January 28, 2025 Hood County Commissioners' Court

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Hood County Commissioners' Court met on January 28, 2025, to conduct routine business and approve several policy and operational matters. The court recognized retiring employee Donald Lenn for 32 years of service, appointed members to the Historical Commission, and approved multiple agreements and purchases including a new sheriff's vehicle, medical examiner services through an interlocal agreement with Tarrant County, and reinstatement of the Sheriff's Office Ride Along program. The court also adopted revisions to its Rules of Procedure and email transfer policies, approved the Master Thoroughfare Plan with modifications, and held a public hearing on a plat replat for Pirate Village. The court approved monthly financial reports and bills and convened in executive session regarding security matters before adjourning at 11:22 a.m.

• Call to order and opening remarksThe meeting was called to order on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the central Jury Room at the Ralph H Walton Jr justice center in Granberry, Texas.
• Recognition of retiring employee Donald LennDonald Lenn was recognized and honored for 32 years of service to Hood County, retiring after exemplary work as a road crew member.
• Service Awards presentedMultiple employees recognized for service milestones including five-year and ten-year awards.
• Citizens at large comments — General Granbury celebrationPhil Harris addressed the court regarding Founders Day, recommending return to General Granbury's birthday celebration.
• Citizens at large comments — Leadership program announcementChristine Leftwitch announced her selection for a 14-month executive leadership program through the Texas Association of Counties.
• Historical Commission appointmentsThe court appointed nine applicants to serve on the Hood County Historical Commission for two-year terms.
• Dissolution of Brazos Regional Public Utility AgencyThe court approved a resolution requesting dissolution of the Brazos Regional Public Utility Agency and consolidation under the water authority.
• Sheriff's Office Ride Along program reinstatementThe court approved reinstatement of the County Sheriff's Office Ride Along program with liability waivers and eligibility requirements.
• Interlocal agreement with Tarrant County Medical ExaminerThe court approved an interlocal agreement with Tarrant County medical examiner's office for medical examiner services, backdated to November 4th.
• Courthouse flag placement scheduleThe court approved a schedule for installation and removal of flags along the courthouse grounds for patriotic holidays.
• Historic Courthouse use for Texas Independence celebrationThe court approved use of the second floor courtroom on March 1, 2025, for the 7th annual Texas Independence celebration.
• Sheriff's Office vehicle purchaseThe court approved purchase of a new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado for transport at a net cost of $3,429 after insurance recovery.
• District Clerk temporary employee positionThe court approved a line item transfer to fund a temporary employee in the District Clerk's Office for 60 days.
• Hood County Manager email transfer policy revisionsThe court discussed and approved revisions to the Manager Employee Transfer Policy, adding language requiring request from transferring supervisor or department head.
• Commissioner's Court Rules of Procedure updatesThe court reviewed changes to the Commissioner's Court rules of conduct and procedure, with discussion of agenda item introduction provisions.
• Rules of Procedure – Open Comment LanguageThe court adopted revised rules of procedure governing public comment at agenda items, specifically clarifying when commissioners may make introductory remarks.
• Hood County Appraisal District – Forensic Audit Resolution WithdrawnCommissioner Eagle placed a resolution calling for a forensic audit of the Hood County Appraisal District on the agenda but withdrew it after learning the HCAD had already voted to proceed with the audit.
• Consent Agenda ApprovedThe court approved the consent agenda without pulling any items for individual discussion.
• Road Operations RecognitionBrief acknowledgment of a departing road operations employee.
• Pirate Village Lot 1 Block 3 – Replat Public Hearing and ApprovalThe court held a public hearing and approved a replat to dedicate right-of-way and resolve a survey issue.
• Master Thoroughfare Plan – Public Hearing and Adoption with ModificationsThe court conducted a public hearing and adopted the Hood County Master Thoroughfare Plan map with a revision to reclassify one proposed thoroughfare from near-term to long-term priority.
• Financial Bills and PaymentsThe court approved bills and payments for the period of January 8–21, 2025, removing a deferred tax note payment to the next court meeting.
• Financial Reports and Bank Reconciliations – Monthly ReviewThe court accepted the monthly financial reports and bank reconciliations for December.
• Executive Session – Security Personnel and AuditThe court convened in executive session to deliberate regarding security personnel, devices, and security audit matters under Texas Government Code § 551.071.
• AdjournmentThe meeting adjourned at 11:22 a.m.