May 10, 2022 Hood County Commissioners' Court

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The Hood County Commissioners Court met on May 10, 2022, to address citizen concerns, approve financial and operational matters, and conduct budget allocations. Public comment included criticism regarding response to the Big L fire and the mobile command unit, a petition for investigation of the County Judge, and a procedural concern about public records access. The court approved the consent agenda, conditionally approved the Stewart Ranch concept plan for a 58-lot residential development, authorized ballistic vest purchases and an HVAC repair allocation, and accepted the 2021 annual financial audit with no exceptions noted. Additionally, the court approved a grant application for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership and approved restructuring of a sheriff's investigator position.

• Call to order and opening remarksThe meeting was called to order with invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by remarks on meeting conduct and decorum.
• Rules of procedure and public participationJudge outlined Hood County Commissioners Court rules of decorum and procedures for public comment, referencing rules adopted in February 2021 and addressing concerns from prior meetings.
• Citizens comment—Big L fire and mobile command unit (David Todd Byrd)A citizen questioned the response to the Big L fire, particularly the failure to deploy a newly purchased mobile command unit and the enforcement of evacuation orders.
• Citizens comment—Character and leadership critique (David Todd Byrd, continued)A citizen offered a qualified apology to the Judge while criticizing his leadership and characterizing his failure to enforce orders as evidence of lack of authority.
• Citizens comment—Petition for investigation of Judge (Van Vernon)A citizen presented a petition with 140 signatures requesting investigation of Hood County Judge Ron Massingill for abuse of office under Texas Penal Code Chapter 39.
• Citizens comment—Personal regret over passion and characterization (Steve Biggers)A citizen acknowledged his prior anger and emotional delivery while reaffirming his substantive statements and raising concerns about selective enforcement of decorum rules.
• Citizens comment—Public records access issue (Nanette Samuelson)A citizen raised a procedural concern regarding public access to agenda item links that now require Office 365 login credentials.
• Consent agenda approvalThe court approved the consent agenda by motion without objection or discussion.
• Stewart Ranch concept plan public hearing and conditional approvalThe court held a public hearing on a proposed 58-lot residential development in Precinct 3 and conditionally approved the concept plan pending TXDOT access permit and MUD approval.
• Financial report and payment authorizationCounty financial officer reported current expenditures and requested approval of payment for invoices totaling $2,295,082 with associated supporting documentation.
• Justice of the Peace financial records acceptanceThe court accepted the 2022 financial reviews for Justice of the Peace Precincts 1 and 2 by motion without discussion.
• Bulletproof vest partnership grant applicationThe court approved the Sheriff's request to apply for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant for 2022, which reimburses up to 50 percent of approved ballistic vest costs.
• Replacement ballistic vests order and fundingThe court approved purchase of 34 replacement ballistic vests for law enforcement officers under state contract at a total cost of $41,118.66, with public support from a citizen speaker.
• HVAC repair and replacement funding requestCounty facilities director requested an additional $75,000 budget allocation for repair or replacement of failing heating and air conditioning units in county buildings.
• HVAC maintenance funding approvalThe court approved $75,000 from Fund 55 for air conditioning system repairs and replacements.
• Sheriff investigator position restructuringChief Deputy Steve Smith presented restructuring of a vacated investigator sergeant position to an investigator position at a lower salary step.
• 2021 annual financial audit presentationWade Whitlow of Kenner Masters and Lunsford presented the 2021 annual financial review with no exceptions or problems noted.
• Fund balance reserve analysisAuditor Whitlow discussed the adequacy of the county's unassigned fund balance reserve and its importance given current economic conditions.
• Audit process improvements and federal complianceAuditor reported significant improvements in the audit process in year two and noted new federal single audit requirements related to CARES funding.
• CARES money audit compliance and transparency statementCounty official emphasized complete audit of CARES money with no issues and commitment to transparency on all funding matters.
• 2021 annual financial review acceptanceThe court voted to accept the 2021 annual financial review prepared by Kenner Masters and Lunsford LLC.