March 26, 2024 Hood County Commissioners' Court

Open with transcript & summary →Search this meeting's transcript →

Hood County Commissioners' Court met on March 26, 2024, to conduct regular county business including recognizing community achievements such as Lipan High School's basketball championship and establishing National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. The court approved several operational matters, including vendor parking for the Granbury Wine Walk, a property tax assessment contract, software maintenance agreements, and funding allocations for law enforcement equipment and personnel through SB 22 grant funds and opioid settlement money. The court also addressed infrastructure and facility matters, including an interlocal agreement with the City of Granbury for Old Granberry Road improvements and ongoing discussion of brush yard maintenance. An executive session was held regarding medical center and YMCA building leases with no action taken.

• Call to order and opening proceedingsThe meeting was called to order with invocation and pledges in the central jury room.
• National Public Safety Telecommunications Week proclamationThe court adopted a proclamation declaring April 14–20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in honor of dispatch center staff.
• Lipan High School UIL 2A boys basketball championship recognitionThe court honored Lipan High School's second consecutive UIL 2A State Boys Basketball Championship.
• Service Awards for county employeesThe court presented service awards to three county employees with milestone tenures.
• Citizens comments and open mic proceduresThe court established procedures for public participation requiring written forms processed in order.
• Granberry Wine Walk vendor parking approvalThe court approved the City of Granbury's event application for vendor parking during the Wine Walk on three dates in late April.
• Master planning study steering committee establishmentThe court received informational updates on steering and technical committee membership for a master plan study.
• Brazes River community cleanup vouchersThe court approved 10 vouchers for the Citizens Collection Station to support community cleanup efforts.
• Wolf Hollow power plant abatement agreement updateCommissioner Samuelson explained why the public hearing on abatement agreement amendments was cancelled after discovering the eligible property already excluded cryptocurrency data center land.
• Property tax assessment and collection contractThe court discussed and voted on a four-year property tax assessment and collection contract with required SB 2019 compliance updates.
• TAC recommended closed meetings statement adoptionThe court adopted updated Texas Association of Counties language for closed meeting notices on Commissioner Court agendas.
• SAP Crystal server software support agreementThe court approved a two-year software maintenance agreement with SAP for Crystal server with total investment not exceeding $41,000.
• Public comment on software contract scrutinyDavid Ferris addressed the court on contract review practices and availability of software expertise.
• SB 22 grant funding update for law enforcementEmergency Management announced receipt of SB 22 grant funds for Sheriff's Office and District Attorney.
• Sheriff's Office SB 22 grant fund discussionThe court clarified the Sheriff's use of SB 22 grant funds for personnel and equipment, noting the Sheriff has discretion within the grant rules but the court should acknowledge compliance.
• Sheriff's staffing and equipment requests from SB 22 grantThe Sheriff detailed plans to use SB 22 grant funds for jailer raises, three patrol deputies, and equipment purchases totaling $264,754.45 for the remainder of the year.
• Sheriff's request for retroactive pay implementationThe Sheriff requested retroactivity for raises back to March 26, and the court noted this would not affect deputies since no one has been hired yet, but jailers need the funds as soon as possible.
• District Attorney's grant fund documentationA commissioner suggested the District Attorney should present similar documentation of planned use for the $275,000 grant fund, noting the DA may have been in court but should present next time.
• Interlocal cost-sharing agreement for Old Granberry Road improvementsHood County and the City of Granbury entered an interlocal agreement under Texas Government Code 791 for a planning study on Old Granberry Road improvements, with the county responsible for 60% of costs ($145,000.53) and the city 40%.
• Brush yard/grinder situation and optionsThe court discussed the broken grinder at the county brush yard, hearing from speakers on the feasibility of purchasing a replacement versus waiting for part repairs.
• Brushard facility ongoing maintenance fundingDiscussion of whether brushard facility revenue should be allocated to a dedicated account or continue to come from the general budget.
• Ballistic vests purchase for law enforcementCourt approved purchase of 11 ballistic vests for Sheriff's Office, Constable Precinct 4, and District Attorney's Office using the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant.
• Western Region Solid Waste Advisory Group appointmentCourt appointed Jeanie Stax to replace Clint Head as Hood County representative to the Western Region Solid Waste Capacity Policy Advisory Group.
• Narcotic identification device purchase for Sheriff's OfficeCourt approved purchase of a handheld narcotic identification device using opioid settlement funds to enhance officer safety and drug interdiction capability.
• County Attorney's Office clerk promotion to clerical supervisorCourt approved promotion of a clerk with five years of service from Clerk 2 at $37,600 to Clerical Supervisor 1 at $45,500, effective March 25, 2024.
• County Attorney's Office new clerk hire at higher stepCourt approved hiring a new clerk for the County Attorney's Office with prior dispatch experience at pay step 2 ($366) rather than entry-level step 1 ($345).
• YMCA Hood County lease discussion and executive session noticePublic comment period held before executive session regarding the YMCA lease renewal; YMCA representative expressed concern about lack of partnership communication.
• Executive session and meeting adjournmentExecutive session held regarding medical center and YMCA building leases; no action taken.
• Development plats approved—San Lorenzo, Blue Branch, and The LandingsCourt approved three replat/final plat items for residential subdivisions in Precincts 1 and 2.
• Invoice payment and financial reports approvalCourt approved payment of invoices and accepted monthly financial reports following auditor review.
• Treasurer investment yield reporting and excess tax sales fundsCommissioners noted positive investment performance and receipt of unanticipated funds from excess tax sales.