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

OPEN SESSION: 

RESOLUTIONS

1. Consider and take necessary action to approve a resolution proclaiming June 28, 2025, as “Charles Shaw Day” in Smith County.
 
PRESENTATION

2. Presentation of employee recognition, longevity certificates, and service pins.
 
COURT ORDERS

COMMISSIONERS COURT

3. Consider and take necessary action to approve the reappointment/appointment of the following members 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:
a. Carol McNeil
b. Randy Clark
c. Gene Cottle
d. Roy Martinez
e. Bill Morales
f. Lane Thompson
g. Gavin Rasco

Comments: 

Approved the reappointments as listed

TEXAS ANTI-GANG UNIT (TAG)

4. Consider and take necessary action to approve the purchase of ten (10) radios, equipment, and associated subscription services from Motorola Solutions utilizing the Houston- Galveston Area Council (HGAS) Cooperative Purchasing Program, TXWARN agreement RA05-21 and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: 

The Texas Anti-Gang Unit (TAG) is primarily funded through state grants administered by the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office. (Remember: Any funds that come back to us from the State, came from your pocket to begin with.  The State doesn’t have a printing machine…yet.) This was for 10 Motorola radios, radio equipment, and subscription services. The cost of the radios and equipment is $114,953.90. The first-year subscription service is $4,350.00 for a total of $119,303.90 for year one. Subscription services for years 2-5 are $4,350.00 per year. The total value of the contract including the 5-year subscription is $136,703.90.

RECURRING BUSINESS

COUNTY CLERK

5. Consider and take the necessary action to approve the Commissioners Court minutes for May 2025.
 
6. Receive Commissioners Court recordings for May 2025.
 
ROAD AND BRIDGE

7. Receive pipe and/or utility line installation request (notice only):
a. County Road 178, CenterPoint Energy, install gas line for service, Precinct 1,
b. County Road 2167, CenterPoint Energy, install gas line for service, Precinct 2,
c. County Road 219, Oncor Energy, replace utility pole and aerial equipment, Precinct 2,
and
d. County Road 2152, Charter-Spectrum, install pole with power supply and fiber optic
cable, Precinct 2.
 
AUDITOR’S OFFICE

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

DISCLAIMER: This post is provided solely to inform my constituents and subscribers about my individual views and priorities on matters related to Smith County government. It is not intended to initiate, facilitate, or constitute deliberation or discussion among members of the Commissioners Court regarding public business or policy outside of a properly posted public meeting. Sharing or forwarding this email to other members of the Commissioners Court is not authorized by me and should not be construed as an attempt to engage in a “walking quorum” or to violate the Texas Open Meetings Act (Texas Government Code § 551). For official discussions or actions on county business, please refer to the agendas and proceedings of the Commissioners Court’s public meetings.

9. Receive Departmental Budget Presentations for FY 2026.

Comments: 

As your representative, I believe our government should make decisions about your tax dollars in a way that you can see and understand, reflecting the values of transparency and the consent of the people.

At our recent budget workshop, we heard from 11 Department Heads presenting their budget requests. The previous week, the Commissioners heard from 5 Department Heads. This June 24th meeting was described as the final round of presenters, even though we have three more budget workshops “penciled in” for July. I was surprised to hear this, as I believe every Department Head should come to Commissioners Court to share their requests directly with you, the taxpayers. This would give you a chance to engage with us, your representatives, about what you think is necessary for our county.

As your Commissioner, I take seriously our Constitutional duty to oversee the budget and make decisions that reflect your priorities. Right now is the time for us to discuss and make changes to the proposed budget. I’ve been informed that the Budget Officer will present an amended budget with options for the Commissioners Court to consider on July 22. My concern is that waiting until July 22 is too late to make meaningful adjustments. Additionally, I’m concerned that early budget discussions were (and still are) being shaped by Judge Franklin working closely with the Budget Officer on the budget without open deliberation with the Commissioners in court. This approach risks limiting the input of the Commissioners Court and the public.

The Budget Officer’s job is to work with Department Heads and Elected Officials to create a budget that meets our county’s needs. Then, the Commissioners Court should review and vote on this budget in public meetings, where every precinct has a voice. While I value everyone’s input, including Judge Franklin’s, the Budget Officer should lead these initial discussions to keep them focused and impartial.

I’m advocating for a process where budget talks happen in front of the public. This ensures your tax dollars are spent in a way that’s accountable to you. My suggestion is simple: let the Budget Officer do their job and let the Commissioners Court make decisions in open meetings, with enough time to properly review and adjust the budget. This approach respects the roles we’ve been given and ensures our government listens to you, the people we serve.

I’ll keep you updated as we move forward. If you have thoughts on how our county should spend your tax dollars, please reach out—I’m here to represent you.

After another marathon Commissioners Court meeting with the Department Head presentations, I’m sharing my proposed priorities—pending some budget magic, of course. Last time, my report was basically War and Peace. This time, I’m aiming for a short story. I welcome any feedback you may have. Should we have an evening meeting for specific feedback? Let me know your thoughts! I’m here to work for YOU.

Let me be very clear: I am not interested in raising the tax rate to accommodate any of the priorities I have listed.  I am very interested in finding the money within our revenues to reallocate to priority needs. We know that the FY24 audit revealed that departments returned around 8% back to the reserves. There was $10.2 million held hostage in departmental budgets and then given back to the county purse. Now it is untouchable for needs like staffing or salary adjustments. To fund these positions, I am focused on using what we have, not taking more. 

District Courts: 7th, 114th, 241st, 475th

The addition of an appellate attorney to the Felony District Courts is critical to address the overwhelming workload that has burdened the existing two attorneys since 2008. The heavy caseload, as documented in submitted budget reports, has strained resources, potentially compromising the quality and timeliness of appeals, which are essential for ensuring fair judicial outcomes. An additional attorney would enhance the court’s capacity to manage complex appellate cases effectively, safeguarding defendants’ rights and maintaining judicial efficiency. The need is clear, but it’s uncertain where the funding will come from, making it important to find a way to support this key role.

Tax Assessor/Collector:

2 Additional Clerks for auto registrations functions – $112,949 total for both clerks w/fringe benefits

Mr. Barber shared strong data showing how many registrations Smith County handles, making it clear that hiring more clerks is a real need, not just a wish. The challenge is finding the money to pay for it. His budget is tight, with his expenses carefully explained, leaving little extra to work with. It’s not obvious where we can find funds to cover these new clerk positions, but they will be very beneficial to the county and the taxpayer.

Sheriff’s Office:

1 Sex Offender Compliance and Registration Administrative Assistant – $40,958 w/o fringe benefits

Since 2019, Smith County has experienced a 64% increase in the number of registered sex offenders, placing significant strain on our current resources. With only one Sex Offender Compliance Investigator, the Sheriff’s Office proposes adding a new position dedicated to managing the registration component of the Sex Offender Compliance Program. This new position will be responsible for the Registration Portion of the Sex Offender Compliance Program.  While identifying funding for this position will be a challenge, I strongly support its creation and recommend exploring budgetary options to fill this pressing need for a safer Smith County.

The department’s budget is steadily increasing. I’ve repeatedly requested meetings with the Sheriff and Chiefs to discuss reallocating funds from the Sheriff’s Office, Jail, Courthouse Security, Environmental Crimes, and Dispatch budgets, but these requests have gone unanswered. I did meet with Chief Jackson, but the discussion primarily focused on CommandAware software and its associated equipment. Additionally, Chief Jones made an appointment to meet with me about the COPS Grant that was coming up on the agenda and I took that opportunity to ask about the request for 19 additional personnel for Courthouse Security.

Judicial Compliance:

1 Full Time Receptionist – $47,610 w/fringe benefits           

In 2024, this office collected approximately $1.2 million in court fees and fines, demonstrating significant revenue generation for Smith County. The Director has proposed hiring a full-time receptionist to allow experienced staff to focus exclusively on collections, thereby enhancing efficiency. This strategic investment would benefit both the county and its taxpayers by optimizing revenue collection processes. If funding can be secured within the budget, I strongly recommend considering this request to support the office’s continued success.

Constable Pct 1:

It is my understanding that Judge Choice presides over a higher number of court sessions than any other Justice of the Peace in our county, placing considerable strain on our Deputy Constables. They are struggling to balance courtroom security responsibilities with the timely delivery of civil documents. To address this issue, Constable Caraway has proposed allocating $20,000 to hire a part-time bailiff, a request that can be supported by available special funds. I do recommend prioritizing this request. This is a common-sense step to make sure our court stays efficient and safe for everyone and the funding is available to facilitate it.

Constable Pct 4:

Deputy Constable (night shift) – $69,635 w/o fringe benefits

Precinct 4, the largest and most rural precinct in Smith County, lacks a city police presence, relying solely on county resources for law enforcement. The Constable has requested the addition of a night shift deputy to respond to calls during nighttime hours. Currently, only five Sheriff’s Office deputies may be available to patrol over 900 square miles of the county at night. When deputies are occupied with calls or transporting individuals to jail, law enforcement coverage is significantly reduced, compromising public safety.

Before I was exiled from the Sheriff’s Office, I engaged in discussions with the Chiefs to assess needs related to the fleet, patrol staff, and investigators. During these conversations, a Sheriff’s Office Chief emphasized—on two separate occasions—the importance of adding a night shift deputy in Constable Precinct 4 to enhance citizen safety. Until we can increase the number of patrol officers, the residents of Smith County deserve the highest level of protection we can provide. I think we should put this request on the priority list to find the funding to tackle this urgent issue.

Purchasing: 

During recent budget discussions, I believe we identified opportunities to enhance efficiency by utilizing Purchasing Department staff to serve as a Fleet Manager and a Contract Specialist. These roles would centralize oversight of two significant county expenses: vehicle fleets and service contracts. Currently, each department independently manages its own vehicles, with no standardized reporting process to ensure accountability. Similarly, some departments oversee their own contracts, while others allow contracts to auto-renew or increase without proper review, risking unnecessary costs. By establishing centralized management, having a Fleet Manager and Contract Specialist would ensure better tracking and accountability, helping the county get the best services for the lowest prices. This plan saves money and uses resources wisely for all Smith County residents. I strongly believe we should pursue this approach to address the long-standing need to protect taxpayer dollars.

VEHICLE AND CAPITAL EQUIPMENT REQUESTS

I did not address these requests for a number of reasons, one being that some vehicles are entirely dependent on a requested position being approved.  Some Capital Expenses can come from the Reserves.  This is a more complicated issue to explain but what I can cover is the total cost of all the vehicle and capital equipment requests.

Vehicle Requests = $2.8 Million

Capital Equipment Requests = $1.3 Million

Your Voice Matters!

I’m here for you, ready to dive into any budget concerns or other issues you want to bring to the table. If you’re up for a detailed roundtable to hash things out, I’m ready for it—just say the word. My job is to serve you, and I’m committed to doing it right, carrying your voice straight to the Commissioners’ Court. I’m pulling back the curtain so you can step up and engage with me directly.

When the budget’s on the agenda, come speak your mind to the full Commissioners’ Court about this year’s priorities. Got something to say about Road and Bridge? That’s usually a weekly topic, so you’ve got a regular chance to weigh in. You are not required to speak for the entire three minutes, and it’s fine to read from a prepared statement at the lectern. I know speaking up can feel intimidating — but hear me, and hear me clearly: I’m listening. Your voice matters, and your power is real. You can change your government. The only question is: will you use that power?