Travis Babcock

The meeting included a presentation of the Tax Assessor/Collector's May Activity report and a discussion only regarding a tax abatement request for a solar project presented by Commissioner Jimmy Wiley. Key actions involved the Treasurer's acceptance of two donations totaling $200.00 to the Young County Work Crew, approval of budget amendments and vouchers payable totaling $192,477.49, and approval for an out-of-state travel reimbursement. The Court also approved an Interlocal Agreement with Throckmorton County for monitoring services and opened sealed bids for a 2003 Freightliner and a 2008 Kenworth truck. A discussion concerning RV Park plans at Fort Belknap resulted in the item being tabled. Presentations were also made regarding the upcoming budget during a budget workshop.

The Commissioners Court meeting included acknowledging Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) reports for various periods in 2025. Key actions involved the approval of Vouchers Payable totaling $130,084.21 and the approval of Budget Amendments to fund a new repeater for the Young County Sheriffs office, with funds moved from the Contingency Fund. Employee bonds totaling $5,000 each for four individuals were approved. The Court also approved Resolution #133 regarding FY2026 TxDOT License Plate Reader Cameras and a Memorandum of Understanding with Helen Farabee Centers, Inc. for Substance Abuse Services. Sealed bids for Calendar Year 2026 were considered and approved for various vendors including Southern Tire Mart, Zack Burkett Co., Stephens County Limestone, LLC, J&N, and DON'S BUTANE (OLNEY FUEL & SUPPLY). Furthermore, an application for an Entry Culvert installation on Rothel Pringle Road was approved, the consideration of a Subdivision Plat on RG Loop Road was tabled, and the Texas Association of Counties Health & Employee Benefits Pool Ballot was approved. No action was taken regarding Burn Restrictions.

The Commissioners Court meeting addressed numerous items, including reviewing activity reports from the Tax Assessor/Collector and Constable Pct. #1, and receiving Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) reports. The Court approved a permission request to use Fort Belknap grounds for the 8th Annual Crawfish & Cannons event. Financial matters included approving the Treasurer's Financial Report and Updates on Securities Pledged, and approving Auditor's Budget Amendments and various vouchers payable, including expenditures for an overhead door and a keypad locking system. The Court also approved reimbursement requests for Extension Agents, agreed to provide office space for a Texas Ranger, and approved agreements with Axon for body and fleet cameras. Additionally, an addendum to a Master Agreement with i3 Verticals, LLC concerning online deed records was approved, and interlocal contracts regarding RSOC Services and the preservation of the William P. Johnston Cemetery were ratified. Following a closed session concerning Tapaderos Solar Farm negotiations, the Court scheduled a Public Hearing for January 12th, 2026. Finally, applications for installing an entry culvert on Butler Loop Road and accepting a permission letter for dirt work on Komo Road were approved.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included updates from the County Judge regarding the solar farm consultant and requests for information on the environmental study timeline. The Court received Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) reports for June 2025. Financial actions included the approval of auditor's budget amendments and vouchers totaling $64,028.05, approval to purchase locks for the Annex in Olney, and approval for installing cameras at the Annex for the Safe Exchange Program. The Court also discussed and approved Elected Officials Salaries and Allowances, approved a request from the City to close the northern half of the Square for a concert, reviewed and approved bids for a Chiller, ratified a lease agreement for a material storage yard, approved a land work permission request, and implemented burn ban restrictions. A budget workshop was also held.

The meeting addressed public comments regarding the potential development of a future solar plant and associated tax abatement considerations. Hotel Occupancy Tax reports were received and reviewed. The Court reviewed budget amendments and approved vouchers payable for the General Fund and Total Fund. Approved plans for a new Gazebo on the courthouse lawn were discussed. A motion was approved for the sale of retired Sheriff vehicles via GovDeals, including granting an option for Commissioner Scott Shook to purchase a specific 2010 Chevy pickup. The Court approved Resolution #126 concerning appointments to the Nortex Housing Finance Corporation and approved the appointment of Missy Hemby to the Child Welfare Board. A lease agreement between Commissioner Alan Craig's Precinct #3 and the City of Olney regarding a material storage yard was approved, as was the request for sealed bids for a new 2025 Dodge 5500 Dually for Precinct #4. Discussions were held regarding a subdivision proposal on Pumphrey Road and current burn restrictions. The session concluded with budget presentations and discussions during a budget workshop.