[{"_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",6488596,"mediaKeyId","5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3","parentId",5825842,"title","Commissioners approve budget, tax rate, salaries and a slate of operational measures; votes at a glance","audioSeconds",1021,"startMs",1101000,"endMs",80000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3&start=1101&end=80","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3/thumbnail_1101000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6488596/Liberty-County/Texas/Commissioners-approve-budget-tax-rate-salaries-and-a-slate-of-operational-measures-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488596-9de8deded21a10d9f635f24510faeaa2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775353027&Signature=RWZgmFJwmOqMd00BY4yj-k9NFGqAZQLtUd0dJypKiRvf5uOglWLadpwWQ82r4RlWXUylL0bRTWpLlf4OiTdSzmzC9f8952b0Fpn5ydXom34V1jy3hjyAqbO-j0N7rjV6J5phoqhyePbFfL-LEQl3UaiN9Tl6Q1dyoiwIPGjRst4xCtPy8zLYRWXUGEGPd2fFv~mcmTqYNkRGx~64NRkn3OwD2ejqOYrm9QC0EJymlnF9Evt2q9Zc5cjeo9DLIrfzdy79mP9lLj0sV6nU3qN8UYBM7OUgjhU7tBIKikDVb~lYs60BmphtjNa6hmmmXKYoF2~ihFioDJ7MknvgrYuIPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Liberty County","date","2025-09-24T17:06:16.067Z","article","The Liberty County Commissioners Court conducted multiple formal votes at its Sept. 23 regular meeting. The court approved the FY2026 budget, adopted the 2025 tax rate, approved elected‑official salaries and the county position budget and took a number of operational and procurement actions. Below are the key outcomes recorded on the meeting minutes and the motions on the record.

Votes at a glance (key items and outcomes)

- Consent agenda (including added items): motion to approve carried (motion by Bruce; second by Greg). The consent agenda covered routine items and the additions announced at the meeting.

- Adopt elected‑official salaries for FY2026: motion carried (motion by Bruce; second by David). The recorded voice vote included three ayes and one nay; one commissioner announced prior support but said they could not support the measure at the final vote.

- Adopt FY2026 budget (10/1/2025–9/30/2026): motion carried (motion by Greg; second by Bruce). The court recorded the motion as approved by the required majority.

- Adopt 2025 tax rate of $0.48 per $100 valuation: motion carried (motion by Bruce; second by Greg).

- Approve FY2026 position budget and employee salaries: motion carried (motion by Bruce; second by David).

- Approve public‑service agreement with Tri‑County Behavioral Health Care for mental‑health services: motion carried (motion by Bruce; second by David).

- Renew TAC (Texas Association of Counties) health‑insurance plan and benefit confirmations; approve retiree life coverage and select pooled/COBRA/ACA reporting options: motion carried (motion by Bruce; second by Greg). The court later voted to have the county pay the full TAC renewal increase for employees (motion carried; motion by Greg; second by David).

- Approve various grants, procurements and budget actions (selected):
• Capital‑credits payment of $2,324.71 to be split between CASA and Bridgehaven: approved.
• Approval of candidates Mark Shellander and Jimmy Rollins for the Liberty County Appraisal District board: approved.
• Termination of the COVID pay policy effective 10/01/2025: approved.
• Approval of security contract for the Tax Assessor‑Collector’s office with Greystar Protection (effective 10/01/2025): approved.
• Approval of multiple grant applications and awards, including statewide automated victim notification renewal (SAVNS) and HB4264 one‑time law‑enforcement grants for qualifying officers: approved where presented.
• Approval of GLO buyout extension and related withdrawal/payments under grant 20066013C095 and payment requests to contractors (James W. Turner Construction Ltd.) for demolition work: approved.
• Approvals for multiple holding‑tank permits for MUDs (temporary building services) where county permits and contracted pump‑outs were confirmed: approved.
• Approval to add a fourth e‑recorder (Hopdocs) in the county clerk’s office: approved.
• Approve purchase/orders for district offices (copier, Westlaw renewal, DA network project initial payment): approved.
• Approval of payment requests for Ames sanitary‑sewer improvements (Schomburg & Pope) using ARPA funds: approved.

- Capital and emergency appropriations:
• Emergency budget amendment increased by $2,000,000 to cover additional out‑of‑county inmate housing costs: motion carried.

- Land, roads and administrative approvals:
• Abandonment of a 20‑foot road easement (private, adjacent to County Road 2090) to streamline a pending sale: motion carried.
• Road‑use agreement with Trident Intrastate Pipeline was tabled for revision and will return to a future agenda: tabled by motion.

- Procurement and engagements for county services: several smaller procurement and service approvals carried by recorded motions (see actions list for itemized entries).

Several items were handled as information items and did not require votes. The court recessed for an executive session and subsequently returned to approve an RFQ process for construction of a Liberty County animal shelter (motion to issue RFQs approved) and to acknowledge statutory vacancies on Emergency Service District No. 3’s board following the district’s failure to timely file annual audits (the statute effects automatic removal; the court acknowledged the vacancy and directed further administrative follow‑up).

Where the meeting record did not identify individual roll‑call votes by name, the minutes record the motion, the seconder and the oral voice vote; where a tally was read it is noted above. For complete line‑item descriptions, contract numbers and vendor details, refer to the official meeting packet and the county clerk’s records.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Meeting Sep 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Liberty County Commissioners Court on Sept. 23 approved the FY2026 budget, adopted a 48¢ tax rate, approved elected‑official salaries and passed a series of operational and procurement measures including a county agreement with Tri‑County Behavioral Health Care.","taxTitle","Liberty County, Texas","taxId",69549,"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},6488600,"Developer gives brief update on 850‑acre Body and Bell community; first phase to include 23 quarter‑acre lots",116,820000,936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3&start=820&end=936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3/thumbnail_820000.jpg","/articles/6488600/Liberty-County/Texas/Developer-gives-brief-update-on-850acre-Body-and-Bell-community-first-phase-to-include-23-quarteracre-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488600-32e309408825c4dc8c15a41d60b1ea5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775353027&Signature=mbNpBL~3x8zI0LsalnJQBTfkxYKdy8axLo25jt9nRdVAWFC~ZqYp~DIDaxiNlW8LOeHRCaLT5lB1EicAXhncZBbFnAfCxBgV04dUbAIC4GAgdXcllzEK4-xZQotepPTc5uFxoS2U3xcPzGFuP11M7UqmAV5M37NYbkuwHisvk8E1XDYSKjAhKO6j5QWkAUAdTYP4Of~NMdyAh0o2MCj5Iw1rk6HXhNbbKv~9~ZeZHaLbZB43OrIvIh-soCBGPjefPREgBgUSIk4IWnqDGRERt9EAHJWPL1r98gkWU1eh32zyvd1ZLmTVM~61ltzSE6-aU4P-F5ajF-3PLrZtO~x1sA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Logan Marchman, representing the Body And Bell development, provided a short status update to the Liberty County Commissioners Court on Sept. 23 about a proposed residential community on roughly 850 acres on the east side of the county.

Marchman said preliminary work that came before the court in February or March is complete enough that the developer is ready to plat a first phase of 23 quarter‑acre lots. He said the total planned community would eventually contain about 2,500 homes but that additional phases would come later; the developer does not expect the later phases before 2028.

Marchman said engineers have prepared a drainage plan and that the next step is coordination with the drainage district and county staff on a development agreement that will govern density and infrastructure conditions. He said the developer is working on builder contracts and emphasized that every home will touch some form of greenway or walkway of varying widths.

No formal county action was taken during the update; the presentation was recorded as an information item.","Logan Marchman told the commissioners that the Body and Bell (850‑acre) development is ready to plat a first phase of 23 quarter‑acre lots and that engineers have completed a drainage plan pending review with the drainage district; a density development agreement with the county is the next step.",{"_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},6488604,"Tri‑County Behavioral Health Care presents funding pressures; commissioners approve county service agreement",824,1744000,2568000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3&start=1744&end=2568","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3/thumbnail_1744000.jpg","/articles/6488604/Liberty-County/Texas/TriCounty-Behavioral-Health-Care-presents-funding-pressures-commissioners-approve-county-service-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488604-941fcb036c0fda7e758f93160f6a90eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775353027&Signature=YhNeTOHIFqiEojDPaJAq6ep7l70C0E05KWzHdnVvIFrXRveXAmUePTl4aFrkkoBLOtDHo8f1H0CeLoLUpu9PJasNG~8cYmElultT8WDA4RM2-JEaSk5EZodFlB0DbqrZ0F0cz4MfnUGqREX83dQ~1Z9uW4dIM3XxQsdgMmaCTaebcEw6JBnYD0bPD2I~CUTpdVSb8IndWmdywKDmjyX4g07c0Q4UbhrajCVkOMpjlgSru6BAjY7qN2Tx8wvvevEJRlvpZBjgdqQZE36KMS4hgcA4m3yel2x7ykpXKMbO0W9m10wcJVmsZJ92zA2PdmmwkmRJ3jhRE8QQQhp7ceRMrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Evan Robertson, executive director of Tri‑County Behavioral Health Care, briefed the Liberty County Commissioners Court on Sept. 23 about the agency’s services, funding pressures and a proposed public‑service agreement. Commissioners subsequently voted to approve a county agreement to continue Tri‑County’s services in Liberty County.

Robertson said Tri‑County is a unit of local government established under Chapter 534 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and serves Montgomery, Liberty and Walker counties. He described a funding environment in which state investments have prioritized state hospitals while community‑level funding has been inconsistent; he said the center’s budget has fallen about 20% in the last two years as targeted and federal ARPA funds have dried up.

Robertson described Tri‑County’s role as providing community‑based alternatives to state hospitalization and said the agency’s current annual budget is near $39 million. He said required local match for the center’s main performance contracts is about $1.9 million. Robertson thanked Liberty County for a $100,000 yearly contribution the county has provided since fiscal 2022 and noted that the agency opened a new 36,000‑square‑foot facility in Cleveland on Sept. 15 to expand capacity.

Commissioners moved to approve a public‑service agreement between Liberty County and Tri‑County Behavioral Health Care for the provision of mental‑health services; the motion was made by Bruce, seconded by David, and passed on a voice vote recorded as aye.

Robertson urged continued collaboration and noted that leveraging modest local support can help Tri‑County obtain additional grant matches. The court recorded approval of the agreement; no additional county appropriation was listed on the record during the item.","Tri‑County Behavioral Health Care’s executive director told commissioners that community mental‑health funding has fallen while demand has risen; Commissioners Court approved a public‑service agreement to continue local services.",{"_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},6488609,"Sheriff reports jail repairs progressing; HVAC damage and inmate relocations remain challenges",190,1144000,1334000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3&start=1144&end=1334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3/thumbnail_1144000.jpg","/articles/6488609/Liberty-County/Texas/Sheriff-reports-jail-repairs-progressing-HVAC-damage-and-inmate-relocations-remain-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488609-585450a3b6300644adbab58809645c99/orig.mp4?Expires=1775353027&Signature=Jsvplj8WUFQnmqfZxizO9F9dzJUYYOZRPQn3etoWJSRoq190HT22~lkdDEmJTmBPxMfyDUd1MkgYVEkuc4hI~tgXXsC8NsECfx~0ttom~ZTJsUgmCunqgCNKX7x5Vzsuz5NTe3NdTEFDeZ7ixBrlc3e7wyYM2a8ZZH4YU8hfiZEdarrhiV7sqRx6IIGv6sPzceWFF5neY0D1i4HGfYW99h1Meqy0agj63CAIC8h44w7R~8ZD3e-FFxh7Cc30Yr16F6EUjGk20KcncTq7l9gd~tguFv8bVc4U220EP8YZ~CcYBeGyNEOhhkinSX2Ccon0KvbFomWM5DpK4B~1GZ8hOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Liberty County Warden gave an information‑only update to the Commissioners Court on Sept. 23 about ongoing repair work at the Liberty County Jail, reporting progress on intercoms and locks but continued challenges with HVAC and inmate housing.

The Warden said contractor Sedapic completed hinges and intercoms for the JKL and MPQ hallways and that one dorm is now operational. Maintenance staff have been working seven days a week to coordinate multiple contractors, the Warden said. Fire‑restoration contractor work on West Hall began Sept. 22, and demolition of that hallway was described as roughly 75% complete.

The Warden reported that the HVAC system in the damaged hallway was more extensively harmed than originally estimated and that the county is still seeking an HVAC firm to complete repairs. Because portions of the jail will require “complete renovation,” the Warden said work on remaining projects is scheduled to begin after Oct. 1 so payment can align with the new fiscal budget.

Commissioners asked about inmate housing. The Warden said the county had transferred some inmates out of county and that about 15 remained in‑county while roughly 15 were sent to other counties. He said Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDC) is coordinating where possible, but many surrounding counties face similar constraints.

Commissioner Greg moved, with a second from Bruce, to accept the sheriff/warden’s information report; the court voted in favor and the motion carried. The presentation was recorded as an information item; no budget appropriation was made during the update.","The Liberty County Warden told commissioners Sept. 23 that contractors have completed intercoms and hinges for two hallways and that fire‑restoration work started Sept. 22; HVAC damage is greater than first estimated and some inmates were moved out of county while repairs continue.",{"_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},6488614,"Local nonprofit urges Liberty County to step up human‑trafficking education, promotes weekend fundraiser",598,274000,872000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3&start=274&end=872","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825842-c9cbf287e1ead3205184a6f455cf1db3/thumbnail_274000.jpg","/articles/6488614/Liberty-County/Texas/Local-nonprofit-urges-Liberty-County-to-step-up-humantrafficking-education-promotes-weekend-fundraiser","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488614-b82f24af2d14aba16080775cd526d679/orig.mp4?Expires=1775353027&Signature=k8AiSNaItk-Ua1Li89G00bO6AY6GiSMfMWMRj22UprSkdZhk017FKTKh~dRCMf8LYGLT74-KuyZP94HBNm-l1naKhkkrHFocsZbBH9kPtB1rlkc75bV3GqIeizO57n~d-HYRuIhiHD7--MYeWAlm2OI3YwXBjUvbVl768G5CrjbTKD-aIhIrCXFY-yOcHOjC99Ix8q6wtCzMEA252o9JWnkwLf-WkgAFGS-JbH52AmgyqOEm0dVswHqjPAvPxR0iRPuXApy13iR4mx0cbs3VzFG6s5MZzCRH8Pp7aceRTEHffaYw04alXDdOoblcuBS3~IeyofB2OAVdwvy7SN06HA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of Universal Agape Love told the Liberty County Commissioners Court on Sept. 23 that the nonprofit is seeing a rise in indicators of human trafficking and domestic violence in Liberty County and asked commissioners to support community education and outreach.

Universal Agape Love CEO Stephanie Montgomery said the group provides housing-relocation services, counseling and case referrals and that it has delivered “over 3,000 counseling sessions” in recent years through partnerships with local service providers including Bridgehaven and CASA. “We educate about what's going on, how human trafficking is affecting Liberty County, and give out the tools that's needed,” Montgomery said during public comment.

Brad Peyton, identified as having worked with Homeland Security for about 27 years, told the court that trafficking networks often move victims from urban hubs into rural areas and that local officials and businesses are likely already encountering victims. “This is not a shortage of problem. This is a lack of awareness,” Peyton said, urging officials to learn how to identify victims and where to refer them for services.

Montgomery described a recent incident the group interpreted as targeting because organizers placed zip ties on counselor vehicles; she said local law‑enforcement officers needed explanation of what the signs meant. She emphasized that fundraising proceeds are intended to be used directly for victim services and relocation: “100% of these funds go back into the community,” she said. Universal Agape Love said its upcoming event at the Daming Community Center on Sept. 27 will combine education with fundraising; admission was announced as $100 per person and the organization provided a contact number, (936) 262‑7800.

The presentation asked the county and the public to support broader education—both to identify victims early and to provide post‑rescue services. Brad Peyton highlighted the fiscal and operational strain of serving survivors: beyond arrest and prosecution, communities must provide housing, medical care and other long‑term supports. Montgomery and Peyton outlined that the organization can assist with immediate relocation when a victim’s vehicle or phone is compromised by traffickers.

The commissioners did not take formal action on the presentation; the remarks were recorded as part of the public‑comment period.","Representatives from Universal Agape Love told the Liberty County Commissioners Court on Sept. 23 that they are seeing rising human‑trafficking and domestic‑violence indicators in the county and urged greater public awareness; the group is holding a fundraising and education event Sept. 27 at the Daming Community Center.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners approve budget, tax rate, salaries and a slate of operational measures; votes at a glance

Developer gives brief update on 850‑acre Body and Bell community; first phase to include 23 quarter‑acre lots

Tri‑County Behavioral Health Care presents funding pressures; commissioners approve county service agreement

Sheriff reports jail repairs progressing; HVAC damage and inmate relocations remain challenges

Local nonprofit urges Liberty County to step up human‑trafficking education, promotes weekend fundraiser