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

OPEN SESSION:

RESOLUTION

1. Discuss and take necessary action to adopt a resolution proclaiming August 17, 2025, as “Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Day” in Smith County.

PRESENTATION

2. Receive presentation from the Smith County Historical Commission regarding the Smith County Historical Atlas Project.

This is for the new Smith County Historical Atlas, a groundbreaking web based tool launched by the Smith County GIS Department and Historical Commission! This interactive app brings our county’s history to life with detailed listings of landmarks, over 200 cemeteries, historic routes, and popup info cards with photos and documents. Unlike any other in Texas, this living atlas lets residents contribute to keep our history vibrant.

COURT ORDERS

COMMISSIONERS COURT

3. Consider and take necessary action to approve a budget amendment to move $1,000,000 from Courthouse Bond Funds to Courthouse IT Bond Funds for IT purchases for the courthouse project and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: 

The IT Department is now ready to purchase the equipment and technology that will be installed in the new courthouse. To cover these costs, $1 Million from the bond that was approved for the courthouse project has already been transferred into the IT Department’s budget. This ensures the department has the funding it needs in the right place to move forward with the purchases.

4. Consider and take necessary action to approve amendments to the FY 2025 – 2029 Capital Improvement Plan including but not limited to Animal Control Facility, Technology Projects, and any other necessary projects.

Comments: 

Before I begin, let me give you some definitions to reference as you move through this information.

• CIP or Capital Improvement Program/Plan: This is a plan for facility construction projects.
• Facilities Improvement Fund (Fund 45): This is where the money comes from to pay for those plans.
• ARPA or American Rescue Plan Act Fund (COVID 19 Funds): This was funding allocated to Smith County for COVID relief and earned interest.
• IT or Information Technology: manages laptops, printers, cell phones, telephones & connectivity, servers, email, data/cloud storage, cybersecurity, website, software and subscriptions, help desk support, etc.

Why We Must Build a New Animal Control Facility

The Smith County Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is supposed to be a pay-as-you-go plan for big, long lasting projects like new buildings, renovations, and major facility repairs. Maintaining county buildings is a core function of county government. It’s funded by setting aside one cent of the county’s tax rate each year, and it is designed to pay for things that last — roofs, HVAC systems, land purchases, construction — not for recurring costs like software, licensing, or cloud subscriptions.

This week, however, IT expenses that clearly don’t qualify were added as amendments to the CIP. It’s forcing a square peg into a round hole. Not only does this violate the county’s own policy, but it also drains the fund that was supposed to build the new Animal Control Facility — a project we’ve already studied, planned for, and promised.

Several shelter employees and rescue operators came to plead for the new facility. Their stories painted the painful picture:

• Kennel Techs spend six hours every morning just cleaning because there is no proper drainage. Rusting kennels and cracked floors trap disease and viruses.
• Animal Control Officers are hammered on social media when they can’t pick up strays — but if the shelter is full, they simply have no place to take them.
• Public criticism over euthanasia cuts deep. Staff love these animals, but the lack of space and resources forces hard choices.
• The shelter’s downtown location is a problem: no grass, no parking, no safe meet and greet rooms for adoptions. Dogs go “kennel crazy” without exercise, making them hyper and harder to adopt.
• There’s no sterile room for spay/neuter, so every adoption comes with a burden of paperwork, fines, and follow up that often falls apart.

Renovating this crumbling building won’t solve the problem. It’s a bandaid on a bullet hole.

The human toll is just as devastating as the animal toll. These employees are animal lovers. They came to this work because they care. Yet every day, they feel neglected, devalued, and hopeless. For over a year, the promise of a new facility gave them hope — hope that the endless cycle of blame, burnout, and loss could be broken. But by diverting funds to IT, that hope was extinguished.

And here’s the truth: IT does have needs, but it does not belong in the CIP. The county has other resources, including more than $4 million in ARPA interest funds, that can cover those costs without gutting the Facilities Improvement Fund. Using ARPA Interest for IT would free up the $2 million earmarked this year — and another $2 million next year — to finally build the shelter these employees and animals desperately need.

The Facilities Improvement Fund has the money. The policy is clear. The only thing missing is the will to honor the commitment.

The bottom line is if we let IT drain the CIP, we’ll lose the chance to replace a shelter that is broken beyond repair. But if we follow policy and use ARPA Interest for IT, we can fund both — and finally give the employees, the animals, and this community the facility they deserve.

This decision rests with the Commissioners Court — not IT and not Animal Control. Department Heads submit their needs through the budget process, but it is ultimately our responsibility to decide how those needs are funded. I want to be clear: neither Department Head is at fault for this issue.

In addition, the way the agenda item was worded suggested that a formal vote would be required. However, the Judge stated he only wanted a general consensus of the Court. I am on record in disapproval of this amendment to the CIP. Typically, when no vote is intended, the agenda item is written as: “Consider and discuss.”

PURCHASING

5. Consider and take necessary action to approve a contract with U.S. Bank utilizing the State of Texas contract 946M43292 for Commercial Charge Card Services and authorized the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: 

We approved a new contract with U.S. Bank for our county’s purchasing card (P-Card) program. Our current contract with CitiBank is expiring, and the State of Texas recently awarded a new cooperative purchasing contract for Commercial Charge Card Services to U.S. Bank, so we need to make the switch.

Currently, eight of our departments use P-Cards — 21 cards in total — and they spend roughly $219,000. These cards make everyday purchases easier and more efficient for our departments. Under the new contract, U.S. Bank will pay the county a rebate based on our spending. The County does have a Purchasing Credit Card and P-Card Policy.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

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

Comments:

The Sheriff’s Office was approved for the sale of county owned surplus firearms to Sentinel Supply, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Over the past several years, our Sheriff’s Office has accumulated firearms through both purchases and forfeitures. Recently, they updated sidearms and rifles for all commissioned deputies.

With the possibility of adding personnel for courthouse security and bailiff positions, they need a way to acquire additional firearms without impacting the upcoming FY26 budget. By selling these surplus firearms to Sentinel Supply, they will receive $38,845 in store credit. This is based on fair market values considering the serviceability and condition of the firearms.

They plan to use this credit to purchase new Sig Sauer rifles for the Narcotics Division and additional firearms for potential courthouse security staff. Sentinel Supply will handle the transfer and shipping, making this a smooth and efficient process. In short, this trade allows them to equip deputies and secure our facilities without dipping into next year’s budget, while responsibly managing the firearms the county no longer needs.

7. Discuss, consider and approve the submission of a law enforcement grant (SB 22) on behalf of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $500,000.

Comments:

We approved submitting a grant application on behalf of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office under Texas Senate Bill 22, with a request for $500,000 in funding. SB 22, passed during the 87th Texas Legislative Session, establishes a grant program designed to provide financial support to Sheriff’s Office, Constable’s Offices, and District Attorney’s Offices in eligible counties. The goal is to help ensure professional law enforcement services and effective legal representation for the public across the state.

The grant is particularly valuable because it does not require matching funds from the County in most cases, except for certain situations where manpower is used for benefits. Receiving this funding would allow our Sheriff’s Office to maintain and improve operations, enhance public safety, and continue providing high quality legal support — all without placing additional strain on the county budget.

By approving the submission of this grant, we are taking a proactive step to secure state resources that strengthen our local law enforcement and ensure Smith County residents continue to receive the protection and services they deserve.

FCIC

8. Consider and take necessary action to approve lease agreement between Smith County and Commercial Vehicle Leasing, L.L.C d/b/a D&M Commercial Leasing for nine (9) FCIC vehicles in totaling $590,925.96 and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

We approved a lease for nine vehicles for the Financial Crimes Investigation Center (FCIC) through D&M Commercial Leasing. These vehicles are for the new FCIC employees added under the most recent Texas State Budget. The total lease cost is $590,925.96 over 36 months, and the best part is it’s fully funded by the State through TDLR, so it won’t cost the County a dime.

I think it’s worth taking a moment to recognize why this matters. The Governor of Texas recently quadrupled the FCIC’s budget because of their incredible effectiveness in cracking down on organized financial crime. That funding allowed the team to grow from 15 to 41 members, giving them the manpower to tackle even more complex cases and protect Texans from fraud and other financial crimes. The FCIC has already earned a stellar reputation for preventing and solving large scale financial crimes, and this lease ensures they can keep operating efficiently and effectively. 

CONSTABLE – PCT 2

9. Consider and take necessary action to approve a countywide policy and an Order Authorizing the Purchase of a Firearm by Honorably Retired Peace Officer, Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 614, Subchapter D.

Comments:

We approved an order allowing honorably retired Precinct 2 Deputy Constable Dunklin to purchase his county issued Glock Model 45, 9mm pistol when he retires later this month. Texas Government Code, Chapter 614, Subchapter D, gives counties the authority to sell a duty weapon to a retiring officer after certain requirements are met, and the Commissioners Court is responsible for setting a fair market value for the firearm. In Deputy Constable Dunklin’s case, the Court set the price at $343, ensuring the sale was both fair and compliant with the law.
 
This sale isn’t just about one officer keeping his weapon — it also reflects a larger effort to do things the right way. The county has adopted a firearms policy to ensure that all sales of county owned firearms are conducted legally, safely, and with full accountability and documentation. The policy requires that all firearms are properly tracked using unique identifiers or serial numbers, including the make, model, purchase date, and the name of the assigned officer. Any proposed sale must go through the Commissioners Court, and all documentation — including a bill of sale — is retained by the department and the County Auditor. This ensures public safety, protects county funds, and guarantees accountability at every step.
 
Approving Deputy Constable Dunklin’s purchase allowed us to honor his years of service while following a clear, responsible process. The policy protects the county and the public, and it ensures that every firearm sale is fully documented, auditable, and compliant with state law. It’s a simple action, but one that shows we can balance respect for our retiring officers with our responsibility to the community.

I want to wish Deputy Constable Dunklin a very happy retirement. After years of protecting and serving our community, his dedication and steady presence have made a lasting difference. Law enforcement is more than a career—it’s a calling—and we are grateful for the commitment he has shown throughout his service. May this next chapter bring him rest, joy, and well-earned time with family and friends.

FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE

10. Consider and take necessary action to approve the award of $21,816.96 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Public Assistance for disaster number DR4781, allow the county judge to sign all related documentation, and allow the Emergency Management Coordinator to upload and submit all required documentation to the Texas Division of Emergency Management and/or TDEMs assigned government sector partner.

Comments:

We approved the award of $21,816.96 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Public Assistance related to disaster number DR4781, which covers the severe storms that hit Smith County in April and May of 2024. This funding is for Emergency Protective Measures and represents the final project for this disaster.

We also authorized the Emergency Management Coordinator to upload and submit all required documentation to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and/or TDEM’s assigned government sector partner. This ensures that all required paperwork is properly submitted so the county can receive the federal reimbursement.

In short, this action closes out the county’s FEMA project for DR4781 and reimburses the county for protective measures taken during the April and May 2024 storms, finalizing the federal assistance for this event. 

EAST TEXAS AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE

11. Consider and take necessary action to ratify the acceptance of the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Grant Award for the following grants, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation:
              a. FY2026 SB 224 Catalytic Converter; and
              b. FY2026 Taskforce Grant Award.

Comments:

We ratified the acceptance of two grant awards from the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force (ETATTF).

The first is the FY2026 Taskforce Grant, which provides $420,957 in funding, with a required county cash match of $84,197. The second is the FY2026 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant, which provides $29,500, with a cash match of $5,900.

The Commissioners Court had previously approved applying for both grants — the Taskforce Grant on March 4, 2025, and the Catalytic Converter Grant on May 27, 2025. This action formally accepts the grants, allowing the ETATTF to access the funding and continue their work preventing auto theft and catalytic converter theft throughout Smith County.

RECURRING BUSINESS

COMMISSIONERS COURT

12. Receive monthly reports from Smith County departments.

AUDITOR’S OFFICE

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

Comments:

Budget Transfers this week
County Court at Law #2, Judge Sara Maynard
Transfer From: Attorney Fees for $5,000
Transfer To: Temporary Help for $4,000
Explanation: “Funds are needed until the court administrator returns to work. Has been ill and is facing a final surgical procedure.”
 
Animal Control
Transfer From: Vehicle (Capital) for $4,000
Transfer To: Vehicles (Maintenance) for $4,000
Explanation: “I mistakenly got the vehicle capital and vehicle maintenance lines mixed up…”
 
Budget Amendment:
Road & Bridge
Insurance Proceeds: $17,793
Explanation: “Damages”
 
Request for Payment:
Payable To: Optum Rx
Prescription Claim Cost Billing 7/16/25-7/31/25: $155,793.04
Claim Fee Billing 7/16/25-7/31/25: $419.50
Totals: $156,212.54

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.

551.071  CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY

16. Deliberation and consultation with attorney regarding compliance and claims submitted under the Smith County Health Plan.
 

ADJOURN