Lavaca County commissioners approve 107 felony indictments and rebid construction contracts

The Lavaca County Commissioners Court convened on May 27, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including law enforcement updates, tax rate calculations, and infrastructure bids.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the report from Sheriff Greenwell, who noted that the county has seen 107 felony indictments since January. This surge in indictments reflects ongoing efforts to tackle crime in the area, despite the challenges posed by a full jail. Sheriff Greenwell emphasized the commitment to continue pursuing indictments, indicating that the law enforcement team is actively addressing public safety concerns.

The court also discussed the appointment of Debbie Subshek as the representative responsible for calculating the 2025 no new revenue tax rate and the voter approval tax rate. The motion to appoint Subshek was unanimously approved, ensuring that the county remains compliant with financial regulations.

In terms of infrastructure, the court faced challenges with recent construction bids for concrete and labor. Only one out of three bidders met the necessary qualifications, prompting discussions about rebidding for additional projects. Commissioners expressed concerns over significant discrepancies in bid amounts, indicating a lack of uniformity in contractor estimates. The court decided to reject several bids and will seek to rebid the remaining projects to ensure fair pricing and quality work.

Additionally, the court addressed the need for a boiler replacement in the Lavaca County courthouse. A proposal from Dalton Steaming Controls was deemed too high, leading to a motion to reject the bid until further information could be gathered. The court is also considering reaching out to the Texas Historical Commission for assistance with ongoing HVAC issues in the courthouse.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure improvement, with plans to revisit several key issues in the near future.