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[A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER]
YOU FOR COMING TO CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT.WE'RE GOING TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER THURSDAY, JULY 23RD, 2026, AT 9:00 AM. AND TIMOTHY PARKER WILL BE DOING OUR INVOCATION THIS MORNING, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGES. WOULD YOU ALL JOIN ME IN PRAYER? FATHER GOD, WE JUST ASK THAT YOU WOULD BE WITH US HERE TODAY, THAT YOU WOULD GUIDE, LEAD, AND DIRECT THIS AGENDA. THE CONVERSATIONS, THAT WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. WE ASK FOR YOU TO BE WITH US. PROTECT OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, MEN AND WOMEN PUT THEIR LIVES AT RISK EVERY DAY. WE PRAY FOR SOME MOISTURE, DESPERATELY NEED THAT IN MANY PLACES AROUND HERE.
AND FATHER, I JUST ASK THAT YOU BE WITH THESE MEN AS THEY MAKE THEIR DECISIONS TODAY AND BE A PART OF THIS MEETING. IN YOUR SON CHRIST'S NAME, AMEN. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE. OKAY,
[D. ANNOUNCEMENTS]
COMMISSIONERS, ARE THERE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS? NO ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR ME, JUDGE. NONE FOR ME, JUDGE. MR. THERIOT? MR. THOMAS? YES, JUDGE. I, I WANT TO PUT A, THANK EVERYONE FOR THE DUMP DAY, WE HAD LAST WEEKEND.SUCCESSFUL. I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO PRECINCT 4, THE CONSTABLES, NICOLE ENVIRONMENTAL REALLY A GOOD SUCCESS. THANK EVERYBODY FOR SHOWING UP. THANK YOU. I HAVE ONE ANNOUNCEMENT. I'M GOING TO READ IT. TUESDAY, JULY 26TH, 2026, RICHARD SENT AND SIGNED A PRE-SALES AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANY THAT IS LAND ACQUISITION GROUP, POTENTIALLY FOR A DATA CENTER.
ON THE SAME DAY, I ALSO SIGNED A PRE-SALES AGREEMENT WITH THE SAME COMPANY. RICHARD AND I DECIDED IN THE ISSUE OF TRANSPARENCY, WE SHOULD NOTIFY IMMEDIATELY RATHER THAN WAIT. I FILED MY AFFIDAVIT DISCLOSURE YESTERDAY. I FILED IT INCORRECTLY, SO REFILED IT TODAY. RICHARD APPROACHED HIS BOSS, THE DA, AND SAID HE HAD TO DISCLOSE THAT NEITHER HE NOR I COULD NEGOTIATE WITH THIS PARTICULAR COMPANY SHOULD THEY ASK FOR INCENTIVES. HE SAID HE ALSO WOULD BE HAPPY TO TRAIN SOMEBODY IF THIS COMPANY APPROACHED THE COUNTY. IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THEY HAVE NOT APPROACHED THE COUNTY AT THIS TIME OR PURCHASED OUR LAND. THIS IS SIMPLY A DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD, AND EACH PARTY CAN EXIT AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON.
RICHARD'S EMPLOYMENT WAS TERMINATED YESTERDAY, SO HE WILL NOT BE HERE TODAY.
THE COMMISSIONERS WERE NOTIFIED, AND I'M MAKING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, COMMISSIONERS, TO REMIND YOU THAT YOU CANNOT DISCUSS THIS WITH EACH OTHER IN TEXT, VERBALLY, OR EMAIL WITHOUT RISKING A WALKING QUORUM AT THIS POINT SINCE YOU WERE ALL NOTIFIED.
THIS IS THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS THAT ARE LEFT ARE VERY COMPLEX.
SO, ON THE NEXT AGENDA, I'M GOING TO HAVE AN ITEM TO DISCUSS HOW WE'RE GOING TO REPLACE RICHARD, AND WE CAN GO FROM THERE. AND ALSO, WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AS IT PERTAINS TO MY OFFICE AT THE NEXT AGENDA DURING THAT MEETING.
UNTIL THAT TIME, I WON'T BE SPEAKING TO ANY OF YOU COMMISSIONERS ABOUT IT, AND I PREFER THAT YOU DON'T CONTACT ME SO WE DON'T HAVE A WALKING QUORUM.
WITH THAT, DO WE HAVE ANY STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS? OKAY, CITIZENS'
[E. CITIZENS' COMMENTS]
COMMENTS. ANY CITIZENS' COMMENTS? FRED WEBER. OKAY.GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS FRED WEBER. I'M THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR CALDWELL COUNTY.
JUDGE HADEN AND COMMISSIONERS, ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON, I BECAME AWARE OF A REAL ESTATE, REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION BETWEEN JUDGE HADEN, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY THAT WAS LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT, AND THE COMPANY SEEKING TO PURCHASE THEIR RANCHES IN CALDWELL COUNTY.
HISTORICALLY, JUDGE HADEN AND THE ATTORNEY HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN SIMILAR COMPANIES IN CALDWELL COUNTY REGARDING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, TAX ABATEMENTS, AND OTHER ISSUES.
IN MY OPINION, THIS TRANSACTION COULD BE SEEN AS HAVING AN APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY AND POTENTIALLY A CONFLICT OF INTEREST BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE TAXPAYERS THAT WE WORK FOR. I ALONE AM
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ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF OUR, OF THE EMPLOYEES OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.WHEN I BELIEVE THAT CONDUCT HAS OCCURRED THAT COULD BE QUESTIONED BY THE PUBLIC, I'M OBLIGATED TO ADDRESS THAT CONDUCT AND THE ATTORNEY IN QUESTION IS NO LONGER EMPLOYED BY OUR OFFICE. LET ME SAY THAT I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT PRIVATE CITIZENS AND LANDOWNERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO MANAGE THEIR PROPERTY AS THEY WISH.
HOWEVER, WHEN THAT PRIVATE LANDOWNER IS ALSO A PUBLIC SERVANT, THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL OBLIGATION TO BE COMPLETELY TRANSPARENT IN THOSE DEALINGS TO AVOID CREATING A PERCEPTION BY THE PUBLIC THAT IMPROPRIETY OR CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS. I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT I HAVE AT THIS TIME, I HAVE NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT ANYTHING ILLEGAL HAS OCCURRED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE COMPANY HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY DEALT WITH THE COUNTY AND THAT NO AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE COMPANY HAVE BEEN NEGOTIATED. MY CONCERN IS STRICTLY OF THE APPEARANCE OF THIS TRANSACTION DUE TO THE POSITION OF JUDGE HADEN, AND THE ATTORNEY IS PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. I KNOW SOME OF YOU MAY DISAGREE WITH THIS DECISION, BUT IT'S A DECISION THAT I MADE. I STAND BY IT, AND I'LL BE ABLE TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU. ANY OTHER CITIZENS' COMMENTS? ANDREW MCCLISH. GOOD MORNING.
JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, CONGRATULATIONS. THE STOP SIGNS ARE GOING TO STAY IN PRAIRIE LEE. AFTER YEARS OF TRAFFIC STUDIES, ENGINEERING REPORTS, PUBLIC COMMENTS, EMAILS, AND COUNTLESS HOURS OF DISCUSSION, WE'VE APPARENTLY LEARNED THAT NONE OF THOSE THINGS MATTER IF POLITICS POINT IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.
ENGINEERING SAYS ONE THING, TRAFFIC VOLUME SAYS ONE THING, COMMON SENSE SAYS ONE THING, YET SOMEHOW THE DECISION GOES THE OTHER WAY. COMMISSIONER HORNE, LAST MONTH YOU TOLD THIS COURT THAT THESE STOP SIGNS IN PRAIRIE LEE WERE INSTALLED TO CONTROL SPEEDING. IF THAT'S TRULY THE REASON, I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO SPEND 30 SECONDS ON THE INTERNET.
CAN STOP SIGNS BE USED FOR SPEED CONTROL? THE ANSWER IS STRAIGHTFORWARD, NO. IT STATES THAT STOP SIGNS SHALL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR SPEED CONTROL. IMAGINE A RANCHER IGNORING THE VETERINARIAN, A MECHANIC IGNORING THE SERVICE MANUAL, OR A REFEREE IGNORING THE RULEBOOK BECAUSE THEY PREFER THEIR OWN RULES. PEOPLE WOULD RIGHTLY QUESTION THOSE DECISIONS, YET HERE, WHEN GOVERNMENT IGNORES ESTABLISHED ENGINEERING STANDARDS, SOMEHOW, IT'S CALLED POLICY. EVERY DAY, RESIDENTS IN PRAIRIE LEA STOP AT INTERSECTIONS WHERE THERE'S LITTLE OR NO TRAFFIC. THOSE UNNECESSARY STOPS WASTE TIME, BURN FUEL, INCREASE WEAR ON BRAKES, TIRES, TRANSMISSIONS, AND ENGINES.
THEY AFFECT RESIDENTS, VISITORS, DELIVERY DRIVERS, EMERGENCY VEHICLES, UTILITY CREWS, AND SCHOOL BUSES. I EVEN CALCULATED THE IMPACT ON THE PRAIRIE LEE SCHOOL BUS.
BECAUSE OF THESE STOP SIGNS AND YOUR DECISION TO LEAVE THEM, IT NOW MAKES 6 UNNECESSARY STOPS EVERY SCHOOL DAY. THAT'S MORE THAN 1,000 EXTRA STOPS EVERY SCHOOL YEAR. THAT'S GOVERNMENT WASTE, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. ACROSS CALDWELL COUNTY, RANCHERS DON'T PUT UP UNNECESSARY GATES ACROSS THEIR PASTURES JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN. THEY PUT THEM WHERE THEY'RE ACTUALLY NEEDED. OUR ROADS DESERVE THE SAME COMMON-SENSE APPROACH. SO WHY ARE THESE STOP SIGNS STILL UP IN PRAIRIE LEE? NOT BECAUSE ENGINEERING JUSTIFIED THEM.
NOT BECAUSE TRAFFIC VOLUMES JUSTIFIED THEM. THEY'RE THERE BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT SOME PEOPLE WANTED. AND WE'RE CONSTANTLY REMINDED TO OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD, BUT SHOULDN'T GOVERNMENT ALSO FOLLOW ENGINEERING STANDARDS THAT GOVERN THOSE SAME ROADS? THOSE STANDARDS EXIST FOR A REASON, AND THEY SPECIFICALLY SAY STOP SIGNS ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR SPEED CONTROL. AND BECAUSE OF THESE UNNECESSARY STOP SIGNS AND THE DECISION YOU MADE, THE WEAR AND TEAR ON MY VEHICLE ALONE HAS INCREASED ROUGHLY 150% JUST DRIVING THROUGH PRAIRIE LEE. AND THAT'S JUST ONE VEHICLE. MULTIPLY THAT BY EVERY RESIDENT, VISITOR, DELIVERY TRUCK, SCHOOL BUS, EVERY TRUCK THAT TRAVELS THOSE STREETS, AND THOSE COSTS ADD UP. NOW IT LOOKS LIKE I'M PROBABLY RUNNING OUT OF TIME, SO I'D LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT MY REQUEST TO THIS COURT WAS ACTUALLY VERY, VERY SIMPLE. I HAD ASKED THAT THE PRAIRIE LEE TRAFFIC SAFETY STUDY BE PLACED BACK ON THE AGENDA SO THE COUNTY'S CONSULTING ENGINEER COULD EXPLAIN THE STUDY'S FINDINGS AND ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS IN A PUBLIC MEETING. BUT APPARENTLY THAT WAS JUST WAY TOO MUCH TO ASK
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FROM THIS COURT. AND IF THIS COURT ISN'T WILLING TO HEAR DIRECTLY FROM THE ENGINEER WHO CONDUCTED THE STUDY, IT IS DIFFICULT BELIEVING ENGINEERING WAS EVER YOUR GUYS' PRIORITY. LAST MONTH THIS COURT MADE ITS DECISION.THE STOP SIGNS ARE STAYING IN PRAIRIE LEE. BUT FROM WHERE I STAND, THAT DECISION WASN'T DRIVEN BY ANY KIND OF ENGINEERING IT WASN'T DRIVEN BY PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS. IT WAS DRIVEN BY POLITICS. THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. THANK YOU. NO MORE CITIZENS' COMMENTS.
[F. CONSENT AGENDA]
TO CONSENT. COMMISSIONERS, IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS, LOOK FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT. MOVE FOR APPROVAL. MOVE FOR APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. WE HAVE A SECOND.SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. DISCUSSION
[H.1 To discuss and take possible action regarding the approval of the Minutes for the July 9, 2026, regular meeting. Speaker: Judge Haden/Teresa Rodriguez; Backup: 11; Cost: $0.00]
ACTION ITEMS. ITEM H1, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR JULY 9TH, 2026 REGULAR MEETING. IF THERE ARE NO CHANGES TO THE MINUTES, I'D LOOK FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE. MOVE APPROVAL. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. WE'RE GOING TO SKIP H2 AND H3 UNTIL AFTER WE HAVE OUR PUBLIC HEARINGS.
[H.4 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Bollinger Subdivision, Phase 5A consisting of one-lot on approximately 4.411 acres located on Bollinger Boulevard and off FM 2720. Speaker: Commissioner Theriot/Kasi Miles; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
ITEM H4, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FINAL PLAT FOR BOLLINGER SUBDIVISION PHASE 5A CONSISTING OF ONE LOT ON APPROXIMATELY 4.411 ACRES LOCATED ON BOLLINGER BOULEVARD AND OFF FM 2720. GOOD MORNING.THIS LOT IS ACTUALLY BEING PULLED OUT BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO BE THE BOLLINGER AMENITY CENTER. SO, THEY'VE DECIDED TO, THAT THEY WANTED TO JUST REMOVE THAT ONE LOT OUT AND SO THEY HAVE IT RECOGNIZED FOR THE AMENITY CENTER. AND AT THIS TIME, ALL COMMENTS ARE CLEARED, FEES HAVE BEEN COLLECTED, AND WE'RE JUST LOOKING FOR APPROVAL. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
[H.5 To consider the public street and drainage in Carpol Subdivision as complete and ready to begin the two-year performance period as evidenced by a maintenance bond in the amount of $48,755.00 for maintenance security. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Theriot/Donald Leclerc; Backup: 3; Cost: $0.00]
ITEM H5, TO CONSIDER THE PUBLIC STREET DRAINAGE AND CARPOOL SUBDIVISION AS COMPLETE AND READY TO BEGIN THE 2-YEAR PERFORMANCE PERIOD AS EVIDENCED BY A MAINTENANCE BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,755 FOR MAINTENANCE SECURITY.OKAY, AT THIS TIME DONALD'S ON HIS WAY TO ARKANSAS, SO I'M GOING TO JUST STATE HE SAID EVERYTHING HAS BEEN ADDRESSED, CORRECTED, ALL CONCERNS ARE TAKEN CARE OF.
SO, HE'S JUST SAID IT'S READY FOR APPROVAL. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
[H.6 To discuss and take possible action to authorize the execution of Contract Amendment No.1 and Supplemental Work Authorization No. 1 to Work Authorization No. 3 for the William Pettus Road (CR 238) project between Caldwell County and Pape-Dawson Consulting Engineers, LLC. The amendment adds B2Z as a subconsultant and increases the amount payable under WA No. 3 from $1,868,426.67 to $1,872,384.87. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Theriot/Maria Castanon; Backup: 25; Cost: $3,958.20]
ITEM H6, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 AND SUPPLEMENTAL WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER 1 TO WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER 3 FOR THE WILLIAM PETTUS ROAD SEA COUNTY ROAD 238 PROJECT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND PAPE DAWSON CONSULTING ENGINEERING LLC. THE AMENDMENT ADDS B2Z AS A SUBCONSULTANT AND INCREASES THE AMOUNT PAYABLE UNDER WA NUMBER 3 FROM $1,868,246.67 TO $1,872,384.87 COST TO THE COURT IS $3,958.20. MARIA. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. THIS IS AN AGENDA ITEM TO APPROVE A CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR THE WILLIAM PETTUS PROJECT TO ALLOW PAPE DAWSON TO SWITCH THEIR GEOTECHNICAL SUBCONSULTANT DUE TO AN INSURANCE ISSUE WITH THE PREVIOUS SUBCONSULTANT. NEW CONSULTANT RATES ARE BEING ADDED VIA THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT, AND THEN SUPPLEMENTAL WORK AUTHORIZATION REFLECTS THAT NEW RATES FOR THAT SUBCONSULTANT. OK.COMMISSIONERS? MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 8.7,
[H.7 To discuss and take possible action to authorize the execution of Contract Amendment No. 1 for the SH 142 West Project. The amendment adds Transcend Engineering as a subconsultant to the Professional Services Agreement for engineering services between Caldwell County and American Structurepoint. Supplemental Work Authorization No. 1 will be brought forth for Commissioners Court approval at a later date. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Westmoreland/Commissioner Theriot/ Maria Castanon ; Backup: 11; Cost: TBD]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 FOR THE SH-142 WEST PROJECT.THE AMENDMENT ADDS TRANSCEND ENGINEERING AS A SUBCONSULTANT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND AMERICAN STRUCTURE POINT.
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SUPPLEMENTAL WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER 1 WILL BE BROUGHT FORTH FOR COMMISSIONER COURT APPROVAL AT A LATER DATE. SO THIS AGENDA ITEM, VERY SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ONE WHERE IT IS A CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR THE SH-142 WEST PROJECT TO ALLOW AMERICAN STRUCTUREPOINT TO ADD TRANSCEN ON THEIR CONTRACT DOCUMENTS.JUST DUE TO THE AGE OF THE TRAFFIC DATA THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY PREPARED THROUGH THE WESTERN CALDWELL COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY, TXDOT IS REQUESTING THE TRAFFIC INFORMATION BE UPDATED. THIS ALSO ALLOWS THE TEAM TO OBTAIN TURNING MOVEMENT COUNTS AT SOME KEY INTERSECTIONS THAT'LL BE USED FOR ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC SUBMITTALS TO TXDOT. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H8,
[H.8 To discuss and take possible action regarding the FY 2027 Air Quality Program Funding request from CAPCOG in the amount of $2,884.00. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Westmoreland; Backup: 7; Cost: $2,884.00]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FISCAL YEAR 2027 AIR QUALITY PROGRAM FINDING REQUEST FROM CAPCOG IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,844.THANK YOU, JUDGE. THIS IS AN ANNUAL REQUEST THAT CAPCOG SUBMITS TO CALDWELL COUNTY ON BEHALF OF THE AIR QUALITY PROGRAM. THIS, THIS FUNDING HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR, I BELIEVE, 6 YEARS AT THIS POINT. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN AROUND $3,000, EITHER A LITTLE HIGHER OR A LITTLE LOWER. THEY'RE ALWAYS VERY RESPONSIBLE ON MAKING SURE THAT THEY ARE JUDICIAL WITH THE FUNDS THAT WE GIVE THEM AND THE REQUESTS THAT THEY SUBMIT. AND I FEEL THAT THIS AMOUNT IS, IS SOMETHING THAT THE COUNTY SHOULD CONTINUE TO FUND IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE PROGRAM TO CONTINUE. SO, WITH THAT, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM H8 BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H9,
[H.9 To discuss and take possible action regarding the appointment of Tommy Yankovoy to the ESD #3 Board to fill the remaining term of Commissioner David Murdoch, who moved out of state and resigned, with the term expiring on December 31, 2027. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Theriot; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF TOMMY YANKOVOY TO ESD 3 BOARD TO FILL THE REMAINING TERM OF COMMISSIONER DAVID MURDOCK.WHO MOVED OUT OF STATE AND RESIGNED, WITH THE TERM EXPIRING ON DECEMBER 31ST, 2027.
COMMISSIONERS, I'LL SO MOVE APPROVAL. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? A SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H10,
[H.10 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Interlocal Agreement for the 2026-2027 Constable Security Program with Lockhart ISD. Speaker: Commissioner Westmoreland; Backup: 11; Cost: $0.00]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR FY 2026-2027 CONSTABLE SECURITY PROGRAM WITH LISD. THANK YOU, JUDGE.THIS IS OUR ANNUAL RENEWAL FOR THE CONSTABLE PROGRAM WITH LOCKHART INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. WE MET WITH THE DISTRICT BACK IN MARCH, LATE MARCH OF THIS YEAR, TO DISCUSS AMENDMENTS OR CHANGES THAT NEEDED TO BE ENCUMBERED INTO THIS DOCUMENT. IT WAS WRITTEN BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FIRST, AND THEN WE REVIEWED IT WITH SOME VERY MINOR CHANGES.
THE WHOLESALE, THE BIGGEST WHOLESALE CHANGE IS THAT IT RECONSOLIDATES THE PROGRAM UNDER PRECINCT 4 CONSTABLE'S OFFICE. THIS WAS A REQUEST BY THE DISTRICT IN ORDER TO STREAMLINE COMMUNICATION THAT THEY NEEDED TO HAVE IN REFERENCE TO THE PROGRAM.
IT ALSO ADDS ANOTHER FULL-TIME POSITION FOR SECURITY PERSONNEL AT LOCKHART HIGH SCHOOL IN ADDITION TO THE ONE THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY PROVIDING FOR LOCKHART JUNIOR HIGH. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, HAS TERMINATED THEIR AGREEMENT WITH LOCKHART POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THAT SAME SERVICE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL, AND THIS WILL ALLOW THEM TO CONSOLIDATE THAT UNDER THE CONSTABLE PROGRAM AS WELL. THE FUNDING MECHANISM REMAINS THE SAME WHERE THE DISTRICT IS REIMBURSING THE COUNTY FOR 100% OF THE COST OF THE PROGRAM. I WOULD SAY THAT THERE IS ONE, ONE CHANGE THAT NEEDS TO BE MADE, JUST ONE LITTLE OVERSIGHT. THE TERM, THE 7.1, IT SAYS THE CONTRACT EXPIRES ON 7/31/26.
OKAY. AND THE, THAT HAS BEEN CORRECTED IN THE DOCUMENT AS WELL THAT WILL BE SIGNED, AND THE DISTRICT HAS A CORRECTED VERSION ALREADY.
THEY WILL HAVE THIS ON THEIR AGENDA AT THEIR MONDAY MEETING NEXT WEEK.
OKAY. I HAVE A, JUST A QUICK QUESTION. IF THEY'RE ADDING ANOTHER FULL-TIME, THEN WE NEED TO TAKE THE PROPER STEPS TO CREATE A NEW FULL-TIME POSITION THEN BEFORE THEY GET HIRED? CORRECT. THAT WILL NEED TO BE CREATED BEFORE THE HIRE IS MADE. WE CAN'T TAKE ANY STEPS THOUGH UNTIL THIS IS APPROVED,
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SO WE HAVE PERMISSION TO ACTUALLY MAKE THE POSITION.OKAY, WITH THAT, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE TO ALLOW FOR DISCUSSION. OKAY, MOVE APPROVAL FOR ITEM H10 BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H11,
[H.11 To discuss and take possible action regarding an Electronic Services Agreement between Grant Street Group, LLC and the Caldwell County, Texas Tax Assessor-Collector. Speaker: Judge Haden/Debbie Sanders; Backup: 28; Cost: $0.00]
DISCUSSION? DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AN ELECTRONIC SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN GRANT STREET GROUP, LLC AND CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M REQUESTING THE COURT'S APPROVAL TO CHANGE THE TAX OFFICE'S CREDIT CARD PROCESSING VENDOR FROM HAMMER TO GRANT STREET GROUP. THIS CHANGE WILL PROVIDE SEVERAL BENEFITS FOR BOTH OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE COUNTY. MOST IMPORTANTLY, IT WILL REDUCE THE CUSTOMER CONVENIENCE FEE FROM 3% TO 2.5%, RESULTING IN SAVINGS FOR EVERYONE WHO CHOOSES TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD.IN ADDITION, GRANT STREET GROUP WILL PROVIDE A PAYMENT KEYPAD FOR EACH CLERK WORKSTATION AT NO COST TO THE COUNTY. THE NEW SYSTEM WILL ALLOW US TO ACCEPT MODERN PAYMENT METHODS SUCH AS TAPPAY, APPLE PAY, AND CASH APP, WHICH OUR CURRENT PROCESSOR DOES NOT SUPPORT. AS MORE CUSTOMERS CHOOSE TO PAY ELECTRONICALLY, THIS UPGRADE WILL IMPROVE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE WHILE REDUCING THE FEES OUR CUSTOMERS PAY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A POSITIVE IMPROVEMENT FOR THE TAX OFFICE AND FOR THE CITIZENS WE SERVE.
COMMISSIONERS? WELL, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE. I SECOND. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
[H.12 To discuss and take possible action on the revised Caldwell County Emergency Management Basic Plan that includes designating the Caldwell County Community and Evacuation Center as the primary evacuee lodging facility, prohibiting pets (per the GLO grant), and permitting service animals for individuals with disabilities. Speaker: Judge Haden/Joann Garza-Mayberry/Hector Rangel; Backup: 31; Cost: $0.00]
MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H12, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON REVISED CALDWELL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BASIC PLAN THAT INCLUDES DESIGNATING THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMUNITY EVACUATION CENTER AS THE PRIMARY EVACUEE LODGING FACILITY, PROHIBITING PETS PER GLO GRANT AND PERMITTING SERVICE ANIMALS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES? HECTOR? YES, SO WE ADDED A PARAGRAPH TO OUR EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN NOT TO ACCEPT REGULAR HOUSEHOLD ANIMALS. THE ONLY ANIMALS THAT WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE EVACUATION CENTER WILL BE SERVICE ANIMALS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AND THAT IS FOR THE GLO GRANT WORDING THAT THEY WANTED ON THE, ON THE, ON THE EOP. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, MOVE FOR APPROVAL. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND, BUT CAN I ASK A QUESTION, JUDGE? YES. HECTOR, WHAT, WHAT'S THE BASIS, I GUESS? I MEAN, FOLKS EVACUATING FROM THE COAST HAVE A, HAVE A PET. WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH EITHER THE LOCAL SHELTERS HERE IN TOWN OR LULING THAT CAN ACCEPT THEM. AND LIKE, JUST DEPENDING ON HOW LONG THE PERIOD OF TIME THEY, THEY'RE EVACUATED FOR.BUT WE'VE TALKED TO SOME OF THE SHELTERS AND THEY'RE WILLING TO ACCEPT THEM. AND THAT'S, THAT'S, I MEAN, WE REALLY DON'T HAVE A BIG SHELTER TO PUT THEM IN RIGHT NOW. UNTILL IN THE FUTURE, HOPEFULLY WE'LL HAVE SOMETHING.
YEAH, UNFORTUNATELY, THAT'S A DLO RULE. OKAY.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
AYE. OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H13,
[H.13 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Caldwell County Burn Ban. Speaker: Judge Haden/Hector Rangel; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CALDWELL COUNTY BURN BAN. GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. JUST TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE, WE'VE HAD A FEW FIRES OUT THERE, AND WE HAD ONE BIG ONE YESTERDAY, AND IT WAS AN ILLEGAL BURN.BURN THAT THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE TOOK CARE OF.
CURRENTLY, OUR NUMBERS ARE STILL LOW. OUR RELATIVE HUMIDITY HAS BEEN KIND OF HIGH, BUT IT'S GOING TO START DROPPING WITH THESE TRIPLE DIGITS THAT WE'RE HAVING NOW FOR TEMPERATURES. CURRENT KVDI NUMBER IS MINIMUM, IS 173, MAX 404, WITH AN AVERAGE OF 270, WITH A CHANGE OF +20.
OUR AVERAGE IS 270. USUALLY, OUR NUMBERS BY THIS TIME LAST YEAR WERE IN THE 600S. 683, CLOSE TO 700. RIGHT NOW, THE PREDICTIONS FOR RAIN, WE'RE LOOKING AT BETWEEN AUGUST 2ND THROUGH THE 4TH WITH A 20 TO 60% CHANCE OF RAIN. AND THAT'S STILL A LITTLE WAYS OUT, BUT I'M GOING TO RECOMMEND WE KEEP THE BURN BAN OFF. OKAY, THANK YOU.
COMMISSIONERS, GET A MOTION PLEASE. MOVE TO APPROVE. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOW ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU. ITEM H14,
[H.14 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Transfer 15-2026 moving $15,670.00 for Unit Road Purchase. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow; Backup: 3; Cost: $0.00]
[00:25:01]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BUDGET TRANSFER 15-2026, $15,670 FOR UNIT ROAD PURCHASE. DANNY? YES, GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. WE'RE JUST DOING AN INTERNAL TRANSFER.FROM THEIR FUEL LINE ITEM OVER TO MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT SO THAT THEY CAN BUY THOSE 2 BRUSH CUTTERS THAT THEY NEEDED.
COMMISSIONERS, MOVE FOR APPROVAL. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
[H.15 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Transfer 16-2026, moving $42,000.00 to cover unforeseen case expenditures in District Court. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H15, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BUDGET TRANSFER 16-2026, MOVING $42,000 TO COVER UNFORESEEN CASE EXPENDITURES IN DISTRICT COURT. YES, THIS ONE IS FOR THE DISTRICT COURT'S OFFICE. ON TOP OF THE UNFORESEEN EXPENDITURES ON THE CASE HEARINGS AND THE NEEDS THERE, WE FOUND A CODING ISSUE TOO WITH THE CPS LINE ITEMS, SO WE'VE RECTIFIED THAT. WE WERE NOTICING THAT NOTHING WAS COMING OUT OF THE CPS EXPENSE CODE, WHICH SHOULD HAVE BELONGED TO SOME OF THIS STUFF HERE.SO, WE'VE RECTIFIED THAT, BUT JUST TO GET THROUGH THE YEAR, WE'RE, WE'RE DOING AN INTERNAL TRANSFER TO HELP THOSE LINE ITEMS. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, MOVE IT TO APPROVE. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A 4-MINUTE RECESS.
IT'S 9:26. WE WILL REOPEN AT 9:30 WITH OUR PUBLIC HEARINGS.
HEY, WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND, AND REOPEN OUR REGULAR SESSION OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT, AND
[G.1 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Elected Officials' Salaries]
WE'RE GOING TO GO TO ITEM G1 AND OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR FISCAL YEAR 26 2026-2027 ELECTED OFFICIAL SALARIES.WE'LL LEAVE THIS OPEN FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES. IF THERE ARE NO SPEAKERS, THEN WE'LL CLOSE IT.
[G.2 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget]
AND CLOSE THAT PUBLIC HEARING AND OPEN THE NEXT PUBLIC HEARING, FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 PROPOSED BUDGET.[00:31:15]
OKAY, WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND CLOSE THAT PUBLIC HEARING AT[H.2 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Elected Officials' Salaries for Fiscal Year 2026- 2027. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
09:34 AND MOVE TO ITEM H2, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ELECTED OFFICIAL SALARIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026- 2027. COMMISSIONERS, COULD I PLEASE GET A MOTION? I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
[H.3 To discuss and take possible action to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow; Backup: 269; Cost: $0.00]
MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H3, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 PROPOSED BUDGET.OKAY, MOTION PLEASE. MOVE FOR APPROVAL. MOVE FOR APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? YES, JUST ONE THING. THIS IS THE PROPOSED BUDGET, SO IF THERE'S ANY DEPARTMENT HEADS, ELECTED OFFICIALS HERE, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME AFTER THIS COMMISSIONER'S COURT, BETWEEN THIS AND THE ADOPTION, TO GO THROUGH YOUR BUDGET LINE BY LINE, MAKE SURE EVERYTHING'S CORRECT, BECAUSE I'M ONLY ONE PERSON, ONE SET OF EYES. SO PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU DOUBLE-CHECK. IT WOULD BE EVEN GREAT JUST TO HEAR FROM YOU AND SAY, YEP, EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY CHANGES, PLEASE, PLEASE BRING THEM TO ME IMMEDIATELY SO I CAN MAKE THOSE. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. WITH THAT, WE WILL GO TO ADJOURNMENT. DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN? SO MOVED. MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ONTARIO. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. WE ARE ADJOURNED AT 9:36.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.