Commissioners Court Notes
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 25, 2026, as “Founders Classical Academy of Tyler Day” in Smith County.
2. Consider and take necessary action to approve a resolution proclaiming April 17, 2026, for RISE Academy and Early College High School; April 24, 2026, for Tyler High and Legacy High Schools; and May 1, 2026, for Whitehouse High School, as “Decision Day” in Smith County.
COURT ORDER SHERIFF’S OFFICE
3. Consider and take necessary action to approve the annual FY2025 US Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for the Sheriff’s Office and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
Comments:
We approved the annual FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for the Sheriff’s Office. These federal funds will purchase ammunition needed to meet the mandatory firearms training required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for all peace officers. The grant is filed jointly with the Tyler Police Department — total $63,261 split evenly at $31,810.50 each. These federal dollars help keep our deputies trained and ready without additional cost to Smith County taxpayers.
RECURRING BUSINESS COMMISSIONERS COURT
4. Receive monthly reports from Smith County departments.
Comments:
Ed Nichols, Director of Facility Services, personally presented the March 2026 monthly report in open court — exactly what I’ve been asking every department head to do so the public can see the real work your tax dollars are funding.
Facility Services completed 1,518 work orders last month (1,167 preventive maintenance + 351 regular work orders) at an average cost of just $24.34 per order. That’s 9,329 total work orders so far in FY26.
Mr. Nichols gave us a solid overview of the significant workload his team is handling across our county facilities. I appreciate him making the time to appear in person and keep the Court well-informed. This is exactly the kind of direct accountability and transparency Smith County residents deserve.
ROAD AND BRIDGE
5. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the re-plat for the LingGate Subdivision Lots 5A and 25, Precinct 3.
6. Receive pipe and/or utility line installation request (notice only):
- County Road 2249, Southwire for Oncor Electric Delivery, road bore for underground electric cable, Precinct 2,
- County Road 21 and County Road 234, Charter Spectrum, road bore for fiber optic cable, Precinct 3, and
- County Road 2205, Southwire for Oncor Electric Delivery, road bore for underground electric cable, Precinct 2.
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.
Budget Amendments
Dept: FCIC
Insurance Settlement: $2,367.27
Budget Transfer
Dept: Facility Services
Transfer From:
Housekeeping Supplies $13,424
Ordinary Repairs/Courthouse $33,000
Capital Expenditures Equipment $23,079.49
Total: $69,503.49
Transfer To:
Ordinary Repairs – Jail $69,503.49
Explanation: To cover cost of compressor for jail tower chiller.
Dept: Road & Bridge
Transfer From:
Road Oil $12,500
Equipment Rentals $10,000
Total: $22,500
Transfer To:
Sign Material $2,500
Miscellaneous $10,000
Equipment Repairs $5,000
Miscellaneous Equipment $5,000
Explanation: Additional funds for sign material and for contracted tree removal. Funding for purchase of tire changing equipment.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
8. Receive report on status of Smith County jail operations, inmate population, employee overtime, and employee vacancies.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
SECTION 551.071 – CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY
9. Deliberation and consultation with Attorney regarding County of Smith v. Purdue Pharma, L.P., et al., MDL PRETRIAL CAUSE NO. 2018-63587, in the 152d District Court of Harris County, Texas, removed to MDL 2804, N.D. OH.
OPEN SESSION: COURT ORDER
10. Consider and take necessary action to approve an order authorizing the Settlement and release from Associated Pharmacies, Inc and American Associated Pharmacies, JM Smith Co., Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., Morris and Dickson, N. Carolina Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., and UNFI/SuperValu in the matter of Texas opioid multi-district litigation for the County in the matter of County of Smith v. Purdue Pharma, L.P. et al., and authorize the county judge to sign all necessary documentation.
Comments:
We approved the settlement and release order with multiple pharmaceutical distributors in the ongoing Texas opioid multi-district litigation. Smith County’s allocation from this settlement is $28,392.
I’m glad our Auditor has now set up a dedicated revenue line item specifically for Opioid Settlement Funds. Without it, the money would simply drop into the General Fund. By designating this funding in its own line, we can properly budget and track these dollars for expenses in FY27. We have an active grant program supporting local entities that serve individuals struggling with drug abuse and recovery, and we recently awarded $300,000 to these important organizations right here in Smith County.
This is the accountable way to make sure these settlement dollars deliver real results for our community.
ADJOURN