[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6099668,"mediaKeyId","2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9","parentId",2816866,"title","Commissioners authorize up to $200,000 of interest to furnish Emergency Operations Center ahead of summer move-in","audioSeconds",375,"startMs",3264000,"endMs",3639000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9&start=3264&end=3639","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9/thumbnail_3264000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6099668/Wilson-County/Texas/Commissioners-authorize-up-to-200000-of-interest-to-furnish-Emergency-Operations-Center-ahead-of-summer-move-in","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099668-f33fb12c6af73c530e20bd07f71e3672/orig.mp4?Expires=1771534055&Signature=BarBmcUkyOQD8PyWklSV4VRr4hvgPSO4l8LEPdHrr~zLXFSx9Kn8uqybME2WeFx-F-4mHrJ0cIg6isVx3cO24WeJPChNSBp6Ih9uW12eOH7nSinDaYHSfWul6cPt3NnOnvKsdjKJVZsloSGPPRr5T-0ku6-IvHf5PXroZVOSMgKDnpP0cdbB6hANG-LkuW8u4dq2ocnryVRw9MKMoSanes9KPV1XL4wlo75oyDxvDui1uE0IXFOy9nxForXKwIJ0bmwm07hKIBC2dbNGK5uVSD0KUOn87xy1jVpBV0azGTGJJZnlzDWCEu-lbcnbxRSdNXT1vBbTmwsZkg8w0E2aog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wilson County, Texas","date","2025-03-24T00:00:00Z","article","Wilson County Commissioners Court authorized the use of up to $200,000 in interest earned on the county’s Texas Class investment account earmarked for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to serve as a contingency for equipment, furniture and unanticipated completion costs.

Commissioner Mark, who introduced the request, said the county received approximately $5 million from the state for the EOC and had placed those funds in a Texas Class subaccount to earn interest. As of March 18, he reported the account had earned $354,829.92 in interest year-to-date and asked that up to $200,000 of that interest be made available now to order items such as televisions and console equipment that must be installed during construction. He said the contractor expects the building to be completed in July–August with an anticipated August move-in date.

County staff and commissioners discussed details: the consoles and dispatch equipment will include costs shared with a regional partner (ACOG), which Commissioner King said will contribute 75% of one console package with the county responsible for the remaining 25%. Staff cautioned that some ongoing monthly costs — for example, for a security system vendor — are not yet known, which is why the request sought a contingency amount rather than a fixed purchase authorization.

Commissioner King moved the action and Commissioner Perdola seconded; the court approved the authorization on a voice vote. Staff said any unused interest would remain untouched and that, if the funds are not spent this fiscal year, the county will leave them in the account and budget for any continuing expenses in the next fiscal year.

Why it matters: the authorization lets the county place orders for equipment that must be installed during the construction window, reducing the risk that the EOC will be built without operational consoles and communications gear. Staff emphasized that ordering now avoids installation delays that could keep the facility from functioning when occupied.

What’s next: Emergency Management staff will compile a prioritized purchase list and cost estimates for commissioners and proceed with orders as directed. The county will coordinate with ACOG on cost shares for dispatch consoles and report expenditures back to the court.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wilson County Commissioner's Court 2025-03-24","oneSentenceSummary","Wilson County authorized using up to $200,000 of interest earned in the Texas Class account holding state-appropriated EOC funds to buy consoles, televisions and other items needed for the new Emergency Operations Center, citing installation windows and an anticipated August move-in.","taxTitle","taxId",64024,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6099673,"TAC risk management team introduces services, training and conferences available to Wilson County",327,781000,1108000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9&start=781&end=1108","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9/thumbnail_781000.jpg","/articles/6099673/Wilson-County/Texas/TAC-risk-management-team-introduces-services-training-and-conferences-available-to-Wilson-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099673-ce0ba40dc35eb873418f86b0719c58ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771534055&Signature=b93rwQOvsf78m9lkxt~8oMcEUupwsn3IHyHprndoRherLHWIzGcIdDDnqvBK0CrK-Vey2C4o5qcPXb8ftbdpVdny13p40~~ZAF8ZUNaOWrUKnpDwPTSIkq8Yag02FYEsTvh9YmBo1vOkiei84sG~n-u-3qc2N0j9bJm85fJ95sY~rYL0Gtl429D2aQXh6tIorTqokVEX1jNr1YQeQapgkUsC191Li-LCyXpe0HALz~XaGaz1kc71M7CL9rk5SnYtb1TvU9WobWHFiGJblDMFdhd1osHxjOStIX5ce0udz771WU6q-2BbmKtrCvWUxuVKSkpYNuBErX~3vdzuGGGulg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP) brought consultants to the Wilson County Commissioners Court on March 18 to introduce available services, training and conferences for county employees and officials.

Lisa McCaig, the county’s TAC risk management consultant, described coverages that include auto, general liability, public-officials and law-enforcement liability, workers’ compensation and property coverage. She said her role includes reviewing assets, exposures and deductibles and making renewal recommendations. McCaig introduced a team of consultants who provide on-site training, risk-control assessments and help with renewals.

Consultants in attendance outlined specific support: a law-enforcement consultant described services tailored to jails and patrol operations and promised additional outreach to the sheriff and constables; an HR consultant discussed benefits, policy review and compliance training; and a risk control consultant offered services for county facilities and cybersecurity briefings. The group also promoted an upcoming risk-management conference April 9–11 and a county technology conference with sessions on cybersecurity; they said virtual attendance is available at no cost to pool members.

Why it matters: TAC RMP membership includes training and on-site risk control services the county may use to reduce exposures and workers’ compensation losses. Staff and commissioners discussed how TAC training could be scheduled for precincts and county offices.

What’s next: Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with TAC on scheduling priority trainings and to identify “yellow-box” problem areas for targeted programs such as a two-hour safety session addressing back injuries, driving incidents, PPE and slips/trips/falls.","The Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP) presented a range of insurance, liability and training services to Wilson County officials, including law-enforcement, HR and risk-control support and free member training opportunities.",{"_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":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6099678,"Audit finds single accounting separation issue in Karnes-Wilson juvenile probation grants",336,378000,714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9&start=378&end=714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9/thumbnail_378000.jpg","/articles/6099678/Wilson-County/Texas/Audit-finds-single-accounting-separation-issue-in-Karnes-Wilson-juvenile-probation-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099678-7ca9e257ccbca4a8d1ddb3544ba94e8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771534055&Signature=LRrcOKVclZtJvNd7D4Nfhl7QCTe-BNGqKBU17CU~J-9cDHz4Ik9eawKevDCBlzqtW6fRaVLKapfCpV-P21GVcQSlDCDAmfXJhCd~j7EemdqBc6rornH1z5hBjxcQzZJsmBBLQgBkoiZEC0BtxHgX~EOL7LSyATfLPCnLAPSO8IuZ35CXILSUAPpFbEiCjmJ3J8zU4bte1uhZCIvWlhWws~VWcWCpHhB51N~twv3tTD2ccfo8llwQc4QIFOwmuQD0W1a65Ve-~Z59HYFVFxASUcJ5SVujoYn~aEWkt4Hve4Cwnkx5obIBUKpzhZWfGT-k32VkHRdYQV6~Tt682S2kMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Auditors briefed the court on March 18 about the fiscal year 2024 independent audit of the Karnes-Wilson County Juvenile Probation Department. Tom Dutnik, Karnes County auditor, and department representatives described programs and said the audit identified a single finding relating to grant accounting.

Department staff summarized juvenile-probation services, including prevention grants from HHSC, a truancy-prevention program funded by the governor’s office, and the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP). The department said it receives referrals from local judges and school districts and operates services across the district.

Auditor Tom Dutnik said the required audit covered four grants plus a state-mandated salary adjustment. The only audit finding was accounting treatment for a $50,000 state grant: the county and school districts also contribute funds to the program and the auditor asked that funds contributed by the county or a school district be kept separately from the $50,000 state grant so reporting clearly reflects sources. Staff said they will charge salaries and program costs to the $50,000 grant appropriately and keep county or school-contributed funds separate going forward.

Commissioners asked about the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program’s funding and placement costs when a judge orders a JJAP placement. Staff said historically school districts had borne some costs but that state guidance indicates counties are responsible for court-ordered placements; discussion is ongoing as some districts consider pulling out because of the cost. Commissioners asked for budget estimates because counties must plan for potential placement costs.

Why it matters: the audit’s single accounting finding is procedural but the funding and placement discussion could affect future county budget planning if counties assume greater responsibility for placement costs under court orders.

What’s next: auditors and department staff will implement the accounting separation requested by the auditor and county officials asked staff to provide costing estimates for JJAP placements to inform the county budget process.","An independent audit of the Karnes-Wilson County Juvenile Probation Department found one finding: county and school-district contributions to a prevention grant need to be tracked separately from the $50,000 state grant. The department otherwise had no material findings, auditors said.",{"_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":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6099683,"Wilson County veterans office reports $1.63 million secured for residents, describes service and outreach gains",1447,1668000,3115000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9&start=1668&end=3115","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9/thumbnail_1668000.jpg","/articles/6099683/Wilson-County/Texas/Wilson-County-veterans-office-reports-163-million-secured-for-residents-describes-service-and-outreach-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099683-6c66046b9c8dbbb8be1d490a8cced42b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771534055&Signature=oKUIwEImYTQ7Vvv-t2Q0s~p4cNsxjqW4304NiAN6r-NoWLb~PgqyVcX4VhsYqGEbux4edNH4Xj-8WgUxxea4CuSFZ3aiYK~S-MPmDUbROKW1WGOqSsPV3ZsuneFuiuC3EWx3V6t3NXdr4Kxqtubjt5XPsiprhQXbHq-P~0xizcS8gjgEX-C--D5FDpuRXHbTyNyLF1lk3uCRAlyg8khbrY0n3PQtuysBXPPATV4CTzZkEk1~cglq02TzVkvkp5SsG~r0URbdT1POOvn-koa-FJPDzuck-gIzrbSCCyyxk9Rmq1xv8xIAyryF3d0dW5lwPGrKDzrCTceDa1oCmEBrEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wilson County Veterans Service Office told commissioners on March 18 that it has secured $1,634,283.56 in benefits and entitlements for county veterans during the fiscal-year-to-date period and outlined outreach and case-management improvements.

Veteran service officer Raymond Herrera presented the second-quarter strategic planning review, describing the office’s mission — “bridging the gap between military service members, veterans, and dependent benefits to maximize entitlements” — and listing services including VA compensation, pension claims, appeals, survivor benefits, education and burial benefits. Herrera said the office handled 588 interactions and had 311 total cases (241 open, 72 closed) year to date.

Herrera highlighted two veteran testimonials during the presentation. Retired Air Force Major Carmen McIntosh credited Herrera’s office with persistent advocacy that helped secure benefits through the Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) program. Another testimonial from retired airman Terry J. Smith described long-term health issues and said he successfully filed claims through Herrera’s office after attending a county briefing. Herrera said the office is accredited, pursuing branding and outreach, implementing training for staff and has been approved for VA work-study personnel, a program Herrera said is “paid by the VA” and will be free to the county.

Herrera also provided summary statistics: 312 constituents assisted by precinct (Precinct 2 highest), 1,392 forms or claims processed year to date, 239 actions that resulted in benefits or case actions, 288 interactions that did not result in an action, and 47 canceled or rescheduled appointments (a recent increase). He said the office is averaging 109 veterans contacts per day and that the office’s work has exceeded its annual goal; Herrera reported the $1.63 million total as representing secured benefits for county veterans this fiscal year.

Why it matters: veteran benefits secured through local veteran service offices can translate into ongoing monthly payments, health care eligibility, education benefits and other supports for veterans and survivors. Herrera asked the court to continue supporting training, staffing and partnerships to sustain rising demand.

Quotes from attendees: Raymond Herrera said the office’s mission is “bridging the gap between military service members, veterans, and dependent benefits to maximize entitlements.” Retired service members praised the office’s assistance: Major Carmen McIntosh thanked Herrera for persistent help with VA claims, and Terry J. Smith described the office’s work as life-changing for his access to benefits.

What’s next: Herrera said he will implement VA work-study positions when candidates are available, continue outreach and report back on staffing and operations as needed.","Wilson County Veteran Service Office reported $1,634,283.56 in benefits secured year-to-date and detailed casework, new staff training and outreach through briefings and VA work-study placements during its second-quarter strategic review.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6099687,"Commissioners approve hotel-occupancy application, EOC contingency, subdivision letters of credit and other items",4551,78000,4629000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9&start=78&end=4629","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816866-4ef473bc7673bac82f1e5d0d2aaf51e9/thumbnail_78000.jpg","/articles/6099687/Wilson-County/Texas/Commissioners-approve-hotel-occupancy-application-EOC-contingency-subdivision-letters-of-credit-and-other-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099687-53e2ceb18fcad7590aa634b36eaedf76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771534055&Signature=YRYl4ViwmVW9c1vIE-jfKICF~BXxdWFLM5TTO3bh-wvV8wstOW5k7kVCSa6UqEiu1dhIPCsMY80k2wl0CHAawjoUMl6MWGkM-MloEICfKzrYLTqmgR27JU9sPKG5yLYW7GeUYkqTsiN2bTYjT~GPhmk4SOogifOuYUG7EGrcXxBufM-tkM-G0Yny3ePUSy7GodZsCX0SoP4cS2xCiQw5C~tmc4zKwwES755u-KWjin2bAkErS-1JmmF~~YY9bDOjiuoZOrp~P9ewdjyCJd5v4baROfW9O2Tq~se87e4pQ0e7HfbCq7AThl-zARvXjUYNZA1cu9yswSOp0JIScWt~Yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wilson County Commissioners Court approved a set of routine and policy items during its March 18 meeting, including creation of a formal application for hotel-occupancy tax funds, use of interest earnings for the county’s Emergency Operations Center and two actions on a subdivision letter of credit.

The actions took place by voice vote and were introduced by commissioners and staff during the business meeting. Commissioners approved a hotel-occupancy tax application intended to expand who may apply for county allocations under the county’s interpretation of Tax Code Chapter 351, approved a proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and authorized up to $200,000 of interest earnings in the Texas Class EOC account to be used as a contingency for the EOC build-out. The court also released a construction letter of credit for the Heritage Oaks subdivision and accepted a maintenance letter of credit for $880,100 to replace it.

Why it matters: the hotel-occupancy application establishes a formal process for awarding tourism-related lodging-tax funds; the EOC funds authorize up-front purchasing of consoles, televisions and other equipment needed before the building’s anticipated August move-in; and the subdivision actions move a residential development from construction security to a maintenance bond, a standard step before public acceptance.

Details and outcomes:
- Hotel-occupancy tax application: Staff member Brenda Trevino presented a template based on guidance from the Texas State Lodging Association and the Texas Comptroller, saying the process would allow any eligible entity to apply rather than name-selected recipients. Commissioner Martins moved to approve the application; Commissioner King seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

- Proclamation: The court read a proclamation, presented by Bonnie of Thriving Hearts Crisis Center, naming April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and encouraging community participation. Commissioner Martin moved to accept the proclamation; Commissioner King seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

- Emergency Operations Center interest: The court heard a request to use up to $200,000 of interest earned in the Texas Class account holding state-appropriated EOC funds to create a contingency line for furniture, consoles, security installation and unexpected expenses related to the new EOC. Commissioner King moved the action; Commissioner Perdola seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. County staff said the EOC contractor expects installation items to be ordered now so they can be installed before an anticipated August completion.

- Heritage Oaks subdivision letters of credit: Planning staff said the developer had posted a construction letter of credit for $880,100 and was replacing it with a maintenance letter of credit in the same amount, scheduled to expire April 8, 2026, after the two-year maintenance period. Commissioner Perdola moved to release the construction letter of credit; Commissioner Aiken seconded. The motion passed. A second motion, to accept the maintenance letter of credit for $880,100, was made by Perdola and seconded by Aiken and also passed.

- Treasurer’s report: The court approved the county treasurer Christina Moots’s financial report for February 2025. Commissioner Martin moved to approve; Commissioner King seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Votes and procedure: Most approvals were taken by voice vote with the presiding judge calling for “ayes” and announcing motions passed; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the minutes provided. When motions included named movers and seconders, those names are recorded in the minutes and are reflected above.

What’s next: Staff said the hotel-occupancy application will be posted on the county website with instructions for applicants. For the EOC, staff will continue to compile a prioritized purchase list so required consoles and equipment can be ordered for installation before anticipated occupancy in August.

","Wilson County Commissioners Court on March 18 approved a hotel-occupancy tax application process, dedicated $200,000 of interest for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), accepted a maintenance letter of credit for Heritage Oaks and approved several other routine items in a series of voice votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners authorize up to $200,000 of interest to furnish Emergency Operations Center ahead of summer move-in

TAC risk management team introduces services, training and conferences available to Wilson County

Audit finds single accounting separation issue in Karnes-Wilson juvenile probation grants

Wilson County veterans office reports $1.63 million secured for residents, describes service and outreach gains

Commissioners approve hotel-occupancy application, EOC contingency, subdivision letters of credit and other items