Commissioner's Court May 5, 2026

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Hood County Commissioner's Court held a special called meeting on May 5, 2026, to address operational challenges in the Development Department during the director's absence, with discussion centering on interim staffing solutions, contract engineering services, and process improvements including implementation of previously purchased OpenGov software. Public comments and staff presentations highlighted processing delays, floodplain administration backlogs, and the department's vulnerability as a single-director operation. The court explored options including temporary clerical support, third-party engineering firm engagement, and coordination with neighboring counties, ultimately approving an automated email and phone routing system while deferring longer-term structural decisions. The court also appointed commissioners to a regional planning commission and addressed a state statute deadline concern regarding automatic development approvals.

• Call to order and opening proceduresThe special called meeting of Hood County Commissioner's Court was opened with invocation, pledges, and a safety briefing.
• Development Department operations during director absenceThe court addressed the need for a plan to ensure the Development Department runs efficiently while the Development Director is absent due to personal reasons.
• Public comment from Mark Lowry on department and moratorium concernsMark Lowry addressed the court on critical operational and policy issues, recommending an interim director and moratorium on development.
• Public comment from Christine Leftwich, county clerkChristine Leftwich provided specific examples of processing delays and the need for dedicated development department resources.
• Flood plain administrator responsibilities and backlogThe county environmental health director outlined flood plain administration duties, time-sensitive applications, and staffing challenges.
• OpenGov software and development tracking systemDiscussion of OpenGov development software purchased but not yet implemented by the Development Department.
• Alternative solutions: contractor review and neighboring county coordinationStaff discussed options including engineering firm consultation, neighboring county mutual aid, and floodplain assistance arrangements.
• Engineering support and development review processEnvironmental health director outlined current review processes and recommendations for engineering support during director absence.
• County attorney assessment and resource limitationsThe county attorney addressed challenges with handling development matters and the need for specialized expertise.
• Development commission role and citizen advisory council proposalThe development commission chair discussed willingness to assist and proposed expanded advisory structure.
• Contract services budget and engineering firm engagementDiscussion of available funding for contract services and complications with existing engineering firm agreements.
• Short-term interim plan and next stepsFinal agreement on interim approach while longer-term solutions are developed.
• Plan review consultant options and conflicts of interestThe court discussed available engineering firms for plan review and potential conflicts when developers use the same firms.
• Floodplain certification and software questionsCommissioner Eagle asked about floodplain manager certification timelines and software costs.
• Flock grant and fund reallocation discussionThe court clarified a $126,000 Flock grant for public safety vehicle theft reduction and potential reallocation of county-paid funds.
• Staffing structure and organizational concernsCommissioner expressed frustration about development department having only one director with no backup staff.
• Motion to use third-party engineering firmsCourt discussed sending development plans to contract engineering services for review.
• Interim staffing and operational continuity discussionCourt explored temporary staffing solutions while permanent changes are considered.
• Contract labor and insurance considerationsCourt discussed bringing on contract staff with clarifications on liability and representation.
• Temporary clerical support proposalCommissioner suggested hiring temporary clerk to manage communications and coordinate plan routing.
• OpenGov software workflow toolCourt discussed workflow management software previously purchased but status unclear.
• Executive sessionCourt adjourned into executive session under Texas Government Code.
• Public comment period rules clarificationCourt established formal rules for public comment timing after agenda items.
• Section 232 automatic approval deadline concernJim Bell explained state statute deadline issue and staffing vulnerability in development office.
• Development director's inflammatory social media postLana Robinson presented screenshot of Facebook post by development director Clint Head criticizing Precinct 2 Commissioner.
• Motion on development department operationsCourt passed motion to create automated email and phone routing system for development director's office.
• Commissioner statement on staffing challengesCourt chairman acknowledged structural problems while balancing taxpayer concerns.
• Hood-Somervell County Subregional Planning Commission appointmentsCourt appointed two commissioners to newly formed regional planning commission per February resolution.