[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6575616,"mediaKeyId","3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c","parentId",3085822,"title","Rockwall County Library reports 166,000 visitors and warns state will require extra open hours","audioSeconds",410,"startMs",833000,"endMs",1243000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c&start=833&end=1243","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c/thumbnail_833000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6575616/Rockwall-County/Texas/Rockwall-County-Library-reports-166000-visitors-and-warns-state-will-require-extra-open-hours","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575616-98fa6e8d51849c77068c97832f534f78/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432565&Signature=CEpzFHQwE2KfIKPXnH71O493YHLy1mBZZIL1iHWRqrbDA6BdW-bDfTMrk7K2FsZqrK0zk1yRype9yUu~GhENwhsf7-7kcSVP1ozwDQPWVlPRn-72NbEdWRJ~MED61X9D-2YFPFakKzee4~a5zwad6nVN1Ly2DOOfTgNpsUBJx8wlx9IEAD~H9zT3TZXvf377lYU-ui5oggcKgLBN3s7tH9bQHZ0ybSe-ZCw4kPGIMaWYWV8itqCdfofv1Jzxo-IWs0ZXfxuZO8nzkLX2PYGzmfXiFMEoE57U55rRGBOMWsZXZnozqfNcVsWHQvkr6gaTbpiezLyc3IhoRt4j4vKezQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rockwall County Texas","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","Marcene, the Rockwall County Library director, presented the library's fiscal year 2024 annual report at the April 22 commissioners meeting, highlighting heavy circulation and patronage and noting that the library has been placed on probation by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission because the county-assigned population exceeded 100,000 while the library remains open 49 hours per week.

Key figures Marcene presented to the court included:
- Gate count (patron visits): more than 166,000
- Physical circulations: over 264,500 items
- E-books and e-audio circulations: nearly 53,000
- New library cards issued: more than 3,400
- Public computer uses: 6,477; children's computers: over 5,000
- In-house children's program attendance: nearly 32,000
- Adult literacy: roughly 1,900 student sessions and more than 22,000 student hours supported by volunteers and a half-time county position
- Volunteer hours: more than 9,000
- County support: roughly $1.3 million from the county and $38,000 in gifts and grants/fines

Why it matters: The library's usage and programming are substantial, and the state probation means the county will need to increase open hours. Marcene told commissioners the library will need five additional open hours per week to come into compliance; she said the county budget process will include that request.

Commissioners praised library services as a community hub, polling location and major source of programming and digital materials. Commissioner Lichty recommended the court budget for any additional hours the state requires.

Ending
Marcene said the library also participates in consortia that expand electronic collections (roughly 354,000 e-items available through sharing agreements) and that staff will provide formal budget requests for additional operating hours during the county's upcoming budget cycle.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rockwall County Texas - Commissioners Court Regular Meeting - Apr 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Rockwall County Library reported more than 166,000 patron visits and said it will need to add five open hours per week after being placed on probation by the Texas State Library because the county-assigned population exceeded 100,000.","taxTitle","Rockwall County, Texas","taxId",54914,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6575621,"Commissioners decry state bills limiting local land-use control, urge residents to contact lawmakers",829,1285000,2114000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c&start=1285&end=2114","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c/thumbnail_1285000.jpg","/articles/6575621/Rockwall-County/Texas/Commissioners-decry-state-bills-limiting-local-land-use-control-urge-residents-to-contact-lawmakers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575621-57b5332b7ffdaafdb25b82938673983e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432565&Signature=ESnDW1Y1Ms7b-Gcz5lPZQ-eNCOTu-PsQYkMndERegRLtiLx7G0qDDeNi4cnJlu3gBz44Dj-TotGWWJ8TlYN5phgoxHNRM9JVssRZhz4So9civOHTz109Y7~krarzTa5uZL1kUzeLq7HCcrKvaeQ1nnQflYMsTh1yIj4amz281k9nL3wikinlGXK48Ag546DlQvkmFgGAsUeP7ONl3LnHwwWy97DALH0kRegG6ezvc~uxzn2TAcw2SUfi2WDYv1E8hUZRbia4HUFqiWeZ4IIKTgVg6FN3YI14cAQlJEwI8P8nI0bcuXIA8~bPCAdnEv8k7YkclsKOhPX2TpHvPkilVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rockwall County commissioners used their April 22 meeting to review and publicly oppose several state bills they said would reduce county authority over subdivisions, plats and economic development agreements.

Commissioners named House Bill 3,892 and Senate Bill 2,354 among measures they said would curtail local review of plats and permit third-party reviewers to override local decisions. They also singled out Senate Bills 840 and 878 as measures that would limit local regulation of multi-family and mixed-use conversions and restrict the use of public funds in economic development agreements.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the bills would reduce Rockwall County's ability to shape local development, zoning and infrastructure decisions. Multiple measures were scheduled for committee hearings the week following the meeting; court members asked residents to contact local representatives and senators.

Key points
- HB 3892 (Rep. Bell): Commissioners said it would restrict county regulation of subdivisions (setbacks, lot sizes and number of homes per lot). Hearing noted for 04/23 in the House Land and Resource Management committee.
- SB 2354 (Rep. Creighton noted by commissioners): Described by the court as removing authority to review plats and giving it to a third-party reviewer; commissioners urged contact with Senator Hall and Representative Pearson.
- SB 840 and SB 878: Commissioners said these would limit county ability to address density and would constrain Chapter 380-style economic development agreements.
- The court identified only two bills it supports among a list of 36 being monitored; one supported bill is HB 602 requiring municipal utility district board directors to live in the district (as written, commissioners said they support the core idea but are wary of unpublished committee substitutes).

Commissioners' remarks and public outreach
Commissioner Galana said the bills threaten the county's strategic plan and local decisionmaking: \"Why do they want a third party to come in to review our plats and our property development?\" she asked at the meeting. Commissioner Makalik and others warned the consolidation of power in the state capitol is accelerating across sessions and encouraged residents to watch committee hearings and contact their lawmakers.

Public comment also included a speaker who presented a county resolution in support of countywide polling places and said the local Democratic Party had issued a similar resolution and was urging the court to oppose state efforts to remove countywide polling options.

Next steps
Commissioners encouraged constituents to contact Representative Pearson and Senator Hall and provided committee dates during the meeting. No formal county ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the court framed these comments as a public update and call to action.

Ending
Commissioners said they will continue to monitor the bills closely and will update the court when hearings or amendments affect Rockwall County's regulatory authority.","Rockwall County commissioners discussed several 2025 Texas Legislature proposals they say would reduce local control over development and zoning and encouraged residents to contact state lawmakers ahead of committee hearings.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6575626,"Commissioners free $915,900 from annex contract to reallocate ARPA funds, approve several annex change orders",442,2704000,3146000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c&start=2704&end=3146","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c/thumbnail_2704000.jpg","/articles/6575626/Rockwall-County/Texas/Commissioners-free-915900-from-annex-contract-to-reallocate-ARPA-funds-approve-several-annex-change-orders","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575626-ed12262d582e5a385d1ed0296d48c767/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432565&Signature=IE0TCuvw3gBBjVQyrSKW-OUv7pxuu9Xhm0p-3JMfpmTBU6rO7AZulRvOB2JJ44A4XDQERwKeGhXhfSGEPldvFMoSQrDTT4UDsL74nERuwBjPHlV5~4EBXGMKGTiT7D2qYmN7iZrKWB4qEGktVpalw3~WG3468GELD02VnHpSYPSIruUfZcxdz-FjwsesU8pWXgNoAvuyGesqb3RKvZASjQucVhiVfC93uceha1j8DqqHB8-Gv1u~GUIVNC7jVTBevXMTRw6DEl2X4i0D2qVyevsBZsfz~L8Qp9-OLVPtFulXbMr0rgZYYS-J2EJRS7jmObi7LOmCiAIfyDYOYv3UDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rockwall County Commissioners on April 22 approved several construction change orders for the county annex project and voted to free $915,900 in project savings so the county can reallocate those American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to another ARPA-qualified project, the sheriff's office remodel.

The court voted 5-0 to approve proposed change orders 34, 36, 37 and 39, which include additional concrete and guardrail work, door and frame revisions, an IT allowance for infrastructure and wiring adjustments related to the generator and low-voltage systems. Commissioners also approved a separate proposed change order (No. 40) that would extract $915,900 of project savings from the annex contract and make those dollars available for reallocation to another ARPA-eligible project.

Why it matters: The county is using ARPA funding for several facilities projects (the annex, the Third Floor courtroom infill and the sheriff's remodel). Freeing savings from the annex would let the court move ARPA dollars directly into the sheriff's remodel without returning them to the general fund, provided the county follows ARPA rules and documents the transfer.

Most important facts
- Change orders 34, 36, 37 and 39 approved 5-0. The tally was recorded on the meeting floor and the court's minutes show unanimous approval.
- Proposed change order 40 (to free $915,900 in annex savings for reallocation) passed on a 5-0 vote. The court described that approval as a procedural step: the contractor will prepare a revised contract and the court will later take the follow-up actions that actually move funds into the sheriff's project.
- County staff and contractors reported the annex remains under budget overall; Commissioners said roughly $400,000 of contingency will remain after the proposed transfer.
- A separate construction issue identified earlier (undersized existing fire suppression piping feeding the courthouse additions) requires about $32,500 in repairs and will be covered from contingency.

Details and next steps
Commissioner Stacy described the proposed transfer as a two-step, documented process intended to keep the money segregated in ARPA-eligible accounts: \"This is a proposed change order ... it will need to go to another ARPA qualified project,\" he said, adding that the auditor and GrantWorks were consulted about allowable transfers. Commissioner Stacy also said the court intends to immediately obligate any freed funds to the sheriff's remodel so the county never holds the money as uncommitted ARPA balances.

Construction manager comments in the meeting noted the annex remains on schedule for early January substantial completion for the related Third Floor work and that the contractor reported savings on millwork of about $166,000. The manager also said mockups and fixes are being used to address leaking window flashings discovered during an energy test: \"They've been able to resolve the issue, so I'm glad,\" he told the court.

The court also ratified two previously executed PCOs (project change orders) for developmental services buildout and grading so that concrete pours and other immediate work could proceed without delay.

What the votes covered (summary of items approved)
- PCO/Change Order 34: additional concrete work and guardrail — approved (owner contingency)
- PCO/Change Order 36: door/frame/hardware changes and FRP wall panels in storage — approved (owner contingency)
- PCO/Change Order 37: technology/IT infrastructure allowance ($114,890) — approved (allowance)
- PCO/Change Order 39: generator wiring and related wiring adjustments (~$33,000) — approved (owner contingency)
- Proposed Change Order 40: restructure annex contract to free $915,900 in ARPA-eligible savings for reallocation — approved as proposed; follow-up change-order and transfer steps were described by staff and will return to court for final ratification.

Budget and ARPA compliance
County officials said they consulted the county auditor and GrantWorks (the county's ARPA consultant) and plan to cite the federal guidance that permits reallocation of project savings between ARPA projects. Commissioners emphasized the money is federal in origin and must remain ARPA-eligible as it moves between qualified projects.

Ending note
County staff said construction will continue through the spring and early summer. The court directed staff and counsel to prepare the formal contract documents and the subsequent change order steps to effectuate the planned ARPA transfer without breaking program rules.","Rockwall County Commissioners approved multiple change orders for the county annex project, signed off on related contingency spending and approved a proposed contract revision that would free $915,900 in ARPA-qualified savings to be moved to the sheriff's remodel.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6575606,"Votes at a glance: Rockwall County Commissioners, April 22, 2025",62,2950000,3012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c&start=2950&end=3012","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c/thumbnail_2950000.jpg","/articles/6575606/Rockwall-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Rockwall-County-Commissioners-April-22-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575606-5bf4036eff9c63f18652ec18acdeb827/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432565&Signature=NrsLV9Odloc5QD08Z8bK36dWQkPi0jCNILbBb8NNiTKAT13hQBbSsx7w6Qtrlh-OWSmIxFc4Y1ci-GafI1V6Hgb6Jm~OrglZnnNRvlXebBCFhtaQtslnTn9SSfQwnREyVYhw-y3fPhwFHAu7qlJsDjOsrGi2ArHy44b3ZCJq8ySwhJsHEYcwU4sokv8jeLmP6D2TDeFXXM00MFv3HHROJXSenOukuDZ7A0ccKfEhdsN3J~R1oMNhDCUwFXjCbGxIhUMSy7sO0m54f9HIile6xgwwJ1NJVYB~-gaCP-GXFV3fegnayX3GRBCRzNuHqeS2JfuhCpWyMcFrL33YpFzPbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rockwall County Commissioners Court took multiple formal actions on April 22. Below is a concise list of motions the court approved during the meeting and recorded vote outcomes.

Votes at a glance (items approved 5-0 unless noted)
- Annex Project change orders: Approved proposed change orders 34, 36, 37 and 39 with amounts and allowances described in staff presentations (motion by Commissioner Stacy; second Commissioner Lickty). (Agenda item 7)
- Proposed change order 40 (Annex): Approved to restructure contract and free $915,900 of project savings for reallocation to another ARPA-qualified project; staff to return with final change order and ARPA documentation. (Agenda item 8)
- PCOs earlier ratified in consent: PCO 35 (developmental services buildout) and PCO 38 (grading) were included in consent to allow concrete pours to proceed.
- Appointment and agency powers: The court rescinded prior agent appointments and then appointed agents under Local Government Code Sec. 262.001 with aggregate authority caps (each approved 5-0):
- Commissioner Galana as county agent for the Third Floor infill project (aggregate approval authority up to $75,000 tied to unused contingency funds).
- Commissioner Stacy as county agent for the Sheriff's Office remodel (aggregate authority up to $75,000 tied to unused contingency funds).
- Commissioner Stacy as county agent for the Rockwall County Annex (aggregate authority up to $75,000 tied to unused contingency funds).
- Night-vision equipment procurement: Selected iDent Marketing Services (Rockwall vendor) to supply night-vision goggles and equipment for the sheriff's office (15 units); funding to come from sheriff seizure funds. (Agenda item 11)
- RFP for transportation consulting: Approved the county's request for proposals for transportation-related consulting services and authorized the auditor to publish a public notice; staff will incorporate several edits suggested by commissioners. (Agenda item 12)
- CRI grant amendment: Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Department of State Health Services Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) grant; match requirements and reduced award level were discussed. (Agenda item 13)
- Facility use: Approved Liberty Hall fee waiver for the Rockwall County Bar Association's May 9 bench-bar conference contingent on certificate of insurance naming the county as insured. (Agenda item 10)
- Hire: Approved hire of Erica Bridges as county engineer to start May 12, 2025, at an annual salary of $153,600, with two weeks' vacation available at hire and county-provided bond. (Executive session action)
- Legal engagement: Approved engagement letter with Terrell & Waldrop for legal consulting services on water rights matters; bill rates provided in the firm's letter. (Agenda item 15)
- Claims and payroll: Approved paid claims ($121,103.40), unpaid claims ($1,781,504.76) and payroll report for the pay period ending April 2025 ($1,087,442.60).

Context and next steps
Most items passed unanimously. Several construction and procurement items will require follow-up contract paperwork and detailed accounting entries. The court instructed staff to return with formal change orders when required and to document ARPA reallocation steps clearly for auditability.

Ending
Recorded motions, seconders and vote tallies are in the official meeting minutes. Members of the public and media may request those minutes and the contract documents once finalized.","Summary of formal actions taken by the Rockwall County Commissioners Court on April 22, 2025, including contract change orders, appointments, procurement, hires and claims.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6575611,"Resident urges county to update pay survey and raise salaries to retain employees",274,496000,770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c&start=496&end=770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085822-038d03d53feb36a2d538da658cb8568c/thumbnail_496000.jpg","/articles/6575611/Rockwall-County/Texas/Resident-urges-county-to-update-pay-survey-and-raise-salaries-to-retain-employees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575611-97c78f851abae315cf9c4bccd815803f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432565&Signature=K3SYP~oCKm3lFZ0epGWTGS28AtTSvruHOCKrvVq33H2aI9BBbTw7VrcMvIdKhWhBN68KwwbglEsUfo4N5HYZGbCWNVfA7YqZx76PBPy0yE8EArBvMmWydkQhjgSd4uaMiHmcpAGJEdJafAmjlBW50qtc~CdoXlvgzxprkpwMeQxqsXT~NWDBeBBg-~bjORnB1rC2v6fChZnYPsgmouX~poYKr7eYSSW4~BeIPbJklE7BHBIm4sTmAZm7bpnGxhsBYmYpRcaYzMRlhTRfyCfdUT~Q2GJy-zqBD1wzu4VpBVcvBNApYxSzYVsz5C-LV2KBvvMjWNDyscTJNN4g0bZWvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Rockwall County resident, Colin Aaron, spoke during public comment on April 22 and urged the commissioners to revisit employee pay decisions, saying the county's 2021 market survey is out of date and that rapid population growth has increased workloads for county staff.

Aaron told the court the county population increased from roughly 107,800 in 2020 to about 137,000 in 2024 and said the county's mid-level positions were not competitive with neighboring counties. He urged commissioners to rely on department heads' firsthand knowledge of job duties rather than only on the older market survey and suggested allowing commissioners and other officials to \"experience what this person does\" before denying a raise.

Why it matters: County officials have relied on a 2021 market update in prior pay decisions. The speaker said higher local population and increased workloads make retention harder and that the county pays to train employees who later leave for higher pay elsewhere.

Key quote
\"You need to, experience what this person does...instead of turning to an outdated survey, you should trust the department heads who actually see what their workers do,\" Colin Aaron said.

Outcome
This was a public comment during the court's public forum; commissioners thanked the speaker but did not take immediate formal action on salary policy at the meeting.

Ending
Commissioners did not make changes to pay policy during the meeting. The topic may resurface during departmental budget requests.","A Rockwall County resident told commissioners the county's 2021 market survey is outdated, cited rapid county population growth and urged the court to consider raises to retain trained staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rockwall County Library reports 166,000 visitors and warns state will require extra open hours

Commissioners decry state bills limiting local land-use control, urge residents to contact lawmakers

Commissioners free $915,900 from annex contract to reallocate ARPA funds, approve several annex change orders

Votes at a glance: Rockwall County Commissioners, April 22, 2025

Resident urges county to update pay survey and raise salaries to retain employees