[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6184056,"mediaKeyId","5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6","parentId",5093119,"title","Local expert urges Van Zandt County to consider groundwater district as commercial pumping plans advance","audioSeconds",553,"startMs",9047000,"endMs",9600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6&start=9047&end=9600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6/thumbnail_9047000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6184056/Van-Zandt-County/Texas/Local-expert-urges-Van-Zandt-County-to-consider-groundwater-district-as-commercial-pumping-plans-advance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184056-4d8ee43bb5c01a2f68220d43b1c28409/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155370&Signature=CgvM6GQsO~o8PXoLZCiwU0-BD4vcCJplddGLYX-QWoOXAJ9s~cgtIYoTRt5RvHLDlyhICArjd9fHkSBUxDVI3o5h~uvhx2XkZGZDNs0b3bRpIGaKJehYq8~JaYCIxikAKBUX6DhEW5Lqo9BCPLzD9WprOqMfsnQWH0ozYlafSkTlx~dx98eeZf~HeyqCopCYxzmZlMULczkKe4RgtUnite0xfY1cpXA3oAnjGv0UL5U4E0kiM-0iXjVqxnMoEYruDSaghgWjziAb~KOh4KIqTOF~oC3uNi-oA0RS9yFCZPIkolg3WeiPMf681i-CSIZrs4oL8LfaNw5UmA8fc7LNAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Van Zandt County TX","date","2025-06-27T13:54:22Z","article","Jackie Reisner, who described herself as a former general manager of a groundwater conservation district, urged the Van Zandt County commissioners court on Friday to consider early action to protect the county’s groundwater supply as commercial pumping projects proceed in nearby counties.

Reisner described the region’s hydrogeology, noting that the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer system is extensive and that recharge occurs slowly and in some cases far from where water is pumped. “If we don't do something and all of a sudden that company comes to VanZandt County and pumps 21, it is gonna affect us,” Reisner said.

She advised commissioners that forming or joining a Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) provides monitoring tools and regulatory options that a county would otherwise lack. A GCD can require permits, set spacing and pumping rules, install monitoring wells, and — if rules allow — charge export or production fees when water is pumped out of the district for use elsewhere. Reisner cautioned that districts need stable funding for legal and technical work and that a robust public-education campaign is critical: “You gotta educate the people because there’ll be so much misinformation floating around out there.”

Reisner also noted that GCDs vary widely in resources and effectiveness; she described examples where districts with sufficient staff and monitoring programs have been able to measure impacts and, if necessary, reduce permitted pumping levels based on measured drawdown. She said that without a district, property owners have limited recourse if nearby commercial pumping causes their wells to decline.

Discussion only: Commissioners and staff asked technical questions about the feasibility and cost of monitoring wells, funding options (ad valorem tax versus fee-based structures) and timing. No formal action or vote was taken. Reisner offered to provide additional information and to meet with local officials and stakeholders for a public education effort.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Van Zandt County Budget Workshop 6/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Jackie Reisner, a former groundwater district manager, told the commissioners court that commercial well applications in nearby counties could eventually affect Van Zandt County and urged county leaders to begin education and planning about forming or joining a Groundwater Conservation District.","taxTitle","Van Zandt County, Texas","taxId",63777,"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},6184061,"County elections staff request new election administrator and budget buffers as state changes loom",2953,4572000,7525000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6&start=4572&end=7525","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6/thumbnail_4572000.jpg","/articles/6184061/Van-Zandt-County/Texas/County-elections-staff-request-new-election-administrator-and-budget-buffers-as-state-changes-loom","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184061-875c90ad865867db895f7cd96f71a0b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155370&Signature=he41blZL6LXx7J2mCkv0WUGpeq9nxhsnAVvtLex4tpr8XEnlQ5EBXuHXK3JxzC76adUyoocu3siIBqPVuxI5iIY2ZcBk7D8Oc8J5Eb4pIdksouU~lIGcaRdB8N-aMZKb17jNBtG3HLLut85Nb9Ik6q2puexZ~03bsjB~t3x5e0VLbzpTSCccTWMvvUUetqwt2l4Pdk50ZC5BOOJHl5jFiYqjDNd08EIag7BrIhrUjCA~gBejRM9MAHgTvTQLIaWgjvpWNHUEjVIH3emreq1MamyPbHP2JegSYlwRHPusJLNbhQrm7qHWXiEYPPcCp8rST64HTGFhWCTt3rcE0mCUrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Elections staff told the Van Zandt County commissioners court on Friday that recent state legislation and pending administrative rules could substantially increase local election staffing and equipment costs, and asked the court to create a new election-administrator position and approve several equipment purchases.

Shannon, an elections official, said multiple election-law changes that took effect this year — and another state change that could take effect if state rulemaking completes — would expand the county’s required voting hours and staffing demands. “One bill… will eliminate early voting and create an election period, which starts 12 days before the election and goes straight through to election day,” Shannon said, adding that if that change fully takes effect the county could face two full weekends of additional hours and an expansion of staffing needs for every current polling location.

Because of the scope of the new work, elections staff proposed creating a dedicated election-administrator position. Staff said Shannon would step into the administrator role and that an existing clerk in the county clerk’s office would move into the elections staffing pool; commissioners were told the personnel shift would reduce one department’s budget while creating a modest net increase for elections this year. Shannon said she has a candidate who could start in July to begin administration tasks.

Elections staff also requested hardware and equipment funds: the packet lists about $45,650 for 40 iPad-based polling units (they stated this covers 40 “poll pads” with a metal case and integrated printer), additional hotspots for precincts without reliable Internet, and continued funding for ballot-on-demand paper and maintenance contracts. Shannon noted the county currently supports 18 polling locations and that state guidance is unclear whether all 18 would have to remain open for the proposed extended “election period.” “If we have to have all 18 open for that election period, it will definitely increase our costs tremendously,” she said.

Staff described an increase in registered voters in recent years — from about 14,524 in June 2018 to roughly 41,367 at the time of the workshop — and projected further growth before the 2026 governor’s race. Elections staff argued that consolidation to a countywide voting model, which allows larger voting centers instead of dozens of precincts, would reduce long-term costs but requires an administrator and a multi-step application to the state.

Discussion only: Commissioners asked about the timeline for state rules and whether the law would apply during the next budget year; staff said the new law’s implementation depends on whether the state completes required rulemaking by a summer deadline and that the county’s budget year (Oct–Sep) may or may not overlap the new rules. The court did not take a formal vote but agreed staff should fold the requested position and equipment needs into the budget for further consideration.","Elections staff told the commissioners court that recent state law changes could raise local election costs and operational hours; they asked to create a dedicated election-administrator position, buy additional iPad polling units and plan for expanded early‑voting operations if state rules take effect.",{"_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},6184065,"County library seeks seasonal staff, supplies and computer upgrades as summer demand rises",116,3224000,3340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6&start=3224&end=3340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6/thumbnail_3224000.jpg","/articles/6184065/Van-Zandt-County/Texas/County-library-seeks-seasonal-staff-supplies-and-computer-upgrades-as-summer-demand-rises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184065-8fe4dc3bf5961b2ede110eace10ff7c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155370&Signature=WFf3uURm9yhpVWbeJk0yWAKwn5LsUrVM8nKBxiqgPet4cZnLXoe61cvdTxtXosSHrN1PAKdwDUGkT6JCRXrtMD12jTHxgMlM4quzTkvpcz7QOOqXDqib9kaWtW5mBeeZOck0wjY~uWX9OR6jPNL8ijwCQxQI5hc-NSY7HlRlOGQoRCGDC~Ms2CmKk3YtwnxjuhO5JEpRCKnHsej0hCnxiUZL36uwB3rsAFqChGIaeuCzUXB7OpC52yTXO-jnptKv28kjp2eI4uiXkNHdbLHvC0l3tJJu69D1QTe4yIqcKYnOZsL-ee3ullvfySwHINsXbbeQEHXq1xqkMKty1kR2wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A library staff member told the commissioners court Friday the county library needs part-time and seasonal help, higher office-supply and toner budgets and equipment upgrades to handle a surge in summer programs and public Wi‑Fi use.

The library presenter said summer reading programs have drawn large crowds — one performer drew about 170 attendees — and weekly programs now average 35–40 children. “We’re really busy in the library at this particular time,” the library staff member said.

To support programming and public services, the presenter asked for a part-time seasonal employee at roughly $13–$14 an hour, increased funding for toner and copier supplies (she listed $87–$100 for common cartridge models and about $400 for a multi-cartridge set), three rolls of postage ahead of an anticipated July rate increase, and funds to update public computers and licensing software. The petitioner said library Wi‑Fi sees more than 1,000 unique connections a month during summer and that many residents rely on the library for online services such as Social Security and Medicare account access.

The presenter also said the library had to buy an extra 250 library cards to keep up with demand and asked commissioners to allow purchase of additional book-covering and story-time craft supplies because story-time attendance has risen.

Discussion only: Commissioners asked about copier lease coverage for toner and whether software licensing could be obtained through the library’s existing procurement arrangements. The library presenter said some software and update costs may be handled through library-specific contracts and that she would follow up with county technology staff and the Friends of the Library.","The Van Zandt County library requested part-time summer help, higher printing/copier and postage budgets, and funding for computer and software upgrades to meet sharply higher summer attendance and Wi-Fi usage.",{"_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},6184070,"Van Zandt County district judge seeks raises, reporter pay and building improvements in budget pitch",2258,639000,2897000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6&start=639&end=2897","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093119-d3d8604ab870bcf998c18982136d34b6/thumbnail_639000.jpg","/articles/6184070/Van-Zandt-County/Texas/Van-Zandt-County-district-judge-seeks-raises-reporter-pay-and-building-improvements-in-budget-pitch","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184070-6570a0eb6513a04e04a5519d7cb341e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155370&Signature=c-lgR46xT9z18xnlIQcDjS4Pu-xgUqZrLC0amrJ3M8lSRYibu0qkamn3nWmtZ2O8vnmdSpCLdv065XgeZdUnoDwev2roCfmhQgnU8~IRO8XFAmD0oQg2WvT4xVlyroPsTFIPQvV5A7GLolbJjZTGRWFsfGWms7c4YjhVS7L5buy4C8qPaVhzIW7npm159831n9jBzmiSbCjzN1PtvpCEeAyu1x85v5j6xHKJweYoqHdabYZiWlIGVz6liTd36A1q2FCAgUoiQaTj3FE5x5-kiN4AKGe5K-PcA63WkTAztK2MbhpeFquVhMEU8UCkj1lfuUmecVv~kwS5z5yh6s51Lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Judge Chris Martin, Van Zandt County district court judge, asked the county commissioners court on Friday to include larger pay increases and facility improvements in next year’s budget while keeping contingency funds to cover infrequent, high-cost legal expenses.

Martin said he was requesting a 5% across-the-board pay increase for his court’s staff and described line-item reductions elsewhere in his submitted budget. “I would respectfully request 5%,” Martin said.

The judge told the court he had trimmed many operational line items and left personnel costs largely intact. He said the court’s indigent-defense contract attorneys cover roughly 98% of indigent criminal defense work and that only about 2% of defense costs are paid on an hourly basis when contract attorneys are conflicted out. Martin said he had accounted for potential hourly-pay needs — for example, in capital cases where outside counsel may be needed — by leaving about $50,000 to $60,000 as a contingency and another $15,000 for unusually costly hourly appointments.

Martin also raised recruitment concerns for court reporters, who he said are in short supply statewide and command higher pay in neighboring jurisdictions. He described a statutory restriction that could limit what a newly hired reporter can be paid relative to the prior incumbent and said he wanted “headway” in the budget in case a reporter leaves. Martin said he had compared pay rates with other counties and argued that competitive salaries were necessary to retain staff.

On judicial compensation, Martin said state law allows counties to supplement the state salary of district judges and that the maximum county supplement has recently increased. “The supplement was $18,000. It's moved to $25,000,” he said, saying the change followed a law signed by the governor and that he has received supplemental pay from the county in the past to align his pay with a peer judge.

Martin also urged commissioners to consider facility improvements at the Paul Michael Building, listing jury-room size, restroom access and parking as operational shortcomings that affect court operations and juror convenience. He said the district court had been displaced for months after a ceiling failure in a prior year and that the court still experiences leaks that require patching.

Discussion only: Commissioners asked about tradeoffs between raises and building projects; no formal vote or budget allocation was taken at the hearing.

What happens next: Martin’s requests will be considered as part of the county’s budget consolidation process; commissioners said revenue projections due in July will shape final decisions.","Judge Chris Martin asked the commissioners court to approve a higher employee raise, keep contingency funds for expensive criminal defense cases and consider funding for courthouse improvements and court-reporter pay to retain staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local expert urges Van Zandt County to consider groundwater district as commercial pumping plans advance

County elections staff request new election administrator and budget buffers as state changes loom

County library seeks seasonal staff, supplies and computer upgrades as summer demand rises

Van Zandt County district judge seeks raises, reporter pay and building improvements in budget pitch