[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"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","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86,98],{"_32":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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6574388,"mediaKeyId","3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c","parentId",3081414,"title","Court approves RFQ for legal services for Sinton–Taft drainage project; officials say eminent domain a last resort","audioSeconds",336,"startMs",2289000,"endMs",2625000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c&start=2289&end=2625","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c/thumbnail_2289000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6574388/San-Patricio-County/Texas/Court-approves-RFQ-for-legal-services-for-SintonTaft-drainage-project-officials-say-eminent-domain-a-last-resort","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574388-8e937194165e16d5af0d409cfa9b3041/orig.mp4?Expires=1769590490&Signature=aVZx~h9ZmG0W8RAUImlyoOjR6jCyeO6iSVC-0Ch21-NsJEPAZtuKrpp8yvQ3o38rPg6wCoRNnncoZld9VfnMib1bAmIzFmG-tgzlMjNsDlhc7kXxN-G5VmoW9oiPYsHt-A2B5mDCVDTJYE6rXmU6cLi8dDCT8wQgkEQbwXwqtC2ignGBcZvFtG312MubX6IrtXJ5H7uIjcbo04HOI75o4kNEzt5QuSIBejw4IauzUZeaZYLBTRT7bGBe8zQj7GJadqVV-fpiuzxjcDE0r9FHq5DGvssLZJiqUtO4PQ3s1dLsmI~xXw7mIBD5HYRU9I38Xo9zmY0SPhxF95OiZfmkBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Patricio","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","San Patricio County commissioners voted to allow the auditors’ office to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for legal services that may be needed to support property acquisition for a state‑funded drainage project affecting Sinton and Taft. Grant management staff said the RFQ is a precaution as county staff continue outreach to property owners for survey access and voluntary conveyances.

Melanie Cooper, grant manager for the auditor’s office, told the court the drainage project carries an approximate $15,000,000 construction budget and that engineered design plans are roughly 90% complete. She said the county has invested approximately $1.8 million to date in project development and that, if the project cannot move to construction, the county could be required to return grant funds. Cooper said the county has roughly “a little over a million” available for potential buyouts if acquisitions are necessary and that pursuing eminent domain would cost an estimated $30,000 per property — a route she said officials prefer to avoid.

Cooper described the current problem as difficulty reaching some landowners and absentee owners; the county is working with a title search firm and continuing public outreach. She said staff will send informational packets and that the RFQ process for legal services is expected to take about three months. The grant manager also said the project has received one prior extension and that the grant program will not allow further extensions. Commissioners noted the item affects precincts 1 and 3 and voted to approve the RFQ authorization so work can continue.

Why it matters: The drainage project is in the county’s master drainage plan and has federal/state mitigation funding tied to a construction deadline. If staff cannot obtain surveys and clearances or otherwise proceed to construction, the county may face financial exposure and delay to a large infrastructure project.

Discussion and limitations: Cooper provided a range for the number of properties contacted — she said the list includes between 22 and 42 properties across two project sections, with roughly 20 parcels in each section — and emphasized county preference for voluntary agreements and getting right‑of‑entry for surveys. Commissioners asked for timelines and were told the RFQ would run concurrently with further resident outreach. Cooper repeatedly stated that eminent domain was a last resort and that residents who cooperate with surveys would be removed from any acquisition list.

Ending: The court approved the RFQ authorization and directed staff to begin resident outreach and the solicitation for legal services. Any eminent domain steps, if needed, would return to the commissioners court for approval before filings or acquisitions proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Patricio - Commissioner's Court - Apr 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","San Patricio County commissioners authorized an RFQ for legal services to support potential property acquisition tied to a CDBG‑Mitigation drainage project in Sinton and Taft, while grant staff said eminent domain remains a last resort.","taxTitle","San Patricio County, Texas","taxId",69592,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6574395,"San Patricio commissioners approve multiple procurements, airport closeout and hire extension agent",1882,953000,2835000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c&start=953&end=2835","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c/thumbnail_953000.jpg","/articles/6574395/San-Patricio-County/Texas/San-Patricio-commissioners-approve-multiple-procurements-airport-closeout-and-hire-extension-agent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574395-c70155a179b4f000e4fcc31e56a7c78b/orig.mp4?Expires=1769590490&Signature=JG7ng5AbDb0JZRGk2uJrcBwTnIPn-WmGyMQh8p27MznBv2XMl9CBeubsN5tdBu3Xo6Rdj3tZgLB7PhoG6Jz0VdqXyEqmIGbT91-zRUC41m2km3F5SWkxXjiD22JjOu-dLhW2ScpfXhjafyJYOjXtlaytLtP87VN-8wvuJ2J~xMm4HcksYh1fTtaVdvCaK7XRK6uuSQCRaedX0cyaduTGH85bawirE-YBpvYwjt7-FqWo2Hw~Lc0zMxPpsmRXDZEThBpDqAhPNxyAUnpjERh~wLHicT3KdcPl1HvMbq4kr-l1EXFxpItUPTtfvMtlxfzAziQ6n6pvPMD3XzmgnoXfwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Patricio County commissioners approved a package of procurement, contract and personnel actions during a morning session of commissioners court, including the purchase of road equipment, the final payout for an airport building project, and authorization to solicit proposals for two metal equipment storage buildings.

The court approved the purchase of a Freightliner M2106 GVR chassis Durapatcher upfit and related options for Road & Bridge Precinct 3 at $245,163 (motion by Commissioner Ruben Gonzalez; second by Commissioner Zagorski). Commissioners also approved closeout documents and a final payout of $144,424.18 for the Ingleside Regional Airport port building project (motion carried). The court authorized the auditors’ office to seek requests for proposals for two 100‑by‑50‑foot pre‑fabricated metal buildings (rated to 155 mph) with specified concrete pads, reinforcing and insulation for Precinct 1; funding for that project was stated as budgeted by the requester (motion carried).

The court approved actions on county printer contracts: canceling a month‑to‑month Ricoh contract for a printer at the fairgrounds and separately entering a new Ricoh lease and maintenance agreement for 60 months at $368.47 per month (motions carried). Commissioners discussed the number of active copier leases and asked the auditor’s office to inventory leases and investigate potential consolidation.

Auditor staff presented results of IFB 2025 for road materials (two‑year contract ending 2027). Commissioners reviewed bid tabulations precinct by precinct and provided vendor preferences for base, seal‑coat and patching materials; the court directed staff to proceed to initiate contracts and to collect vendor TxDOT specification/test documentation and written reasons where the low bid was not selected.

The court approved an interlocal agreement establishing general parameters for future agreements with the San Patricio County Drainage District; county counsel described the document as intentionally general, with project‑level specifics to follow. The court also approved several routine financial items including the treasurer’s report, payment of bills and a set of budget transfers.

On personnel, the court accepted resignations and approved the hiring of Cheryl Handy as a joint employee of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and San Patricio County to fill the county’s 4‑H/extension vacancy; Donny Montemayor, district extension administrator, introduced Handy after court approval.

Why it matters: The purchases and contracts shape county road maintenance capacity and airport infrastructure settlement, while the RFQ and building solicitations signal capital planning for equipment storage and storm‑water infrastructure coordination. Consolidation of copier leases and careful vendor documentation were flagged as fiscal management items the court wants audited.

Votes at a glance
- Approve minutes (motion by McGurkey; second by Yardley): motion carried.
- Pay bills (motion carried).
- Budget transfers (three transfers across county court, Rona Bridge and Sinton Airport): motion carried.
- Purchase Freightliner/Durapatcher (Road & Bridge Precinct 3) — $245,163 (motion by Ruben Gonzalez; second by Zagorski): motion carried.
- Interlocal agreement with San Patricio County Drainage District (general parameters): motion carried.
- Cancel month‑to‑month Ricoh printer contract at fairgrounds: motion carried.
- New Ricoh 60‑month lease/maintenance — $368.47/month: motion carried.
- Closeout and final payout for Ingleside Regional Airport port building — $144,424.18: motion carried.
- Authorize RFP for two precast metal buildings for Precinct 1 (specs and budgeted funds): motion carried.
- IFB 2025: proceed with vendor selections and contract initiation for road materials (two‑year contract): motion carried.
- Personnel approvals (resignations and hiring of Cheryl Handy as extension agent): motion carried.

Speakers quoted in this article are recorded in the meeting transcript and include county commissioners and staff who spoke during each item. Direct quotes and attributions in the body are taken from public proceedings recorded in the transcript.

Ending: Staff were directed to assemble vendor test documentation for the road materials contracts and to provide an inventory of copier leases; commissioners scheduled no follow‑up votes at this meeting on those requests.","At a regular session of the San Patricio County commissioners court, members approved equipment purchases, airport closeout payments, road-material contracts, an interlocal drainage agreement and the hiring of a 4‑H extension agent; several procurement items drew brief discussion on vendor selection and long-term leasing.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6574377,"Tradewinds residents urge county to repair roads after sinkholes, bridge concerns",183,292000,475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c&start=292&end=475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c/thumbnail_292000.jpg","/articles/6574377/San-Patricio-County/Texas/Tradewinds-residents-urge-county-to-repair-roads-after-sinkholes-bridge-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574377-da0d9607a6de9cb9bb8674d68b569beb/orig.mp4?Expires=1769590490&Signature=M9D7mATPmWGagpIDfHEJ9zDKaALrqqNrPx0y3FKE9VtLWnhfzWV7APKzLzx68xTukDhe2fHJobkmDSUxdgkXdokmj6Q3X4YL-CXXsAaskDoUi8pqtHON1-7jfwH9fjz05TjtvfNXGMzTPiKQXISc2qBzQuhaIFcFQkkQs0QkCeUEJuRsfuXFUdQAMEs5Bc82NuG88-q2U59EaX1Ri2rq7MMZglbcYf9yTbIdmEAGITgrVaqj14YVp9kk7RB2zfEyhNxizhr9Qr~9TiexJV7EdoQ5Lhve3PzTcttQeT-FGp90DdWXfGp2t~3h1lA7eGPRUDt5U8Hz4~Pe3zkvuPwurw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Tradewinds resident, identifying herself as Veil Martinez of County Road 1430 in the Tradewind Subdivision, told San Patricio County commissioners the roads leading to and inside Tradewinds are severely degraded and pose safety concerns for drivers learning to drive.

Martinez said the county repeatedly fills potholes with loose asphalt that washes away in rain and that a sinkhole formed recently that she estimated at about 16 inches deep; she said a vehicle struck it and left its bumper behind. She raised concerns about a one‑lane bridge with two feet of asphalt in the center and little surface on the sides, saying that oncoming traffic leaves limited room for drivers to avoid potholes safely. She also said heavy industrial traffic and the construction of an AP tower at a nearby intersection damaged the road surface and that some neighbors have dumped sand to make stretches passable.

Commissioners and road staff reported ongoing responses: Road and Bridge staff said Tradewinds had been a focus for pothole repair during the week and that crews were filling holes and addressing other areas outside Tradewinds. Commissioners acknowledged precinct sizes and recent rain create recurring potholes and asked for coordination to accelerate repairs when weather allows.

Why it matters: The complaint highlights local road‑maintenance issues that affect safety, vehicle damage and the county’s road‑repair workload. Residents asked for a site visit and for more durable repairs than temporary pothole filling.

Ending: Commissioners heard the complaint and described ongoing remedy efforts; no additional action or formal vote was recorded at the meeting regarding permanent repairs to the Tradewinds roads.","A Tradewinds resident told commissioners that potholes, a recent sinkhole and a narrow one‑lane bridge are creating safety risks for drivers and learner drivers; commissioners and road staff described ongoing pothole and chip‑seal work in the area.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6574383,"Resident says iDocket access to county records yielded unredacted files; requests raised about fees and sealed documents",177,101000,278000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c&start=101&end=278","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3081414-d5cd844f17ebe3e62c08ad5d7f9bf32c/thumbnail_101000.jpg","/articles/6574383/San-Patricio-County/Texas/Resident-says-iDocket-access-to-county-records-yielded-unredacted-files-requests-raised-about-fees-and-sealed-documents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574383-a86d09ea873f40f04e49bc42e093df4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1769590490&Signature=fgtP69vvAYN1JASZVWwhvlX-QnSt4nWTsnjudYcmVOKNFvmUwZ7IzJyOEux-Il29sbb99eFZbERlRDSBR5gB1H2~RF2uWDlE-1FwfrYFQ5Znu1w1UKke0NNT~AEd5Ua7izkoFFjgT6P2zo1SGNwsVN0eo8ESeQmTjl~4lCmlLTdqw8OjE~vij8zx7fEVKlTqQNcK3ho7Na0Ogx4uM7QCVJp97np0~e35yX5IAOakCdbHFzVo7VCS1cNRRg8OUPIK34T-m5Hff1r-tqEtG55zxe~v5N2aAxqdXPDz-y2HUfjUt-x6daxbeFUaitovI8Ew09m2CFVEnC33gUQZzkKJNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Precinct 3 resident, Sonya Witherspoon, told the San Patricio County commissioners that she used a paid iDocket subscription to search county court case numbers and to obtain copies of records. Witherspoon said she paid more than $300 for the iDocket subscription and chips to view documents and that some emailed files were not redacted.

Witherspoon said she first consulted the county clerk about how to request documents and was told she would need case numbers. She told the court she purchased the iDocket subscription that advertised a daily search allowance but that access to county clerk images sometimes required in‑person requests. She said she went in person to obtain records and that at least one emailed file was not redacted.

She said she later reported the issue to an investigative reporter; following that contact, she said the district clerk’s office halted access to district records through iDocket. Witherspoon said she reviewed the iDocket contract signed in 2006 and consulted Texas statutes and local codes while researching records management practices. She said she found instances of sealed files being accessible and expressed concern about ongoing vendor control of county record access, noting a 2023 bankruptcy filing she found for iDocket.

What was said: Witherspoon provided the county a summary of her research and told commissioners she would post further details to a Facebook group. The resident requested the county clarify public access processes and the fees or subscriptions required to locate and obtain court records.

Why it matters: Public‑records access and redaction of sealed materials implicate county records management, vendor contracts and statutory compliance. The county did not take immediate action on the comment during the meeting; the matter may prompt follow‑up between clerk staff and commissioners to confirm contract controls and redaction procedures.

Ending: Witherspoon concluded by saying she would share more information publicly; commissioners did not provide an immediate response beyond the record of the comment.","A Precinct 3 resident told commissioners she obtained unredacted court documents through an iDocket subscription, paid more than $300, and that a reporter's inquiry led to the district clerk restricting access; she said she reviewed contracts and Texas statutes in researching the matter.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Court approves RFQ for legal services for Sinton–Taft drainage project; officials say eminent domain a last resort

San Patricio commissioners approve multiple procurements, airport closeout and hire extension agent

Tradewinds residents urge county to repair roads after sinkholes, bridge concerns

Resident says iDocket access to county records yielded unredacted files; requests raised about fees and sealed documents