[{"_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",6061772,"mediaKeyId","3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8","parentId",3281059,"title","Mills County approves $15,000 interlocal agreement with Mullen for street work","audioSeconds",287,"startMs",3122000,"endMs",3409000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8&start=3122&end=3409","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8/thumbnail_3122000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6061772/Mills-County/Texas/Mills-County-approves-15000-interlocal-agreement-with-Mullen-for-street-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061772-ee61b382e224e6533d99b7523374cdef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177094&Signature=jMXQlTeZjPqSq7Qv-0Mz0hBXa5Q1oSGdRg7vX4oQPbbbXLJLYHPztgasbWHL8-3bCnRN0K5PdTM32bQJ-npFKMJ6LfQAg8b~EV1sFPuTAOxg19Wg8F2-3Sl-wBfXU-0AJbzLuXtTMCRYXpRxqehTSqEWwdrsmDv55vB~V8z1i3qpgHPeDhTNU3rk5pE7CgbU6EQUsMX4bvtf49KNyJ5m5xoVWuvn7XhbazSr~NnMqowZaMyBUlMcXyui0b1G4cQf8J9UWLZkvCgudG3yjUIoBAdzsWBbP9-VvuKVDQ3nVsMpgUfSawH1qPPHWRlmLxADamHurztDpzJJ-Pf6UnI1ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mills County Court, Texas","date","2025-05-13T03:07:00Z","article","Mills County commissioners on May 12 approved an interlocal agreement authorizing up to $15,000 in county machine‑hire work for the City of Mullen to maintain and grade specified streets.

The agreement, which the county and city have used in prior years, allows the county to provide maintenance and machine time for municipal streets that connect to county roads. Mayor Dexter Morris of the City of Mullen attended the meeting and detailed the streets to be covered, including Sixth Street (which connects to County Roads 508 and 509) and Sherman Street (which connects to County Roads 544 and 509).

Commissioner Portman moved to approve the interlocal agreement; Commissioner Williams seconded. The court approved the agreement unanimously. The agreement authorizes up to $15,000 worth of county machine work per year to help the city maintain street drainage and surfacing; the meeting record noted the arrangement began in 2010 and continued this year.

No additional cash payment from the city was recorded in the motion; described uses include blading, drainage work and surface maintenance on those streets. Staff and the mayor said the arrangement reduces repeat maintenance by allowing the county to perform targeted work and use a paving material they described as effective for short segments.

The court will execute the agreement and return to routine scheduling of machine work with the City of Mullen.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05.12.2025 Commissioners Court","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners approved a routine interlocal agreement to provide up to $15,000 of county equipment/machine work for the City of Mullen; the motion passed unanimously.","taxTitle","Mills County, Texas","taxId",73734,"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},6061778,"Commissioners review fiscal‑year calendar and preliminary appraisal values for budget planning",181,1642000,1823000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8&start=1642&end=1823","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8/thumbnail_1642000.jpg","/articles/6061778/Mills-County/Texas/Commissioners-review-fiscalyear-calendar-and-preliminary-appraisal-values-for-budget-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061778-9266f1ff8bce1885e113aa47748e01d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177093&Signature=aeT2bVqmHy8ltL6AvLIL~z2co3hUalw14r5BJ6AMH7ZhUtiasVfu0SM8nPq35K4OjH-FEZCNPrJ9n3koC6GpjrumOl5oj2rTfMwHKefy2jRpueZaP1fDRLxySCcIrGisCoFsDNMGcwO~bm3ZNhvYlyqawoT2Uv0wpi6b2yvfo9S9tL9aNfSeKjgOrY1qciuT3n-lUvpYOcYYnBvCcGw1EWJ5DgcMLKeg4kgYWfEdh5TAXn8JgktXPasm4Kghq-LWNTPcMIZajNzXelGsqOys6PeUNr-e6FLjtw07JPGrTiObpVCW5Fe~KU0tXS08PkYlEhUHNv6paVJ1f31AsbUBBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mills County commissioners on May 12 reviewed the proposed budget calendar for the 2025‑26 fiscal year and heard preliminary property‑valuation figures from the Mills County Appraisal District.

The court will use the appraisal district’s preliminary numbers to start budget planning but staff emphasized the figures are not certified and adjustments are typical before the tax roll is finalized.

The county’s preliminary numbers, as reported to commissioners at the meeting, showed an appraisal total the presenter described as \"$809,000,000 for Mills County and Road and Bridge\" and characterized as an increase from the prior year; the speaker cautioned these are “preliminary figures” and noted the appraisal district typically reduces preliminary totals in certification steps. The county administrator said the apparent increase reflects new homes and rising valuations but reiterated the numbers were not final.

Staff proposed department workshops beginning in late May or early June and asked commissioners to confirm dates; the court agreed to circulate an updated calendar by email because the packet contained last year’s dates. The treasurer and county staff discussed scheduling budget workshops for the first week of June to allow department‑level sessions prior to formal budget adoption steps.

Commissioners discussed travel and availability conflicts and planned to proceed with workshops when a majority could attend. No budget appropriations were approved at the May 12 meeting; commissioners asked staff to distribute corrected calendar dates and to begin departmental budget meetings as scheduled.

The court indicated budget hearings and final tax rate decisions will follow the usual public‑meeting process after certified values are received from the appraisal district.","County officials discussed proposed budget workshop dates and preliminary valuations from the Mills County Appraisal District; staff cautioned the figures were not certified and workshops will be scheduled to finalize the 2025‑26 budget.",{"_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},6061783,"Sheriff briefs commissioners on $400,000+ estimate to replace jail cameras, locks and servers",233,1866000,2099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8&start=1866&end=2099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8/thumbnail_1866000.jpg","/articles/6061783/Mills-County/Texas/Sheriff-briefs-commissioners-on-400000-estimate-to-replace-jail-cameras-locks-and-servers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061783-cd4e3304b6a5d00cbaa70487d17d7702/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177093&Signature=ULIoI64TrynpfItd11J~x6q9LCPzUZDfK2oXpAmr6JmTkYR8EIiiN1mGupPpsBD2999ZUt-18m5Oj4P~tdS0Yu9DaIeyzLL2RrKGzuT16QEGjoSWe-Gydf1nRR8IXHXLT4pyQwrALm9m1L9ys9o7ixe8rZmipaqHbJOTZ1AuiOvXeqBB15YMNlYYVqV-yN9ETyvJtRYLTY1X24CMNQY6TfGO3ITWT~eilIc5w7FyT0I7SdmOIqWbAb1oEZNZ76jKu2t4j7TTSe~byky-kM0u9TeBitK5bCZP2QAICVpjaqUKJbRes1mdBnloroe6ThkakafCqHhDWOr5CKAqwHiwJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mills County’s sheriff told commissioners on May 12 that replacing the jail’s camera, server and door‑lock systems could cost an estimated $400,000–$440,000 and that vendors offered multi‑year payment arrangements.

The matter matters because the current camera and lock systems are at end of life and county staff said maintenance has been minimal; replacement would cover cameras, servers, door locks and associated maintenance agreements.

The sheriff reported that Motorola visited last week to review needs and that system replacement estimates ranged from about $400,000 to $440,000. The sheriff said vendors were “willing to work with us in any number of ways” including multi‑year payment arrangements similar to prior equipment purchases. He also said replacing the cameras typically includes integration with the door‑lock system so recorded events are captured and stored.

The sheriff noted the jail’s lock system had not received scheduled maintenance since installation about nine years ago and that adding a maintenance agreement would be part of future costs. Commissioners asked about timing of a new dispatch console; staff said the console is being assembled, tested offsite, then reassembled locally and should arrive and be installed within roughly 60–90 days.

No formal procurement or contract award was approved. Commissioners asked the sheriff to return with firm vendor quotes, payment terms, and maintenance costs for consideration in the upcoming budget workshops.","Sheriff reported an estimated $400,000–$440,000 cost to replace jail camera and lock systems; county may phase payments or finance over time, but no procurement decision was made.",{"_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},6061788,"Mills County reviews courthouse flooding, considers excavator work and drainage fixes",936,2122000,3058000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8&start=2122&end=3058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8/thumbnail_2122000.jpg","/articles/6061788/Mills-County/Texas/Mills-County-reviews-courthouse-flooding-considers-excavator-work-and-drainage-fixes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061788-e676215ab6a6de916fa35ca821040e71/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177093&Signature=Sb2fUPeT4nwU-0WnBrV14AXKAWyHz4OnyNscvw-z5abSFDRgKR0NKAUY1KbibdXSfb5QlTz2I4bpDrBmWOKFg~nlo0k5tQKUoW9Oqon-Urdhy-pubUh27doUh9UMoi3LGgfihHlJ-6pclr1VPky3z4pc5Oe7h~qhOt95IgcZ78eG5yPsa94XlP94b5eZokuZPq8detpxaYFCMJSqHlrN-ztgRrh1a-eLAwn2hVIAVFewtDXqydRIMSIzTMyJh5xgLwE1Z7TYis3d4-1kdM9-zjGFCP1nfQgq-9COZBn10X6f4Dsc-5xSfgnfEshS5HX4hSS7881QFTL9nfuneaY7AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mills County commissioners on May 12 examined recurring seepage and flooding at the courthouse and discussed repair options including excavation to restore a moisture barrier, extending exterior drain lines, and tying into an existing underground 4‑inch drain.

The issue is significant because water reached the county attorney’s office and probation area on the courthouse’s south side after recent heavy rains; county staff said visible seepage occurred under the foundation and through the elevator shaft during storms.

Facilities manager Mister Burns told the court he contacted a local contractor, Topcut Lawn Service, which proposed using a mini‑excavator and a sod cutter to dig out soil adjacent to the foundation, repair the moisture barrier and resod the area. Burns said the contractor quoted $125 per hour and would bill as a service call; the contractor did not provide a fixed total because the extent of excavation and repairs depends on conditions discovered in the field.

Commissioners and staff discussed two drainage options: extend the exterior concrete drain approximately seven feet past the building edge or convert the runoff to a 4‑inch underground line and tie into an existing drain elsewhere on the property. Staff also reported past repair work on the clerk’s office corner that included moisture‑barrier replacement and that prior excavations reached roughly 5 feet deep to access the foundation.

Staff described problems tracing some existing drain lines; a camera run reportedly shows sections of pipe are broken or filled with gravel and concrete. Burns said the elevator‑shaft sump pump shows water returning into the shaft during heavy rains, and staff recorded water flow at levels higher than expected, which complicates diagnosis.

No formal contract or motion to accept the contractor’s service proposal occurred at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to obtain a written estimate with scope and hourly projections, to clarify whether the contractor can install or replace the recommended moisture barrier material, and to schedule a tracer/camera run to locate the failing pipes. Commissioners also noted the senior‑citizen building ramp washout as a related storm‑damage item for future work.

The court directed staff to follow up with the contractor for a detailed proposal and to provide estimated hours and total costs before returning to commissioners for approval.","Commissioners heard facility staff describe seepage in the courthouse foundation after heavy rain and reviewed a contractor proposal to excavate, repair a moisture barrier and reroute drains; no contract was approved.",{"_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},6061791,"Mills County discusses solar farm tax abatements; hires attorney for future negotiations",950,579000,1529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8&start=579&end=1529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281059-04f1feb715df70c8efff1c8ab9e93ac8/thumbnail_579000.jpg","/articles/6061791/Mills-County/Texas/Mills-County-discusses-solar-farm-tax-abatements-hires-attorney-for-future-negotiations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6061791-6f91b5d06b57da6e92e353af0015e82b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177093&Signature=i0ZhVZvLtZCATot3MUV0iKlFRR~ezUUCGyWuhE6QTjyAMHHhs2yXE3rB5uiIqedgHCz0BX94EuXiOzP2bpU1UkO4YsMqwkyNV~CiTgIKm3DbHFQoQL6bk07SRwjtjHCNeBIdbfRDtob2zoqSs1AqTaq5vhFgRsSnDDET~d4Hv-mXmD-rBRp7~2jLV5xdSWprNtvilajVtJ658skI4ec7PEjwILOb9qPPjRXP~p8wkoCG6KnxX3xYKzftGxOGkBmkUWLvhJB-fue0vN0Pa2i7FmfEuf4xwHh1f5OuZyQm70IziverfI0NwtZ4r6lgBEA25tTYsWHxr0yCK-vlAjT51A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mills County Commissioners on May 12 discussed whether the county should offer property tax abatements to developers planning utility-scale solar projects and unanimously voted to retain outside legal counsel to advise on those and related land-use matters.

The item matters because two solar developers have proposed projects in Mills County and some residents oppose abatements while a developer representative argued abatements can attract large taxpayers and increase long-term tax receipts.

At a public comment period, Miss McKee, who identified herself as a county resident and town-hall participant, said residents “oppose these abatements” and raised concerns that “solar farms threaten the harmony of the community” and could harm land values and residents’ health and safety. The court’s discussion confirmed the session was for discussion only and no abatement ordinance or contract was adopted at the meeting.

Bill Pentac, speaking for Red River Clean Energy, described two proposed solar projects and said his firm selected a remote site “so that it will have minimal impacts.” Pentac said his company faces extra remediation costs at one site because it is on former ordnance range land and urged the county to “partner with us” on a project he said would allow a long‑time local landowner to keep the family property. Pentac addressed why abatements are used, saying “I would say that it actually means more tax revenues because it's a powerful tool in your arsenal to attract new taxpayers from Mills County.”

County officials pressed for legal advice before making any policy decisions. Several commissioners said they were not prepared to support or reject abatements without counsel; one commissioner said many counties have stopped routinely granting abatements for solar and wind and suggested the county needs a lawyer familiar with school-district abatements and state rules. The court placed an item on the agenda to consider retaining an attorney with experience in wind and solar matters.

On agenda item 6 the court voted to retain Jeffrey Allen to provide legal counsel on related matters. The motion to hire Allen was made and seconded by Commissioner Portman; the court approved the retention unanimously. No fee schedule was read into the record at the meeting; the court noted the attorney had previously represented Mills County in wind‑related matters and would be retained on an as‑needed basis.

No formal abatement agreement, ordinance, tax incentive resolution or contract was approved at the May 12 meeting. Commissioners agreed to gather more information, consult other counties, and rely on counsel before taking any final action on abatements.

Next steps noted by the court include additional outreach to county officials, further fact‑finding, and legal advice before placing any abatement or incentive on a future agenda.","Commissioners held an extended discussion about potential tax abatements for proposed solar projects and voted unanimously to retain an attorney with prior experience on renewable-energy matters.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mills County approves $15,000 interlocal agreement with Mullen for street work

Commissioners review fiscal‑year calendar and preliminary appraisal values for budget planning

Sheriff briefs commissioners on $400,000+ estimate to replace jail cameras, locks and servers

Mills County reviews courthouse flooding, considers excavator work and drainage fixes

Mills County discusses solar farm tax abatements; hires attorney for future negotiations