[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6361407,"mediaKeyId","2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0","parentId",2170688,"title","Commissioners weigh forming Local Government Code 391 subregional commission to study battery energy storage projects","audioSeconds",1115,"startMs",3439000,"endMs",4554000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0&start=3439&end=4554","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0/thumbnail_3439000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6361407/Van-Zandt-County/Texas/Commissioners-weigh-forming-Local-Government-Code-391-subregional-commission-to-study-battery-energy-storage-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361407-14f3df98c240f90f1f659dcb8dc91a16/orig.mp4?Expires=1773388923&Signature=Evzgikx73fWnoCL6sXbR-14sojAgFAyouxtjx3XW-XwSSY2TSgbFRlXep5HKPxpknowtmKwr1WzHid8y0enOCB4OQw3T56KlR-D14HEbRw9gMXdsAQFMR5j057DGV1b5WE5EZOWk~-p~93c1PwXkyZUjUPi61-QYxujAEjjLHV~10BVL9TBS8hHSZFBMGEirH3p6v7MgI0cBJuHVsngPKE3LRRWQsiiA1OqrwrSial85kR4Q~e6j7-8wRPP5LioceiiMmkqfWanDrWd~HO7EBzJdkopdYeQmlMu8qPUTk7c1lQST5Np2q3g7QZmYvH~qb6nEpgThjGzirkXuzhSt1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Van Zandt County TX","date","2025-01-31T00:56:31.307Z","article","A Van Zandt County commissioner introduced a workshop item proposing creation of a Local Government Code 391 subregional planning commission aimed at coordinating regional planning and information-sharing on infrastructure projects, with immediate focus on a battery energy storage system (BESS) under construction near Highway 47 and County Road 1651 in Precinct 2.

The speaker reviewed Local Government Code 391 provisions that permit two or more political subdivisions to establish a commission for regional planning and said a 391 commission would give the county a formal channel to request review and comment from state and federal agencies on projects affecting health, safety, welfare and regional infrastructure. \"Section 391.003 ... the governing body of a governmental unit within that region or subregion ... may\" submit materials for review and comment, the presenter summarized.

Nancy White, who has been working with surrounding jurisdictions, told the court many local governments are seeking coordination because BESS projects raise complex questions about fire risk, siting next to infrastructure (including pipelines and watershed areas), foreign-manufactured software and federal funding streams. She said one BESS project in the region has received a federal funding application for roughly $40 million and that some stakeholders have raised national-security concerns tied to software and equipment origin.

Speakers emphasized that a 391 commission does not give the commission power to force other governments to act but provides a platform for information gathering, coordinated review and engagement with agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The presenter said the county will seek partners — cities or neighboring counties — to form the subregional commission; several jurisdictions have shown interest and a community meeting was announced.

The commissioner said an agenda item to call for a county resolution to create a 391 commission will appear on the court docket in two weeks. Commissioners and staff asked for additional outreach and attempt to secure participation from nearby cities and counties before that hearing. No formal resolution was adopted at this meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Van Zandt County Commissioners Meeting 1/29/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Van Zandt County commissioner proposed forming a Local Government Code 391 subregional planning commission to coordinate review and information-sharing on battery energy storage and other regional infrastructure projects.","taxTitle","Van Zandt County, Texas","taxId",63777,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6361412,"Commissioners clarify oversight for P25 radio committee; approve tower invoices",0,2774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0&start=2774&end=2774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0/thumbnail_2774000.jpg","/articles/6361412/Van-Zandt-County/Texas/Commissioners-clarify-oversight-for-P25-radio-committee-approve-tower-invoices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361412-9802274b6796f7fcc79215214d947738/orig.mp4?Expires=1773388923&Signature=InbtMjvRubyK6LBOdM6XGwIwuXEU529W04zQ-ffeweo8ALAl4p21Y0sQ3-8m3N6szbXqT9yA5RJzIBaubD2iT7JWGpEBfJYOC3qOKidjqE2BmEr4eAu5F6lRapT1rRb5Rn0DC8xmFEYt0WlyS-fVuR3W2DBm4x5FlNwfH~bN8OTADsYWXeMKcWwasjwIiYIGWTaw0OEtZHZXIX-ASXivazjNnBkqSv6eK1GBypFtHA0hRTadgnE4ApRz~Dbc-~RWWblDFv2bJMJ3NTWTP9MJ2u2jjV5jvMyk3VWrtvHS2QdTbcqRlaJOaozh~bj703wq4RGZEP4HB4xMxI59qUEaPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Van Zandt County commissioners held a workshop update on the county's P25 radio system and affirmed that the appointed committee will report back to the commissioners' court for any contract change orders or spending decisions.

The committee — which includes the sheriff, the chief deputy, dispatch supervisor, IT staff, two commissioners and an outside consultant — has met once and is working on installation and technical issues. Commissioners emphasized that while the committee will study technical matters and prepare recommendations, \"Any change order with the contract comes before the commissioners court,\" a county official said, and no binding action will be taken by the committee alone.

Commissioner concerns focused on clarity about decision-making and access to the radio system, including encryption and third-party access. The court agreed to hold a monthly workshop line item to update commissioners on progress and to present any proposed contract amendments for formal approval.

Separately, the court authorized payment to Saber Communications for invoices covering construction of tower sites and shelters. County staff said the contractor is substantially complete on four tower sites and presented invoices for the work; the motion to approve payment passed by voice vote.

Committee members said the project remains a high priority given the system's role in disaster communication; one commissioner described the project as roughly a $10 million effort and reiterated the importance of avoiding problems in final implementation.

The court will continue to receive monthly updates from the P25 committee and require formal approval of any spend or contract modifications.","A newly formed P25 radio committee will continue to bring contract changes to the commissioners' court for approval, commissioners said. The court also authorized payment of invoices to Saber Communications for tower construction work judged substantially complete.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6361417,"Commissioners add workers' comp coverage for reserve law enforcement officers",604,1271000,1875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0&start=1271&end=1875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0/thumbnail_1271000.jpg","/articles/6361417/Van-Zandt-County/Texas/Commissioners-add-workers-comp-coverage-for-reserve-law-enforcement-officers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361417-255bbf328b8933397a7b4e3c176825a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773388923&Signature=h7EH5QhnvVM6mDNPItoKTNOUzzQUhrJcRwlU0BiNWAIm~yQoNzhBAy3Eu8Q8HTaIj0dnk9rM2SOIS-vOcono4jjMAhWNaE34fdwmYo9oZt422zQuxAtQeckz0nY2l0NuVjN-JMcg2L6APAOGO2sTEnrzHm0KgYmw39xaMq2krVp8Euu2pI8CrYIotM1vc259YpVEyyv7YaQNkXTAV1Uv7rfOkw82UdP0O5giNyrvZ84AbgsQrNvpOayYESDxp2kE3HLO4AG5U0D36Bc9O7h126yVthdNPox~eFBXedPHEVnWjRMELdzjfFL0Ehe4qmflkXwbwFonn5dlIS52GL9A0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Van Zandt County commissioners voted to modify the county's workers' compensation renewal to add class code 88560, extending coverage to volunteer law enforcement (reserve) officers.

A county law enforcement official described reserves as vital in a county of Van Zandt's size and urged coverage to protect both the county and reserves. \"If we continue to ask those reserves to serve without being covered by workers' comp, in my opinion ... that is not a good use of taxpayer money,\" the official said, explaining that workers' compensation limits liability exposure for the county while providing set benefits to injured employees.

County staff said the number of reserves fluctuates but estimated about 14 reserves among seven county law enforcement agencies at present and noted the county had been as high as 20. An insurance estimate presented to the court put the annual cost for coverage at roughly $2,800 if covering up to 20 reserves — approximately $140 per reserve per year — and staff described coverage as effective immediately through the end of the calendar year for procurement and billing purposes.

The court directed that reserves will be enrolled through each department head notifying human resources when a reserve is brought on, and county staff said reserves would sign paperwork acknowledging coverage similar to what new employees sign. Commissioners emphasized that department heads must provide timely notification so payroll and human resources records match coverage lists.

A motion to approve the workers' compensation renewal to add class code 88560 and to authorize the county judge to sign the necessary documents passed by voice vote.","The court approved adding class code 88560 to county workers' compensation to cover volunteer/reserve law enforcement officers. County officials discussed scope, estimated headcount (about 14 currently), and an insurance estimate of roughly $2,800 per year for coverage (about $140 per reserve).",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6361422,"Van Zandt County awards debris monitoring contract; FEMA, state reimbursement discussed",1429,859000,2288000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0&start=859&end=2288","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170688-cf47d9584288480ed7d6b1b02b6b1fc0/thumbnail_859000.jpg","/articles/6361422/Van-Zandt-County/Texas/Van-Zandt-County-awards-debris-monitoring-contract-FEMA-state-reimbursement-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361422-7fa1e6cc380e2339f60a4267c77d2288/orig.mp4?Expires=1773388923&Signature=OKeSrwgWQkvhzkbWPbTmaf~flMI4BlLp90qJ0x3uYhE9zffpj4fsn6OXBoYcgLuq7BiOp1-~yHHZMU7sjDU0i5GKb93D0da0MfIOXJDwjJZH4PiG0KrROzCmZ8eZ3ryYviohGgoIkSw8YOh7RtzFTDpp~G69RopOxTZ5cOKZEntu-Fn6cmaWBT3kCahBsTPbeiKSpZGBP1fkfj3uI-Z3jhhQ5gLmcMmRpR8oxrlF2GEpwh9einvTNM1dsr~E3K4BU0O6BGsHcyWf36oCbCL1qNtYScpfOTTn7q6uJoflDybEMHNFU~eKt53GJt-e4PWAxuRxi1M6sm1ePm5r7Hylpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Van Zandt County commissioners on Wednesday approved a contract to hire Debris Tech to provide disaster debris monitoring services tied to a previously approved debris removal agreement with Drury Construction.

The decision follows a committee recommendation that unanimously favored Debris Tech. Ann Nelson, speaking during public comment on behalf of the Van Zandt County Democratic Party, asked whether the county can expect federal reimbursement for debris work: \"Is FEMA is FEMA still going to reimburse us?\" she said.

A county presenter said FEMA typically reimburses local governments for eligible debris work at 75% of costs and that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has authorized the additional 25% to be paid through the state, noting that the practical question is how long reimbursement will take. \"Normally, FEMA would reimburse us for our costs, 75% ... the Texas Department of Emergency Management is authorizing the additional 25% to be paid through them,\" the presenter said.

Commissioners earlier approved Drury Construction as the county's debris removal contractor; the monitoring contract is intended to provide independent oversight of Drury's removal work, a FEMA requirement for projects seeking reimbursement. The court voted in favor of the Debris Tech award by voice; commissioners did not record a roll-call tally on the record.

The county did not provide a detailed timeline for reimbursement or an estimated payment schedule at the meeting. County staff said the monitoring contract will allow tree and debris removal to proceed and help the county meet FEMA requirements necessary for reimbursement.

The court approved the monitoring award after the committee presented scores from two applicants and recommended Debris Tech. No further financial terms of the monitoring contract were discussed on the record during the motion and vote.

The court's action closes the committee phase of the procurement; the county indicated staff will finalize the contract and proceed with monitoring once paperwork is completed.","The commissioners approved a contract with Debris Tech to monitor debris removal by Drury Construction. A public commenter asked whether FEMA reimbursement is guaranteed; a county official said FEMA normally covers 75% of eligible costs and the Texas Division of Emergency Management may cover the remaining 25%.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners weigh forming Local Government Code 391 subregional commission to study battery energy storage projects

Commissioners clarify oversight for P25 radio committee; approve tower invoices

Commissioners add workers' comp coverage for reserve law enforcement officers

Van Zandt County awards debris monitoring contract; FEMA, state reimbursement discussed