Norma Bell

The Joint Planning Meeting for Groundwater Management Area 11, involving several groundwater conservation districts, is scheduled to review the results of updated model runs for the Joint Planning Process. Key discussion points include deliberation and possible action related to proposed Desired Future Conditions for the fourth round, comments and updates from Texas Water Development Board representatives, and discussion regarding the submission of a minor update to the Groundwater Availability Model of the Northern Portion of the Carrizo-Wilcox, Queen City, and Sparta Aquifers, including the approval of Resolution 2026-01. The agenda also provides for public comments and discussion on future agenda items.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes roll call and quorum establishment, a public comment period, and discussion/action on various reports including the Treasurer's Report, sales tax revenue, and the Westside VFD January report covering volunteer training, vehicle status, response data, and purchasing options for new equipment. Old Business items slated for discussion involve commissioner training expenses, the new station update from Slatterly Tackett, firefighter/EMS duty crews, the new station celebration schedule, Coffee City VFD annexation discussion, and takeaways from the 2026 SAFE-D Conference. New Business items include electing the 2026/2027 budget officer, reviewing/updating the 2026 VFIS insurance policy, affirming the attorney for 2026, reviewing the 2025 ESD 6 audit status, reviewing the ESD 6 investment policy for 2026, discussing the March Budget and Planning calendar, and affirming the March Regular Meeting Date.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key actions. New business items focus on accepting the Chiefs Report from the Tool Fire Volunteer Department for January 2026, discussing the release of bank account statements and vehicle titles for the Tool Volunteer Fire Department, and a general discussion regarding the Safe-D Conference. The Board plans to enter an Executive Session to consult on matters including the medical condition of Randall Newkirk and the viability of proceeding with an RFP process. Further discussion points include required reporting from the Tool Fire Department in May 2025 (covering inventory, grants, maintenance, and fuel usage), determining language for a new service provider contract, and taking action on a donation of a 30' flagpole. Announcements cover comparisons between AT&T-Verizon for iPads and the progress of architect drawings for a building addition.

The Henderson County Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines strategies to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to life and property from natural disasters. It is guided by principles to minimize loss, increase public understanding, build local mitigation capabilities, and maintain natural and man-made systems. The plan addresses hazards such as dam failure, drought, flood, severe storms (hail, lightning, wind), tornado, wildfire, and winter storms. The ultimate goal is to minimize disaster-related losses and enhance community resilience across Henderson County and its participating municipalities.

The meeting agenda included a workshop session to discuss and review the budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. Key actions included discussing and potentially approving the FY 2026/2027 Budget, including the pay scale and organization chart for FY 2025/2026. The Board was also scheduled to discuss and/or take action on approving Resolution #2026-001 concerning the revised Customer Service Policy and water/wastewater rates. Other planned actions involved approving expenditures for capital improvement items, specifically an unexpected flow control valve actuator purchase and the rehabilitation of Brookshire WTP Clarifier Mixers. The agenda also listed review of financial reports and approval of bills for payment, with potential executive sessions for consultation with the attorney, deliberations about real property, personnel matters, and security audits.