August 8, 2023 Hood County Commissioners' Court

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The Hood County Commissioners' Court met on August 8, 2023, to address proclamations, budget and tax rate matters, personnel decisions, and development approvals. The court approved a proposed tax rate of 0.287622 per $100 of value representing a 13.14 percent decrease from the prior year, discussed and adopted an on-site sewage facility order following public comment, and voted on placement of a donated bronze statue on the courthouse square after extensive public testimony. Additional business included approval of network infrastructure replacement, final plats for multiple residential developments, and various administrative matters including election judge appointments and salary adjustments for elected officials.

• Call to order and opening ceremoniesThe meeting was called to order with invocation and pledges of allegiance.
• Ed Shipman Memorial Highway proclamationThe court proclaimed September 1st 2023 as Ed Shipman tribute day in recognition of House Bill 2835 renaming a portion of State Highway 144.
• Fentanyl prevention and awareness day proclamationThe court proclaimed August 21st 2023 as Hood County fentanyl prevention and awareness day to acknowledge devastation from illicit fentanyl and recognizing local overdose deaths.
• Citizens comments on two-tier justice systemMultiple speakers raised concerns about the appearance of a two-tier justice system affecting similarly situated individuals differently based on political connections or status.
• 2024 Commissioner's Court schedule approvalThe court approved the 2024 Commissioner's Court meeting schedule with a modification to the second December meeting date.
• June 2024 court agenda deadline extensionThe court approved extending the item deadline for the June 25th 2024 court to June 20th at noon due to the June 19th 2024 holiday.
• Salary increase approval deferred pending tax rate decisionThe court deferred the decision on setting elected official salaries pending approval of the proposed tax rate.
• Proposed tax rate for fiscal year 2024The judge proposed a tax rate of 0.287622 per $100 of value, representing a 13.14 percent decrease from the prior year rate of 0.331129, which covers elected salaries and supports law enforcement compensation.
• Commissioner Eagle's alternative tax rate proposal and debateCommissioner Eagle proposed an alternative tax rate of approximately 0.276800 based on calculations to reduce cumulative out-of-pocket tax increases from prior years, but acknowledged using an incorrect numerator initially.
• Commissioner Wilson commentary on budget review processCommissioner Wilson affirmed that the collaborative budget review process with commissioners and department heads justified the proposed tax rate level.
• Tax rate discussion and budget processCommissioners discussed approaches to potentially reduce the proposed tax rate through budget review and possible HCAD fund credits.
• Tax rate impact and employee compensation debateThe judge proposed a tax rate reduction of four points, reducing average household taxes by $48, while defending the need to maintain employee compensation.
• Tax rate vote and passageThe proposed tax rate of 0.287622 failed on first vote but passed as a proposed rate to move to the next procedural step.
• Elected officials' salary setting and raisesThe court discussed setting salaries for elected officials with opportunity for individuals to decline raises and redirect funds to employees.
• Charitable giving and tax rate tensionOne commissioner advocated for elected officials to donate raises to charities rather than reduce taxes, contrasting public versus personal charitable giving.
• Salary motion and amendment debateThe court established final salary positions for elected and appointed officials with amendment excluding Commissioners Court from the three percent raise.
• Public hearing date for budget and tax rateThe court scheduled a public hearing for the proposed 2024 budget and 2023 tax year tax rate.
• Election judges and polling locations appointmentThe court appointed election judges and voting locations for one-year terms, with two location changes from prior years.
• Public meeting convened for on-site sewage facility orderThe court opened a public meeting to discuss and adopt a proposed Hood County on-site sewage facility order, with five speakers registered.
• First speaker: Mitchell Coleman opposes proposed orderMitchell Coleman, with over 25 years in wastewater, described failed septic systems and argued the court had predetermined the outcome.
• Second speaker: Sharon Shedlander supports stringent requirementsSharon Shedlander cited state law authority and past sewage dumping incidents to support enhanced on-site sewage facility requirements.
• Third speaker: Steve Biggers challenges speaker credibility and Republican platformSteve Biggers disputed the first speaker's standing and framed the issue as a Republican Party platform matter involving property rights and limited government.
• Fourth speaker: Tina Brown questions public notice and compliance concernsTina Brown criticized public notification for the meeting and expressed doubt that citizens would consistently follow testing and reporting requirements.
• Fifth speaker: Tom Woodward analogizes to automobile maintenance and defends self-certificationTom Woodward compared septic system self-maintenance to consumer responsibility for vehicle maintenance and argued the current proposal imposes no new risks.
• On-site sewage facility (OSSF) permitting and maintenance requirementsSomerville County presented its regulatory framework requiring permits, licensed maintenance contracts, and inspections for all on-site sewage facilities.
• Documented OSSF enforcement cases and safety hazardsSomerville County detailed specific cases demonstrating public health risks from unmaintained systems.
• Hood County OSSF order adoption process and next stepsCounty officials clarified public notice requirements and post-vote procedures for TCEQ submission.
• Homeowner training class and system self-maintenance optionCommissioners discussed adding a four-hour homeowner training class as an alternative to mandatory licensed maintenance contracts.
• Commissioner perspective on state law versus local enforcementA commissioner argued for alignment with state law and expressed concern about excessive regulation based on the assumption of non-compliance.
• Amendment to clarify homestead requirement in OSSF orderA speaker requested that the term "homeowner" be replaced with "homesteader" to ensure only primary residents can self-maintain systems.
• Public notice and transparency concernsCitizens criticized the short notice period for the public hearing and requested better advance communication.
• Concerns about system non-compliance and public health impactsCommissioners and citizens expressed worry that homeowner self-maintenance could result in neglected systems affecting neighbors and the environment.
• Personal accusations and allegations of collusionPublic comments alleged that commissioners favored changes to benefit a specific individual with alleged influence over county decisions.
• Commissioner Eagle's response to collusion allegationsThe commissioner rejected rumors of impropriety and called for fact-based discussion.
• Call for civility, transparency, and fact-based deliberationCommissioners and citizens appealed for respectful discourse and thorough vetting of accusations.
• Motion to adopt Hood County on-site sewage facility orderThe court voted to adopt the proposed OSSF order with clarification of specific qualifying provisions.
• IT hardware and software purchase policy developmentThe court directed IT and purchasing directors to develop a hardware and software purchase policy for future adoption.
• Second bronze statue placement discussionThe court addressed clarification of placement for the "Black Star" statue donated by the Ken Hill Foundation.
• Courthouse artwork approval process and General Granbury statueDiscussion of courthouse maintenance, artwork donations, and opposition to removing the General Granbury monument.
• Speaker time allocation voteThe court voted to allow each of the 14 speakers three minutes to address the Black Star statue placement.
• Commissioner Eagle's procedural concernsCommissioner Eagle raised objections to the clarity and process of the prior motion regarding statue placement.
• Gary Garrison's opposition based on religious concernsA retired teacher and historic preservation commission member opposed the Black Star statue on religious and cultural grounds.
• Second speaker's Christian faith and Native American heritage perspectiveA speaker identifying as Christian and part Cherokee Indian supported placing the Black Star statue at the rear courthouse base.
• Ed Elder's concerns about aesthetics and Christian character of the squareA resident who prays weekly at the courthouse gazebo objected to both statues as unsuitable for the town's Christian identity.
• Greg Harrell's legal and religious interpretationA speaker addressed the nature of art versus religious concern by citing Supreme Court precedent and theological principles.
• Robert Granger's cultural heritage and Native American women's representationA speaker discussed Hood County's Native American heritage and the value of honoring a prominent Native American woman.
• Elizabeth Mercer's biography of Black Star and comparative religious practicesA speaker provided biographical details of Black Star and compared Native American and Christian religious beliefs.
• Pastor Marie Cardin's interfaith reconciliation perspectiveA pastor described a 2008 interfaith ceremony with Comanche delegation and raised concerns about the term "shaman."
• Christy Massey's historical commission approvalThe Hood County Historical Commission representative confirmed the commission's approval of the Black Star statue and its placement.
• Sharon Sealander's concerns about courthouse clutter and precedentA speaker objected to multiple statues on courthouse grounds and the precedent it would set.
• Donald Emery Watts Jr.'s family heritage and alternative location proposalA Granbury descendant and devout Christian veteran opposed placing the statue near the ancestral General Granbury monument.
• Jeff Harris's explanation of the donation and intentThe executor of Ken Hill's estate explained the donor's original vision and clarified the statue is meant to honor Black Star as a historical figure.
• Tina Brown's clarification about terminology and personal perspectiveA speaker corrected the terminology used in media and quoted a Native American perspective on honoring individuals.
• Steve Biggers's technical and procedural concernsA speaker raised questions about the process, placement location visibility, and alternative venues.
• MJ Bentley's visitor and filmmaker perspectiveA visiting filmmaker raised concerns about statue size obscuring the courthouse and suggested terminology changes.
• Public comment on Black Star statue placementMembers of the public offered remarks on whether the Black Star statue should be placed on the courthouse square.
• Commissioner remarks on conflicting viewpointsA commissioner acknowledged hearing "very good information today from all parties" and expressed internal conflict over the decision.
• Commissioner commentary on "Shaman" media characterizationA commissioner addressed the Hood County News use of the term "Shaman" and discussed historical context of Comanche healing practices.
• Commissioner concerns over General Granbury statue and political threatsA commissioner recalled threats to remove Confederate statues and contrasted current peaceful conditions with prior unrest.
• Motion to place Black Star statue on courthouse squareA motion was made and seconded to approve placement of the Black Star bronze statue on the courthouse square.
• Commissioner debate on statue placement history and concernsCommissioners raised questions about the original placement plan and voiced concerns about courthouse square overcrowding.
• Proposal for alternative placement if courthouse square rejectedA speaker (Mr. Ferris) stated that if the commissioners rejected courthouse placement, he wished to weigh in on an alternative location.
• Concerns about relocation costs and foundation curing timeSpeakers raised practical concerns about costs of relocating the statue and foundation preparation requirements.
• Commissioner request for more time to deliberateA commissioner requested postponement of the vote to allow further consideration.
• Logistical details on statue delivery and installation timelineMr. Ferris provided information on the delivery date and the substantial planning required.
• County judge argument to proceed with voteThe county judge argued that sufficient time and information had been provided and called for an immediate vote.
• Voting result on Black Star statue placement motionThe commissioners voted on the motion to place the Black Star statue on the courthouse square with a mixed result.
• Network infrastructure replacement proposalThe court considered approval to replace ten-year-old network equipment for the county.
• Network infrastructure quoting and cost analysisDrew Whitaker presented multiple quote options for network equipment replacement at different quantities.
• Network engineer staffing and implementation timelineA commissioner questioned the staffing and timeline for completing the extensive network replacement.
• Implementation methodology and departmental coordinationWhitaker explained the phased approach to network replacement and coordination requirements with county departments.
• Network equipment longevity and bulk purchasing preferenceWhitaker confirmed the equipment lifespan and expressed departmental preference for bulk purchasing.
• Commissioner reflection on tax rate and expenditure timingA commissioner observed the apparent contradiction between recent tax rate decisions and current spending approvals.
• Motion to approve full network infrastructure replacementThe commissioners voted to approve purchasing and replacing 100 percent of the network infrastructure.
• Road and Bridge senior position reclassificationThe court approved reclassifying a senior foreman position to senior equipment operator to reduce costs.
• Motorola e-citation system licensing agreementThe court considered a license agreement for electronic citation software interfacing with law enforcement systems.
• Sheriff department e-citation system benefits and racial profiling reportingSheriff representatives explained the e-citation system's broader applications beyond traffic citations.
• Position savings and budget management strategySheriff and budget staff explained how the e-citation system reduces the need for additional positions.
• Commissioner concerns over budget sequencing and fund 55 spendingA commissioner objected to the timing and cumulative spending from fund 55 in the current budget cycle.
• Sheriff's traffic stop philosophy and warnings vs. citationsThe Sheriff discussed officer discretion in issuing warnings versus citations and explained how traffic stop data is reported to the state for racial profiling oversight.
• Electronic citation system benefits for clerical and court processingThe Sheriff described a new electronic citation system that improves accuracy, speeds processing, and eliminates manual tracking errors for deputies and court staff.
• Motion to table interface module hardware purchase for 2024 budget reviewA commissioner moved to table item 12 regarding the interface module hardware purchase and defer it to the 2024 budget cycle.
• IT Department promotion to network engineer supervisor roleThe IT Director proposed promoting an employee to Tech Three Step One to fill a supervisor role and enable a secondary network position without growing staff.
• Check from Lipan ISD for local project agreement placed in Road Ops materials fundThe Court accepted a check from Lipan Independent School District and directed it to be placed in Road Ops materials fund.
• Consent agenda approval with pull of social media policy for discussionThe Court approved the consent agenda after a discussion of the social media (TikTok) policy clarified that mitigation measures only apply if the platform is actually used on County devices.
• Certification of 464.58 miles of County maintained roadwaysRoad Ops presented the annual certification of Hood County maintained roadways with no removals and minimal additions since July 31, 2022.
• Rush yard fees proposal selection without charge for small pickup loadsThe Court selected proposal one for rush yard fees, which staff indicated does not include a charge for small pickup bed loads.
• Public hearing dates set for Port Richey East and Rolled Stone estate replatsThe Court set public hearing dates for two replat applications in separate precincts for September 12, 2023.
• Biloxi Valley Estates concept plan approvalThe Court approved the concept plan for Biloxi Valley Estates with 99 lots on 312.08 acres in Precinct 1 with no variances.
• Ranches at Star Hollow construction plans cleared for final plat considerationConstruction plans for Ranches at Star Hollow cleared engineering and staff review, opening the path to final plat approval.
• Ranches at Star Hollow final plat and developer agreement acceptanceThe Court accepted the developer's letter of agreement and approved the final plat for Ranches at Star Hollow with 89 lots (10 in Erath County, 2 straddling both counties, remainder in Hood County).
• Ranches at Pecan Plantation construction plans cleared for final platConstruction plans for Ranches at Pecan Plantation cleared engineering and staff review, opening consideration of the final plat.
• Ranches at Pecan Plantation final plat and developer agreement acceptanceThe Court accepted the developer's letter of agreement and approved the final plat for Ranches at Pecan Plantation with 28 lots in Hood County serving both Hood and Johnson counties.
• Pirate Village final plat, performance bond, and maintenance bond acceptanceThe Court approved the final plat for Pirate Village with 73 single-family lots and accepted both performance and maintenance bonds submitted together with surety.
• Approval of Village final platter partThe court approved the final platter part for Village by motion.
• Certification of payment of invoices and August expendituresThe court considered certification of payment for invoices from July 18 to August 1, 2023, with total expenditures of $2,561,262.12.
• Acceptance of 2023 Justice of the Peace Precinct Three financial reviewThe court accepted the 2023 financial review of Justice of the Peace Precinct Three with no issues found.