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 June 8, 2025, as “Velora Jean Franklin Douglas Day” in Smith County.

2. Consider and take necessary action to approve a resolution proclaiming June 12, 2025, as “Celebrating Women Veterans Day” in Smith County.

Resolution:
At a regular meeting of the Smith County Commissioners Court held at the Smith County Courthouse Annex,Tyler, Texas, at which a quorum was present, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, women have a long and often unrecognized history in providing military service to the United States of America, having served in the Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War. Our veterans disregard their own wellbeing and act with incredible honor to preserve for us, the citizens of this great nation, our freedom; and

WHEREAS, Smith County honors the tremendous sacrifices our women in uniform have made in order to defend our country; and

WHEREAS, the commonwealth pay special tribute to the valiant guardians of our freedom who remain listed as Missing in Action, and offers support to the loving families who hope for their safe return; and

WHEREAS, as citizens of the United States of America, we owe a great debt to our female veterans, and today we ask that they be honored for their sacrifices and service. The valor and devotion to duty demonstrated by current and past servicewomen have paved the way for future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commissioners Court of the County of Smith, Texas, through adoption of this Resolution does hereby proclaim June 12, 2025, as

in Smith County and encourages all citizens to recognize, honor and thank the women who have served and who continue to serve our nation in the Armed Forces and National Guard.

Comments: 

You can view the entire presentation that starts around the 9:20 minute mark and runs through to the 35:20 mark. It was just an update letting us know that they are about 1/3 of the way and on target to finish in the Fall of 2026. There wasn’t any information provided on the construction budget.  It was strictly an update on the overall completion.  I do hope we can get an analysis on the budget for this project soon.

COURT ORDERS

COMMISSIONERS COURT

Comments: 

A surety bond serves as a financial guarantee that the Chief Deputy Tax Assessor will perform their duties faithfully and not misuse or mismanage public funds. If they fail in their duties (e.g., through negligence or misconduct), this bond can be used to compensate for any financial loss to the county or state. Western Surety Company is the bond provider and it was in the amount of $100,000. The term is June 5, 2025 through June 5, 2026.

5. Consider and take necessary action to approve a bond for the Smith County Election Administrator, Michelle Allcon, beginning June 7, 2025, and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments: 

This bond is in the amount of $5000 provided by Western Surety Company. The term is June 7, 2025 through June 7, 2027.

6. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the purchasing director to advertise, solicit and receive sealed proposals for RFP 29-25 for Commercial Real Estate Services for Smith County for the purchase of land for an Animal Control and Shelter Facility.

Comments: 

I want to ensure transparency and accountability in how our county makes decisions, especially when it involves your tax dollars. Recently, concerns have arisen about the process for selecting a new Animal Control Facility site, and I believe you deserve to know what’s happening.

Our government is built on the principle that elected officials represent the will of the people – “Consent of the Governed”. However, the process for choosing a real estate firm to find a new property for the Animal Control Facility has raised red flags about transparency and inclusion.
Here’s what happened:

1. Needs Assessment Study: In April, the county spent nearly $16,000 on a Needs Assessment Study to evaluate four properties for the new facility. Two were top contenders, but one was unavailable before the study was even presented, leaving only the Hwy 14 property as an option. (See my 4/29/25 Weekly Report for details.)

2. The Surprise: Late last week, I received a draft agenda proposing that the county hire Scarborough Real Estate for the property search. This was alarming because the Commissioners Court—your elected representatives—had not discussed or voted on this firm. Who chose Scarborough Real Estate? Have they worked with the county before? 

“Consider and take necessary action to approve a professional and personal Services agreement between the county and Scarborough Real Estate for Agent Services pursuant to Texas Local Government Code 262.024(a)(4).“

3. Pushing for Transparency: I immediately contacted Judge Franklin and Thomas Wilson to question the selection process. Judge Franklin responded that the project would instead go out to bid. This was a step in the right direction.  Competitive bidding allows multiple firms to apply and reduces the risk of favoritism. 

4. Still Missing Key Details: The final agenda reflected the bidding process, but it lacked critical information—no criteria for selecting a firm, no details about the property search, nothing to guide the process. The Commissioners were expected to approve a plan driven by the Purchasing Department, with input limited to Judge Franklin and the Animal Control Director. This sidelined the Commissioners and, by extension, you, the taxpayers. Why weren’t we given a proposal outlining the recommended criteria for selecting a professional real estate firm—something the full Court could review, discuss, and revise if needed?

I believe decisions about public funds should involve the elected officials you chose to represent you. That’s why I moved to table this decision until we could review clear criteria for selecting a firm, but my motion didn’t pass. When the vote proceeded, I voted no, opposing a process that excluded the Commissioners and lacked transparency.

I don’t care to hear “This is how it’s always been done.” That doesn’t mean that it’s the right way or the best way.  Tradition doesn’t justify shutting out the people’s representatives. As your Commissioner for Precinct 1, I’m committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Hiring a firm and spending your tax dollars should follow a clear, open process with proper oversight. We should have a proposal outlining how a firm will be chosen—something the Commissioners can review, discuss, and refine.

This process felt like writing a blank check, and that’s not how good government works. You deserve better. I’ll continue to push for transparency and accountability in every decision affecting our community.

4 Ayes; 1 NAY

7. Consider and take necessary action to approve a payment of $1,000 to the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce to help buy signage for the Veterans Memorial Highway as designated by Senate Bill 1229 and House Bill 2914.

Comments: 

This was the county’s contribution to purchasing the signage for the newly renamed Veterans Memorial Highway.

PURCHASING
8. Consider and take necessary action to approve the (1) year renewal option with Wellborn Mechanical Services, Inc., for RFP-11-21 HVAC Service for Smith County and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Some of the AC systems are maintained and serviced by Wellborn Mechanical. This is a cost benefit to the taxpayer because they can service warranty issues and they are experts on these technical AC units. Ed Nichols, our Facilities Services Director, is very satisfied with this contractor and their performance and cost.

RECURRING BUSINESS
 
ROAD AND BRIDGE
9. Receive pipe and/or utility line installation request (notice only):
     a. County Road 2166, Charter-Spectrum, install pole with power supply           and fiber optic cable, Precinct 2,
     b. County Road 2181, Charter-Spectrum, install pole with power supply           and fiber optic cable, Precinct 2,
     c. County Road 25, Jackson Water Supply Corporation, install line for              service, Precinct 3; and
     d. County Road 3200 E., West Gregg Service Utility District, install line            for service, Precinct 3.

Comments: 

Notice Only Item

AUDITOR’S OFFICE
10. 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
11. Receive report on status of Smith County jail operations, inmate population, employee overtime, and employee vacancies.

ADJOURN