Harrison County

The meeting included several administrative reports and action items. The Auditor's report covered November 2025 financials, noting a fund balance of $24,468,235, variances in general fund revenue due to tax collection timing, and increased GNA expense in public safety related to a Motorola invoice. The Road and Bridge fund report detailed revenues and expenditures compared to budget, highlighting spending on the Silk Coat and Lancing Switch projects. Road and Bridge personnel changes included one new hire, resulting in 43 full-time employees and 11 vacancies. Several utility applications for Cave Springs Road, Darkco Road, Lancing Switch, Willow Road, Country Club Road, Maple Springs Road, and Butler Road were approved. Preliminary plat approval was granted for the Sunset Acre subdivision. A private road issuance order was approved to correct addressing issues stemming from the vacation of Gun Barrel Road. The Sheriff's administrative report detailed activity from January 7th to February 3rd, including 2,675 calls for service, 88 arrests, and updates on jail population and fire marshal activities. The 2025 Racial Profiling Report was approved. The Treasurer's report for December 2025 was reviewed, detailing investment earnings and monthly balances across various accounts. Finally, the Treasurer's monthly report for December 2025, along with authorization to publish it online, was approved.

The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by the proclamation declaring April as National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. A recognition was given to Lonna Jones upon her retirement after 38 years of service. Key discussions during the County Court session included the approval of line item transfers and a significant budget amendment involving transfers between the General Fund and the Bridge Fund for motor graders, as well as adjustments related to Motorola invoices and utilization of SD22 funds for Sheriff's equipment. The court also approved payments for regular bills, including funds from confinement mitigation and AED grants. Personnel changes for the Road and Bridge Department were approved, noting four full-time openings remaining. Approvals were also granted for various utility applications affecting county roads. Furthermore, the court authorized the publication of public notices and set public hearings for 'no through truck placement' orders on Blocker Road North and Blocker Road South. Finally, approvals were made for private road issuance orders concerning address system cleanup and the final plat for Lignite Farm subdivision.

The meeting addressed several administrative and operational items. The County Auditor requested and received approval for line item transfers totaling $35,2356, approval for payment of regular bills amounting to $609,4826.36, and approval for payroll for August 16, 2022. Budget amendments for County purposes were also considered and approved at the request of the District Attorney regarding staffing overlap. The Road and Bridge Department provided updates on road work progress, reporting 10.55 miles of road completed, with the NET RMA project nearing completion. Personnel changes, including two resignations of summer help, were approved for the Road Bridge Department. Furthermore, approvals were granted for several utility applications for fiber optic and power line upgrades across various county roads. The Treasurer presented the monthly financial reports for July 2024, including beginning and ending balances, receipts, and disbursements, as well as the investment report detailing balances and interest earned across Texas Class, Marpriser, Texas Bank and Trust wealth management, and money market accounts. Approvals were also granted for quarterly fees paid to the State Comptroller for April through June 2024. The Election Office sought approval for election contracts with Car Nac ISD, Harlton ISD, and Legion Fields ISD. Finally, the court considered and approved appointments for the early ballot board and the signature verification committee for the upcoming November 5, 2024 general election, alongside a detailed discussion regarding the appointment of election judges and alternate judges, focusing on compliance with state code concerning party representation in Precinct 2 polling locations.

The meeting addressed several administrative and financial matters. The Auditor reported receiving notification that the CDC would fund a grant for $958,000, which pertains to previously spent funds for Southern Health Partners reimbursement, including jail personnel purchases and the Aerrow Clean system for jails. The Court approved the payment of regular bills and payroll for December 20, 2024. A transfer of $300,000 for group health insurance medical claims was approved. IT business included the ratification of a Statement of Work with CDW Government LLC for consultant work regarding voicemail system issues, and approval to enter an agreement with Ring Central for the configuration and setup of a new cloud-based telephone system via an interlocal agreement with East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). Road and Bridge actions included approving personnel changes, utility applications for fiber optic lines from East Tex Telephone Co-op and Spectrum Charter, releasing the road maintenance bond for Sweet PE Lane and adding it to the county inventory, and approving the annual County Maintenance Certification for 2024. The Treasurer's report for November 2024 was approved, detailing fund balances and investment earnings. New business involved the approval of 2024-2025 annual contracts with ETCOG (for the Meals on Wheels program) and several Emergency Service Districts (ESDs) to fall under county workers' compensation insurance. Finally, action was taken regarding the proposal for financing the Homeland Security Grant for equipment from Motorola Solutions related to the SMNA Tower site agreement.

The meeting included the recognition of March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Harrison County, featuring remarks from Community Health Corps representatives and a student from the Marshall ISD transition program. Key agenda items included the approval of line item transfers to cover overtime due to attrition and equipment purchases under the SB22 grant. The court also approved regular bills and payroll for March 14, 2025. A budget amendment was approved for the Constables Training and Forfeiture Fund. The Road and Bridge Department provided an update on ongoing tree removal and patching efforts due to recent high winds, and discussed a plan with Sabine Oil and Gas to donate material to improve Walden's Ferry Road for new residents. Additionally, the court approved personnel changes and utility applications for new service lines and fiber optic installation. A public hearing was scheduled regarding the abandonment of 353.8 ft of Riley Road in Precinct One. Finally, the Sheriff's Department sought approval for purchasing replacement vehicles via Enterprise Fleet Management for three wrecked units, with plans to salvage usable equipment.