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 7-13, 2025, as “National Public Health Week” in Smith County.
 
2. Consider and take necessary action to adopt a resolution proclaiming April 2025, as “National County Government Month” in Smith County.

Comments:

Throughout the month of April, we are celebrating our fantastic employees! They make Smith County a better place to live and to work. Even though I have only been in office for 3 months, I have met so many of our incredible staff members.  They love Smith County, and they are the fuel that keeps our county moving forward every single day.  I am excited to serve at our Employee Appreciation Luncheon on April 11th.  It’s going to be a great day!

PRESENTATIONS
3. Recognize Jason Boyd, founder of the Smith County Community Emergency Response Team, for receiving the Regional Citizen of the Year Award from the East Texas Council of Governments.

Comments:

I am a member of the first graduating class of the Smith County Community Emergency Response Team because of Jason Boyd.  He led the charge to build it from the ground up and now he has trained and equipped two teams for emergency response. With plans to train at least 200 members in Smith County, Jason is making our community stronger and better equipped to help in times of disaster. I am so proud of Jason! Congratulations Jason Boyd! It is a pleasure to work with you.

The following write up is from the Smith County Facebook page:
 
The Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday recognized Jason Boyd, founder of the Smith County Community Emergency Response Team, for receiving the Citizen of the Year Award.
 
The East Texas Council of Governments recently awarded Boyd with the honor during its annual board meeting, but Boyd was unable to attend. The Commissioners Court wanted to recognize him during court to thank him in person.
 
Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore said Boyd stepped up to start the Smith County Emergency Response Team (CERT) when we did not have one. He also established a 501c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to CERT, to secure resources and funding.
 
“He’s doing a great job,” Moore said, adding that he has already trained two volunteer teams, and has more lined up.
 
Boyd thanked the Commissioners Court and said CERT is one of the better programs available for the community to offer. Volunteers receive free training, so they only need to have a servant’s heart.
The CERT program trains volunteers to assist local emergency management officials during disasters. 
Moore has been helping Boyd train the volunteers in CPR and other life saving measures. A group of the CERT volunteers were already put into action last weekend after storms caused power outages, downed trees and flooding.
 
“Jason Boyd exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism. His passion, his selflessness, and his unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of others have left a lasting mark on Smith County. He is not just a volunteer. He is a leader, a mentor, and a driving force behind a program that has, and will continue to, empower our community for years to come,” ETCOG’s Director of Special Projects, Dr. David Scott said of Boyd receiving the award. “For all of these reasons and more, it is with great pride that we recognize Jason Boyd as our Citizen of the Year. His contributions have not only improved our county’s emergency preparedness but have also inspired countless others to step up and serve. Jason has created a legacy of service, resilience, and unity that will benefit not just Smith County, but the surrounding communities as well.”

Photo (from left): Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore; Commissioners J Scott Herod and Christina Drewry; CERT Founder Jason Boyd; County Judge Neal Franklin; Commissioners Ralph Caraway Sr. and John Moore; and Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue.

If you are interested in joining the team please let me know. The next class starts soon!

COURT ORDERS

AUDITOR’S OFFICE

4. Consider and take necessary action to adopt a Fraud, Waste and Abuse policy.

Comments:

This new Fraud, Waste & Abuse Policy was required for the SAVNS/Vine Grant. Before this policy was presented, the Smith County Employee Handbook was the guideline for fraud, waste and abuse. Smith County is committed to the safeguarding of public assets and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. All County employees, as public stewards, must share in this commitment. This policy applies to any fraud, or suspected fraud, involving employees, department heads, officials, consultants, vendors, contractors, and any other parties with a business relationship with Smith County. Investigations will be performed without regard to length of service, title/position, or relationship. The intent of this policy is to establish and maintain a fair, ethical, and honest business environment for all County employees, customers, suppliers, and anyone else with whom the County has a relationship. The primary duty of investigations will be conducted by the Internal Audit Division.  It is comprised of 4 employees within the Smith County Auditor’s department. Anyone can report fraud, waste or abuse through the online reporting form, by email or by mail. Employees who make good faith reports are protected from retaliation by the Texas Whistleblower Act. Thank you to Mrs. Heather Foster in the Auditor’s office from building out a more robust policy to protect our citizens tax dollars. Great work!

RECURRING BUSINESS

COMMISSIONERS COURT
 
5. Receive monthly reports from Smith County departments.
 
ROAD AND BRIDGE
 
6. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the:
       a. Re-Plat for the Cumberland Ridge Subdivision, Unit VI, Precinct 1,
       b. Re-Plat for the Black Creek Subdivision, Lot 1, Precinct 2, and
       c. Re-Plat for the Garden Valley Addition, Lot 3, Precinct 4.
 
AUDITOR’S OFFICE
 
7. Consider and take necessary action to approve and/or ratify payment of accounts, bills, payroll, transfer of funds, amendments, and health claims.

ADJOURN