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

OPEN SESSION: 

COURT ORDERS
COMMISSIONERS COURT

1. Consider and take necessary action to approve the Automobile Claim Settlement, Claim Number APD20252503-1 from Texas Associations of Counties, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
 
Comments: This is an automobile claim settlement for the total loss of a vehicle assigned to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle was a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The driver, a county employee, hydroplaned while traveling on Loop 49. 

2. Consider and take necessary action to increase the Smith County Historical Commission size from seven members to nine members and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
 
Comments: Earlier this year the court appointed 7 members to the newly formed Smith County Historical Commission. They anticipated the board to grow. We approved increasing the members to nine.

3. Consider and take necessary action to appoint two new members to serve through January 31, 2027, on the Smith County Historical Commission, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
 
Comments: We appointed 2 more members to the board:

• Kevin McCall
• Vickie Betts

4. Receive an Order appointing the Smith County Auditor and setting a base salary pursuant to the Smith County District Judges’ Order, dated March 12, 2025, and approve a bond in accordance with Chapter 84 of the Texas Local Government Code.
 
Comments: Mrs. Wilson, our current County Auditor, has decided to retire. She has been with the county for over 20 years and has seen many administrations of the Commissioners Court.  Mrs. Wilson is a tremendous asset for the county and we will truly miss her.  Words can not effectively express our gratitude for her impeccable service and dedication to the county finances. I have full faith in her staff maintaining the highest standards in accounting as we transition to a new Auditor.  We wish Mrs. Wilson the best in her retirement! (And I hope she drops by every once in a while to check up on us.)

The District Judges, not the Commissioners Court, hire the County Auditor. This is due to the structure of county government and the historical intent to ensure checks and balances in the system. By having District Judges appoint the auditor, the system aims to maintain the auditor’s independence from the County Commissioners Court.  We manage the county’s budget and operations.  The separation helps to prevent potential conflicts of interest. The Texas Local Government Code Chapter 84 outlines the process of appointing the County Auditor. After conducting multiple interviews, the District Judges selected a new Auditor from the applicants, Mrs. Karin Smith.  She begins on April 14, 2025.  The Commissioners Court is mandated to record in our minutes the District Judges’ action and an order directing the payment of the auditor’s salary.  Her salary is set at $162,642. We approved the Purchasing Department to solicit a $5000 bond for the new Auditor. 

ANIMAL CONTROL

5. Consider and take necessary action to appoint/reappoint Smith County representatives to serve on the Smith County Animal Control Advisory Committee, to serve a two-year term beginning May 1, 2025, and ending April 30, 2027.
 
Comments: The Texas Health and Safety Code 823 requires Animal Control to have an advisory committee to assist and comply with the shelter requirements described in the Code.  They are required to meet 3 times a year. Typically, this committee would advise on shelter standards, promote compliance ensuring that it meets the legal requirements set forth in the code, take community input by being a bridge between the public, animal welfare organizations and our local government to address concerns, improve policies and enhance animal control practices and help develop local ordinances and procedures.
 
The Animal Control Advisory Committee:

1. Cynthia Youngblood
2. Johnathan Cooper
3. Jacob Bernardino
4. Gwen Cole
5. Dr. Patty Sheehy
6. Commissioner John Moore
7. Animal Control Supervisor, Amber Greene
8. Shelter Coordinator, Angel Reynolds

PURCHASING
6. Consider and take necessary action to award contracts for the following bids and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation:
a. RB-17-25 Seal Coat Program
b. RB-18-25 Road Improvements to CR 178 (FM 2868 to CR 168)
c. RB-19-25 Road Improvements to CR 411 (IH 20 to FM 849)
 
Comments: 
RB-17-25 is for FY25 Seal Coat Program for CR 46, CR 384 and CR 1261. It was awarded to Texana Land and Asphalt in the amount of $905,716 from the Road and Bridge Budget.
 
RB-18-25 is for Roadway Improvements to CR 178 (FM 2868 to CR 168).  It was awarded to A.E. Shull & Company in the amount of $717,164.10 from the Road Bond Program.
 
RB-19-25 is for Roadway Improvements to CR 411 (IH 20 to FM 849). It was awarded to Texana Land and Asphalt in the amount of $409,140.20 from the Road Bond Program.

7. Consider and take necessary action to approve Smith County Purchasing to utilize the Florida Sheriff’s Association Cooperative and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: This gives us another resource to procure goods and services. It will help us increase our purchasing power, lower administrative costs, and streamline the procurement process.  There is no cost to join the cooperative.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE
8. Consider and take necessary action to approve the purchase of a Terradyne Armored Vehicle utilizing the Florida Sheriff’s Association Cooperative #FSA23-VEH21.0 and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: This is for purchase of a Terradyne Armored Vehicle in the amount of $389,420 funded by a rural law enforcement grant from the state through SB 22. State grant funds still originate with the taxpayer. This vehicle is a little smaller than the other armored vehicle used by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

AUDITOR’S OFFICE
9. Consider and take necessary action to approve the FY26 Title IV-E Legal Services contract with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: We are renewing a grant contract with DFPS to receive federal funds to increase the amount of legal staff and services available to process child welfare cases. We must submit this contract every 7 years to renew the grant. Contract period is 10/1/25 thru 9/30/32. Without renewing this grant contract, we would be ineligible to receive reimbursements for Title IV-E expenses.

RECURRING BUSINESS
COUNTY CLERK
10. Accept Commissioners Court minutes for February 2025.

11. Receive Commissioners Court recordings for February 2025.
 
AUDITOR’S OFFICE
12. Consider and take necessary action to approve and/or ratify payment of accounts, bills, payroll, transfer of funds, amendments, and health claims.
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION: For purposes permitted by Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, entitled Open Meetings, Sections 55 l.071, 55 l.072, 551.073, 551.074, 551.0745, 551.075, and 551.076. The Commissioners Court reserves the right to exercise its discretion and may convene in executive session as authorized by the Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, et seq., on any of the items listed on its formal or briefing agendas. SECTION 551.071 – CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY
 
13. Receive update and consultation with attorney regarding pending or contemplated litigation against Smith County, including covered and uncovered claims.

ADJOURN