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 reappointment of Judge Neal Franklin to the Smith County Tax Abatement Committee for a two-year term from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
 
2. Consider and take necessary action to approve the reappointment of Commissioner Ralph Caraway, Sr. to the City of Tyler Reinvestment Zone #1 TIF Board for a two-year term from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2027, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.
 
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
 
3. Consider and take necessary action to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between Health Plan Freedom, Inc. (“HPF”) and Smith County for administration of a Pre-Trial Inmate Insurance Program, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: 

Every inmate in the Smith County jail deserves good healthcare. It is our duty to ensure they receive comprehensive medical services, both within our facilities and at hospitals. Their healthcare is funded by your tax dollars. These services include doctor visits, emergency care, X-rays, surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatment, dialysis, HIV care, diabetes management, and treatment for minor ailments like colds and stitches.

Thanks to Chief Pinkerton’s leadership, inspired by networking at a recent conference, we are excited to introduce the Pre-Trial Inmate Insurance Program (PRE-TRIIP) in collaboration with Healthcare Plan Freedom (HPF). This program allows pre-trial inmates—who make up over half of our jail population—to opt into health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. The ACA allows pre-trial inmates to enroll in Marketplace plans, as they are not considered “incarcerated” for the purposes of ACA eligibility (unlike convicted inmates, who are ineligible for Medicaid or Marketplace subsidies during incarceration).

HPF will assess and enroll eligible inmates in plans tailored to their healthcare needs, with coverage starting the first day of the month following enrollment, at no cost to the taxpayer. This initiative has the potential to significantly reduce our medical expenses.

For instance, Chief Pinkerton highlighted a case where one inmate’s medical treatment resulted in a $75,000 bill—a cost that could have been avoided had the inmate been enrolled in a PRE-TRIIP plan. By leveraging this program, we are optimistic about lowering the financial burden of inmate healthcare while continuing to provide essential care. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of PRE-TRIIP on our overall medical costs and remain committed to the health and well-being of all individuals in our custody.

RECURRING BUSINESS

ROAD AND BRIDGE
 
4. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the Final Plat for Timber Ridge at 271, Precinct 3.
 
5. Receive pipe and/or utility line installation request (notice only):
a. County Road 2335, CenterPoint Energy, install line for service, Precinct 2,
b. County Road 376, CenterPoint Energy, install line for service, Precinct 4; and
c. County Road 378,380,384,3135,3144,3149,3175, Metronet, install fiber optic cable, Precinct 3.
 
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.
 
SHERIFF’S OFFICE

7. Receive report on status of Smith County jail operations, inmate population, employee overtime, and employee vacancies.
 
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.
 
551.072 – DELIBERATION REGARDING REAL PROPERTY
 
8. Deliberation and consultation regarding the exchange, lease, or value of real property located in Smith County and the downtown area.
 
ADJOURN