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 September 20-26, 2026, as “National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Week” in Smith County.

Comments:

I was proud to read this resolution proclaiming September 20–26, 2026, as National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Week in Smith County.

CERT is neighbors helping neighbors when the professionals cannot get there first. These volunteers train on their own time so Smith County is more prepared when a storm, fire, or other emergency hits.

I want to recognize Jason Boyd, Director of Smith County CERT, and the CERT members who joined us in the courtroom. We are grateful for Brandon Moore, Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator as our Team Lead.

I am a trained CERT member, and so is my husband. I appreciate every volunteer who puts in the hours so our communities can take care of their own. Thank you for showing up and for the work you do year-round.

2. Consider and take necessary action to approve a resolution proclaiming September 20-26, 2026, as “PATH Week” in Smith County.

3. Consider and take necessary action to approve a resolution proclaiming September 25, 2026, as “Roundup Day” in Smith County.

PRESENTATION

4. Receive burn ban update from Fire Marshal Chad Hogue.

Comments:

Fire Marshal Chad Hogue gave the Court a Week 5 update on the countywide burn ban that was ordered on August 18, 2026. There were 32 incidents during the week.

COURT ORDERS

COMMISSIONERS COURT

5. Consider and take necessary action to approve a Contract for Legal Services for Smith County Mental Health Patients, FY 2027 between Smith County and Richard Patteson and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

This is the annual contract for court-appointed legal counsel in mental health commitment proceedings in County Court. Similar to our indigent defense contracts, Smith County contracts with outside counsel to represent patients in those cases.

The FY 2027 contract with Richard Patteson runs October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The annual amount is $40,020 or $3,335 per month. 

This is the same structure and amount we approved for FY 2026. 

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

6. Consider and take necessary action to approve and ratify the FY2027 Solid Waste Grant Program Agreement between Smith County and East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG).

Comments:

We approved and ratified the FY2027 Solid Waste Grant Program Agreement with the East Texas Council of Governments. The grant provides $4,000 to offset costs. The next county cleanup event is scheduled for April.

ELECTION’S OFFICE

7. Consider and take necessary action to approve the Notice of Election for the November 3, 2026, General Election.

Comments:

The Court approved the official Notice of Election for the November 3, 2026, General Election. This is the public notice required before early voting begins. 

Early Voting Dates: October 19–30, 2026
Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23: 8:00AM –5 :00PM
Saturday, October 24: 7:00AM – 7:00PM
Sunday, October 25: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30: 7:00AM – 7:00PM

Election Day: Tuesday, November 3
Vote Centers open 7:00AM–7:00PM

Registered Smith County voters may vote at any listed Vote Center.
MAP of Voting Centers

Questions: scelections@smith-county.com or 903-590-4777.

JUVENILE SERVICES

8. Consider and take necessary action to approve the donation of a “Tiny Home” constructed by students at the H.O.P.E. Academy to Calvary Commission, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, § 263.152.

Comments:

Over the past 2 years, students at Smith County Juvenile Services’ H.O.P.E. Academy built a tiny home as part of their program. The Juvenile Board approved donating it on September 3, 2026. The Court approved the donation to Calvary Commission.

That is the right use of surplus property. The students learned a trade. The county does not spend extra money hauling or storing a building it no longer needs. A local ministry puts the home to work. I am proud of the H.O.P.E. Academy students who built it.

PURCHASING

9. Consider and take necessary action to award a contract to Wellborn Mechanical Services for 31-26 HVAC Services for Smith County and authorize the County Judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

On August 4, 2026, the Court authorized Purchasing to bid annual as-needed HVAC services for county buildings. Two bids came in. Purchasing recommended Wellborn Mechanical Services as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Ed Nichols, Facilities Director said that the price stayed the same as last year and that they have a great working relationship with Wellborn.
Wellborn Mechanical: $167,799

This is an as-needed contract for maintenance, repairs, and small projects. Competitive bidding is how we keep HVAC work priced right for the taxpayer.

RECURRING BUSINESS

COUNTY CLERK

10. Consider and take the necessary action to approve the Commissioners Court minutes for August 2026.

11. Receive Commissioners Court recordings for August 2026.

ROAD AND BRIDGE

12. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the:

1. Final Plat for the F.M. 344 South Subdivision, Unit 2, Precinct 1,
   
2. Final Plat for Coyote Canyon, Precinct 3, and
   
3. Re-Plat for Wild Estates, Unit II, Precinct 3.
   

AUDITOR’S OFFICE

13. Consider and take necessary action to approve and/or ratify payment of accounts, 

ADJOURN