October 8, 2024 Hood County Commissioners' Court

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The Hood County Commissioners' Court met on October 8, 2024, to address citizen concerns, approve infrastructure and capital improvements, and consider personnel and policy matters. Topics included a public complaint regarding Sheriff's Office personnel, approval of emergency operations equipment upgrades funded through American Recovery Act resources, adoption of a master thoroughfare plan, and authorization of land and equipment purchases totaling approximately $227,520. The Court also approved several community partnership requests, including use of the historic Courthouse grounds for a St. Jude Hospital fundraiser and the Harvest Moon Festival, and considered a contentious Health Authority appointment renewal that prompted extended debate over pandemic response authority. The meeting concluded with a public hearing on a Williamson Road speed limit regulation and executive session discussion of real estate matters.

• Opening and invocationThe meeting was opened with an invocation and pledges.
• Citizen comments and public participation proceduresTwo speakers signed up for open microphone (citizens comments at large); procedures for public participation forms were reviewed.
• Public comment—Hood County Sheriff's Office personnel and incident handlingR. Kent Burgess raised concerns about a dismissed Hood County Sheriff's deputy and alleged misconduct by other employees.
• Second public speakerA second public speaker (Brad or similar name) was listed but opted to pass on their comments.
• Chime in Time clock tower inspection proposalDiscussion of a proposal for quarterly clock tower inspections at the historic courthouse at no cost, with case-by-case repair quotes.
• Domestic violence awareness month recognitionMission Grandberry requested approval to display purple ribbons and lighting for October and to use the courthouse lawn for a candlelight ceremony.
• Hood County Health Services heirs' surplus return requestCommissioners discussed directing the County Attorney to formally request return of Hood County's portion of a $294,429 surplus from the HC Heads independent audit report.
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) audiovisual equipment upgradeCommissioners approved use of American Recovery Act (ARA) funding to upgrade end-of-life audiovisual equipment in the EOC.
• Master thoroughfare plan updatesCommissioners approved moving forward with master thoroughfare plan drafting following workshop feedback and data modeling.
• Grant applications reporting proceduresCommissioner Samson proposed adding grant application status reporting to monthly departmental reports.
• Emergency Management grant writer monthly reportingThe Emergency Management grant writer was requested to produce monthly pipeline reports to the Commissioners' Court.
• County management compensation guidelines revisionThe Court approved revisions to three personnel policies to align with the recently adopted salary matrix and budget.
• Animal Control Officer certification pay correctionA mathematical error in the Animal Control Officer compensation required a line item transfer from contingency to correct underpayment.
• Skeletons for St Jude Hospital Halloween displayThe Court approved displaying four signs on the historic Courthouse grounds to promote a St Jude Hospital fundraiser from October 14–31, 2024.
• Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant for license plate camerasThe Court approved a resolution required to apply for a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant to purchase license plate reading cameras on roadways in Hood County.
• Historic Courthouse parking lot use for Harvest Moon FestivalThe Court approved the City of Granberry's request to use the entire historic Courthouse parking lot for the Harvest Moon Festival from October 24–28, 2024.
• Land purchase west of Royce ParkThe Court approved signing a contract to purchase approximately 2.25 acres of land west of Royce Park on Highway 377 for $150,000.
• Hood County Health Authority appointment renewalCommissioner Eagle pulled Item G (renewal of Dr. David Blocker's appointment as Hood County Health Authority) from the consent agenda to address concerns about pandemic response authority.
• Health authority appointment discussion and voteThe court debated the appointment of Dr. Blocker as health authority, with commissioners disagreeing over his COVID-19 pandemic guidance and constitutional implications.
• Animal control certification pay adjustmentThe court pulled item C from the consent agenda to adjust animal control officer certifications from a lower amount to $2,400 per year.
• Consent agenda final approvalThe court accepted the remaining items on the consent agenda after removing the health authority and animal control certification items.
• Williamson Road speed limit public hearingThe court held a public hearing to discuss and consider approval of a traffic regulation regarding speed limit reduction on Williamson Road.
• Bobcat skid steer loaders purchaseThe court approved the purchase of two Bobcat skid steer loaders at a total cost of $77,520 on a board contract.
• Royal Oasis addition replat approvalThe court approved the replat of Royal Oasis subdivision in Precinct 3, creating two lots with onsite water and sewage facilities.
• Goodsite commercial building development approvalThe court approved a site development plan for a commercial building on Lot 5 of the Lee Addition.
• Financial records and invoices approvalThe court approved payment of invoices and accepted financial audit reviews for constables and justices of the peace.
• Executive session and adjournmentThe court convened into executive session to discuss real estate leases and adjourned without taking action.