments:

This was a discussion item only — no vote today. We had a strong turnout from Smith County and Van Zandt County citizens, and I’m grateful to everyone who came to speak.

The goal of a Chapter 391 Sub-Regional Planning Commission is simple and practical: it lets neighboring counties work together on shared issues that cross county lines — things like large-scale solar farms, battery storage facilities, groundwater protection, transmission lines, and other developments that affect our rural way of life, property rights, fire safety, and long-term water resources. 

We heard powerful testimony:

• David Dunnigan from Van Zandt County shared eight years of experience fighting industrial solar developments that surrounded his property. He explained how developers told rural counties “you can’t do anything about it,” and how a 391 Commission gives local governments a stronger, united voice with state agencies like TCEQ, PUC, and ERCOT instead of fighting these battles alone.
• State Senator Bob Hall and Representative Daniel Alders both encouraged participation, stressing the need to protect agricultural land, our aquifers, and reliable power while holding developers and state agencies accountable.
• Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese walked us through how their commission operates at zero cost to taxpayers — no new taxes, no bureaucracy, just elected officials (at least two-thirds of voting members) working together, with citizen advisors like farmers and our Fire Marshal able to participate.
• Nancy White and other citizens spoke passionately about fire risks from battery storage, toxic solar waste, threats to our groundwater, and the importance of slowing down to ask the right questions before more projects are rubber-stamped.

I’m encouraged by the public participation and the willingness to collaborate from our neighboring county. This tool does not create new regulations, zoning, or taxes. It simply gives East Texas counties a coordinated platform to request better studies, protect rural values, defend property rights on both sides of the fence, and push back against predatory development while keeping decisions local.

We will bring a formal resolution and appointments back to Court Tuesday, May 12, for action. I want to thank Senator Hall, Representative Alders, Judge Reese, David Dunnigan, Nancy White, and every citizen who took time to be here. Your voices matter — this is exactly how we defend liberty through active participation and strong local leadership.

I’m excited about the possibilities for protecting Van Zandt & Smith County’s future.

EAST TEXAS AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE

4. Consider and take necessary action to approve the FY2027 Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) Task Force grant for the benefit of the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

We approved the FY2027 MVCPA Task Force grant application for the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force, including our $25,232 local cash match.

This is a smart regional partnership that stretches your tax dollars. The East Texas Auto Theft Task Force covers multiple counties and works with the Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to target vehicle thefts, catalytic converter crimes, and related organized theft rings. Our relatively small local match helps unlock significantly more state grant funding for overtime, equipment, training, and investigations that individual departments couldn’t afford on their own.

BUDGET OFFICE

5. Consider and take necessary action to approve the proposed FY 27 Budget Calendar developed by the Budget Officer in collaboration with the County Auditor.

Comments:

Budget Officer Timothy Hollis presented the proposed FY27 Budget Calendar. It follows our standard timeline and includes one dedicated evening budget workshop on Tuesday, August 25 at 5:30PM to give working citizens and county employees a more convenient time for real input. We approved the calendar so we stay on track for a responsible, transparent budget process that protects taxpayers.

Important note for Smith County citizens: You do not have to wait for the formal public hearings to be heard. The budget will appear on the Commissioners Court agenda multiple times between now and September. You can come to any regular Tuesday meeting at 9:30AM and speak during public comment when the budget is a listed agenda item. We also have the required public hearings for your input and a special evening workshop scheduled on August 25. 

If you’re concerned about property taxes, road repairs, public safety, or how your money is being spent, now is the time to show up and speak. Last year the evening hearings opened and closed in minutes because almost no one attended — that’s not how we get better results. Your voice matters, and consistent citizen participation is one of the best tools we have to keep taxes in check and make sure county government delivers real value.

I will send reminders through my email list and website as key dates approach. Mark your calendar now for the August 25 evening workshop and plan to attend the regular meetings when budget items are posted. Active, engaged citizens make Smith County better. I look forward to hearing from you.

ROAD AND BRIDGE

6. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the payment of compensatory time currently accrued by the Road & Bridge Department through May 16, 2026, and to further authorize the payment of overtime pay for the remainder of FY2026 (May 17 through September 19).

Comments:

This is a practical move that helps our road crews be more productive during the best working months of the year. The department has built up a significant amount of compensatory time. We authorized payment for that accrued comp time through May 16. Then, for the remainder of FY26, May 17 through September 19, we approved overtime when needed — especially during the long summer daylight hours when crews can safely work longer days.

This allows them to patch more potholes, mow more right-of-ways, repair more drainage issues, and complete more maintenance projects while the weather and daylight are cooperating. The comp time payout and overtime will be covered out of existing salary lag, roughly $300,000 available in the department’s budget, so it does not require new taxpayer dollars.

FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE

7. Consider and take necessary action to approve the Memorial Day firework season of May 20, 2026, through May 25, 2026, at midnight.

Comments:

We approved the designated fireworks sales and use period with the Fire Marshal’s oversight to keep everyone safe. Have a safe & happy Memorial Day!

8. Consider and take necessary action to approve and adopt the Smith County Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

The Smith County Hazard Mitigation Action Plan update for 2026 is a comprehensive, FEMA-compliant, multi-jurisdictional plan, with approximately 1,358 pages, that identifies natural hazards facing our county — such as flooding, tornadoes, severe weather, extreme heat, wildfire, and winter storms — and outlines practical, cost-effective actions to reduce their long-term impacts on lives, property, and our local economy.

Developed over more than two years with input from Smith County, ten participating cities, Emergency Services Districts, Tyler ISD, and the public, the plan includes a detailed risk assessment and prioritized mitigation projects. A public survey received 267 responses from residents across the county, which helped shape the final document by highlighting community concerns (especially tornadoes, flooding, and severe weather) and support for infrastructure improvements, better public education, warning systems, and grant-funded home and property protections.

A special note of thanks goes to our Emergency Management Coordinator, Brandon Moore. As a one-man office with no assistant or additional staff, Brandon poured tremendous dedication, expertise, and countless hours into leading this complex update while continuing to handle all of his regular responsibilities. The quality and thoroughness of this plan are a direct reflection of his outstanding work.

Why this matters to you: Adopting this plan keeps Smith County and our cities eligible for millions of dollars in federal and state hazard mitigation grants that can fund projects like drainage improvements, wildfire risk reduction, tornado shelters, and infrastructure hardening — projects that lower insurance costs, protect homes and businesses, speed up disaster recovery, and make our growing community safer and more resilient for years to come. It is a proactive investment in a safer, more secure, and sustainable future for all Smith County residents. 

AUDITOR’S OFFICE

9. Consider and take necessary action to sign the FY27 CEO/Law Enforcement Certifications and Assurances Form for the benefit of the Sheriff’s office.

Comments:

This is a required yearly certification that allows the Sheriff’s Office to remain eligible for important state and federal grants and funding programs. These funds help pay for law enforcement equipment, training, overtime, vehicles, and other critical public safety needs without putting the full burden on local property taxpayers.

It’s one of those quiet but essential “housekeeping” items that keeps our Sheriff’s Office properly positioned to receive outside money that supports the deputies who protect our families and property every day. Without these certifications, we could lose access to grant funding that helps keep Smith County safe.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

10. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the donation of surplus computer equipment to Mustard Seed Ministries from Smith County pursuant to Local Government Code 263.152(a)(4)(A)(B).

Comments:

We donated surplus county computers to a great local ministry that helps our community.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

11. Consider and take necessary action to reclassify Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher Position, 13 to Sheriff’s Office Terminal Agency Coordinator and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

We approved the reclassification of an existing Sheriff’s Office dispatcher position (#13) to Terminal Agency Coordinator.

This is a no-cost change — same salary, same benefits, no new position. The update aligns the job title and duties with the critical work the employee already performs, including management of TCIC/NCIC systems and serving as the Local Agency Security Officer.

FINANCIAL CRIMES INTELLIGENCE CENTER

12. Consider and take necessary action to approve a lease agreement between Smith County and Commercial Vehicle Leasing, L.L.C., d/b/a D&M Leasing via State of Texas Contract for one FCIC vehicle and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation. 

Comments:

We approved a lease for one additional vehicle for the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC). The Governor has expanded FCIC operations across the state, which means they are adding more investigators to their satellite offices. More investigators require more vehicles to do their jobs effectively. This is a standard three-year lease for a 2025 Ford F-150.

Important clarification for taxpayers: While this lease is 100% funded by the State of Texas, that does not mean it is “free.” The only money the State has comes from taxpayers first. These state dollars were already appropriated by the Legislature for the FCIC. Smith County is simply the landlord approving the lease so the state-funded operation can continue.

This costs Smith County taxpayers nothing extra. It supports important regional work fighting financial crimes, fraud, and organized theft rings that affect all of us.

RECURRING BUSINESS
ROAD AND BRIDGE

13. Receive pipe and/or utility line installation request (notice only):

1. County Road 2205, Southwire for Oncor Electric, replacing underground electric cable with directional road bore, Precinct

AUDITOR’S OFFICE

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

Comments:

Treasurer’s Office – Transfer of $3,500 from office supplies to office training to cover June, August, September registrations, hotel, mileage and meals.

Elections Administration – Transfer of $55,541.80 from Miscellaneous Equipment ($30,000) and Election Expense ($25,541.80) to Computer Software. *This is not from the General Fund (SC taxpayer) money.  These are special funds appropriated for Elections – Fund 61.

This funds DocAccess software that makes critical election documents ADA compliant for our website. Texas Election Code requires the Elections Office to post many complex documents within tight time frames. DocAccess dramatically reduces the time and effort needed to make these documents accessible, allowing staff to meet legal deadlines much more efficiently. This is a smart use of dedicated election funds that improves compliance and public access without any additional cost to Smith County’s General Fund.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

15. Receive report on status of Smith County jail operations, inmate population, employee overtime, and employee vacancies

Comments:

Chief Tim Jones gave the regular monthly update on Smith County Jail operations. Staffing remains a challenge, with 10 openings in Patrol and 15 openings in Detention. The recent job fair had a strong turnout, which is encouraging as we continue working hard to fill these critical positions.

ADJOURN