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

OPEN SESSION:

PRESENTATION

1. Receive presentation from Smith County AgriLife Extension Service agents to recognize the many volunteers who work long hours to help the Smith County community.

Comments: 

Smith County was presented with a symbolic check for $633,205.09, reflecting the monetary value of countless volunteer hours dedicated to community programs alongside the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This generous contribution highlights the community’s spirit of unity and commitment to making a positive impact.

COURT ORDERS

COMMISSIONERS COURT

2. Consider and take necessary action to award recipients of the Smith County Opioid Settlement Fund Reimbursement Grant and allocate the amount of funds awarded to each organization.

Comments:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on allocating the $300,000 in opioid settlement funds. Your input was helpful!

Background on Funds
Smith County has received opioid settlement payments as follows:

• 2023: $238,253.87
• 2024: $46,350.55
• 2025: $226,122.26 
• Total received: $510,726.68

(An additional $182,217.79 is pending from the Sandoz settlement.)

Previous Commissioners Courts deposited these into the general fund without creating a dedicated budget, so unused amounts rolled into reserves.

For FY 2026, these grants will be funded via contingency ($560K operating + $360K capital). If depleted early, an emergency declaration may be needed.

This is a reimbursement model: Organizations submit receipts and meet contract terms before funds are paid out—no immediate withdrawals.
All uses follow Texas Comptroller guidelines, overseen by the Opioid Abatement Fund Council (visit their site for details).

Proposed Allocations ($300,000 total)
For my recommendations I focused on evidence-based programs with strong local impact in Smith County. Here’s a concise summary of each assessment with the approved allocation:

IOP: Intensive Outpatient Program
MAT: Medication-Assisted Treatment

• Andrews Center ($110,000): Largest allocation to this established Local Mental Health Authority. Served 168 clients last year (70% completion rate), targeting uninsured and justice-involved individuals. Expands IOP and MAT services for 45–100 more in Smith County. Low risk due to their $32M budget and state oversight.
• Cenikor ($102,500): Supports their MAT program (80% higher sobriety rates), covering gaps for 32 medically indigent clients. Efficient model ($175–$275/client/month); low risk with $2.2M budget.
• New Creation Foundation ($45,000): Funds subsidies and training for residential detox/MAT (serves 80 clients regionally, including Smith; 70% report 30+ days abstinence). Boosts completion rates from 30%. Low risk; aligns with multi-county needs ($545K budget).
• Mitchell Wellness & Recovery Services ($5,000): Limited to medication costs for their 10 current Smith County telehealth clients. Supports local IOP growth in Tyler. Risk (primary focus on other counties) mitigated by low cap and verification of local impact.
• Transitional Care Management ($20,000): Covers client subsidies/medications only (45% of request; no salaries). Aids uninsured, justice-involved post-federal prison releases. Reduced amount focuses on direct aid; assumes multi-county support for sustainability.
• Bridge2Shores ($17,500): For residential vouchers tied to Knucklehead Recovery clients (supports 75+ locals with housing/essentials). Vendor-paid; aligns with harm reduction—no direct risks.
• Knucklehead Recovery Motorcycle Organization ($0): No direct funding due to non-501(c)(3) status, small donation-based budget ($5K–$10K), and reimbursement/audit risks. Support routed indirectly through Bridge2Shores to reach clients safely.

In summary, this proposed allocation of $300,000 prioritizes evidence-based, high-impact programs that directly serve Smith County residents struggling with opioid use disorder, while adhering strictly to Texas Comptroller guidelines and minimizing fiscal and operational risks. By focusing on established providers like Andrews Center and Cenikor, supporting targeted client aid, and creatively addressing gaps (such as through Bridge2Shores), these funds will expand access to critical treatment, medication-assisted therapy, and recovery services for our most vulnerable populations. I believe this balanced approach maximizes local benefit and positions the county for sustainable progress in opioid abatement.

3. Deliberation regarding a comprehensive analysis of all Road and Bridge Department projects in Smith County.

The time stamp on the video for this specific agenda item is from 50:48 and ends at 2:26. 
Grassroots America – We The People letter

This was an extensive deliberation—lasting more than 90 minutes—regarding a comprehensive analysis of all Road and Bridge Department projects. The discussion centered on the long-lasting Road Bond Program, encompassing Phases 1 and 2, which were funded by voter-approved bonds in 2017 and 2021 totaling over $100 million for road improvements.

Representatives from Grassroots America – We The People, including Executive Director JoAnn Fleming and Watchdog Committee Chairman Tom Fabry, presented preliminary findings during public comment. Their review of county records identified potential discrepancies, such as a $7 million variance in reported versus contracted expenditures for Phase 1 ($39.5 million reported compared to $32 million in contracts), incomplete alignment between planned and executed road segments (approximately 60% of Phase 1 projects completed, with unexplained additions), and concerns over record-keeping and transparency. The group advocated for an independent forensic audit to verify expenditures and project outcomes, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence without alleging misconduct.

County Engineer Frank Davis explained that the bond provisions allow flexibility for adjustments based on factors including traffic patterns, weather impacts, population growth, and community input from prior public meetings. He noted that rising material costs and efficient resource allocation justified certain project modifications and additions. Assistant District Attorney Thomas Wilson highlighted the intentional breadth of the bond language to accommodate such variables, while County Auditor Karin Smith confirmed that routine audits have identified no irregularities but supported a more comprehensive review if warranted.

No definitive action was taken to initiate an audit during our meeting, as it was determined that further details were needed regarding potential costs, scope, and qualified professionals. 

We put it back on the agenda for the Commissioners Court meeting on December 16, 2025, during which Tom Fabry of Grassroots America – We The People will present his complete findings and supporting materials for the court’s consideration. 

Comments:

I wanted to respond directly to the concerns raised in the Grassroots America – We the People letter dated November 25, 2025:

• I fully support the request for a comprehensive financial audit and thorough review of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Road Bond Program. I’m happy to help in any way I can to make this happen.
• The county is not in a financial position to purchase any additional property right now, and to my knowledge, there are no plans underway to acquire more real estate.
• As a member of the Light Rail Study Committee, I can assure you that we’re only in the exploratory stage—looking at potential routes and evaluating future needs and feasibility. Both Judge Franklin and I were very clear that we have no intention of committing any county funds to a light rail project.
• I agree that we should pause any new economic development initiatives until the audit and review of the Road Bond Program are completed.
• We also shouldn’t take on any additional roads until we have a solid plan in place to properly maintain the ones we already have.

I’m looking forward to our discussion on Tuesday so we can decide the best way forward.

RECURRING BUSINESS

COMMISSIONERS COURT

4. Receive monthly reports from Smith County departments.

Comments:

The Department Reports are included in the Agenda Packet for your review—feel free to dive in anytime! I’m actively working to bring our Department Heads to court meetings so they can personally present their updates. This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a bright light on all the great work happening across the county! It lets them proudly highlight their teams’ accomplishments and clearly demonstrate to taxpayers exactly how their hard-earned dollars are being put to work for the community.

TREASURER’S OFFICE

5. Consider and accept the Treasurer’s October/ November monthly reports as received.

Comments:

Mrs. Rawlings was sadly under the weather, so she couldn’t present her report at this meeting. Her report is refreshingly clear and straightforward: it’s a meticulous, penny-by-penny breakdown of every single checking account and fund balance in Smith County as of the close of business on November 30, 2025. I’m optimistic she’ll get her moment in the spotlight next month to walk us through it, share some helpful background context, and boost transparency even further.

And there’s a real practical upside to her presenting this regularly: it lets departments like the District Attorney, Sheriff’s Office, and Constables see exactly how much is in their special fund accounts. These aren’t property or sales tax dollars—they come from state allocations, drug seizures, fees, and similar sources. That money can be used for essential tools, trainings, or supplies that help them do their jobs better.

In the past, they haven’t gotten this info monthly, and let’s be honest: out of sight, out of mind! Forgotten funds are like finding a $20 bill in last winter’s coat—except way bigger and way more useful. Now that they know what’s available, they can use those dollars instead of us having to consider tax increases. That’s smart, responsible government at work—and a real victory for taxpayers!

AUDITOR’S OFFICE

6. 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 551.074 PERSONNEL MATTERS

SECTION 551.071 CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY

7. Deliberation and consultation regarding the qualifications, responsibilities, and salary of the Smith County Animal Control Supervisor.

OPEN SESSION:

COURT ORDER

COMMISSIONERS COURT

8. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the hiring of the Smith County Animal Control Supervisor

Comments:

I’m thrilled to share some positive news about our Animal Control and Shelter after this long journey. The public has waited patiently, and I’m truly grateful for your support.

First, I want to recognize Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin—he was the catalyst for the meaningful change we’ve made! Early in the transition, he took the initiative to meet one-on-one with Commissioners, highlighting key issues in Animal Control and proposing a powerful solution: making the Animal Control Supervisor a Licensed Peace Officer. This change enables stronger enforcement of our laws and equips someone to properly conduct animal cruelty investigations when abused animals are found. With his deep heart for animals, extensive knowledge of the law, and a clear vision to overcome the hurdles the previous Supervisor faced, Constable Joplin paved a new path forward and a better future for the animals we serve. Constable, thank you for your vision and heart!

During this time, Fire Marshal Chad Hogue heroically stepped up to keep operations running smoothly—overseeing everything from adoptions to call responses. Marshal Hogue, your dedication and patience gave us the space to find the right long-term solution. We’re deeply thankful!

Here’s the great news we’ve been working toward: After thoroughly reviewing applicants, we identified an exceptional candidate who already holds a peace officer’s license, brings strong management experience, and has a genuine passion for positive impact. We’ve extended the offer, and he’s completing his background check. With this outstanding hire joining us, I’m more optimistic than ever about the transformative direction Animal Control is taking—great things are ahead!

By separating Animal Control and the Shelter into distinct departments, we’ll serve both taxpayers and animals even better. There’s work to do as our new leaders rebrand, rebuild trust, and boost adoptions—but I’m confident in the bright future ahead! Thank you to everyone involved in the planning and to our dedicated employees who stepped up when it mattered most. These changes will make a real difference for our community and the animals we cherish.

ADJOURN