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Commissioners back Tally Water Supply’s CDBG application; public comments prompt talk of opposing out-of-region water transfers
Summary
Harrison County commissioners voted to sponsor Tally Water Supply’s application for the 2728 Texas Community Development Block Grant cycle. Public commenters and several commissioners used the discussion to urge coordinated local resistance to perceived out-of-region water appropriation by Dallas-area interests and requested a draft resolution.
The Harrison County Commissioners Court voted unanimously in February 2025 to sponsor Tally Water Supply Corporation’s application for the 2728 Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding cycle through the Texas Department of Agriculture.
The motion to sponsor the application passed 5-0 after public comment and commissioner discussion. Commissioner Christopher Ebarb moved to approve sponsorship and Commissioner Coos seconded; the court recorded no opposing votes.
During the discussion period a local resident and business leader raised concerns about larger regional water-management proposals and private or municipal entities seeking water from East Texas sources. Brad Robinson, identified in the meeting as local president of Cadence Bank, spoke during public comment; other speakers urged the court to coordinate with local cities and neighboring jurisdictions and consider drafting a resolution opposing transfers of local water resources to outside entities.
Commissioners said they would explore drafting a resolution and coordinate timing with upcoming meetings. One commissioner asked staff to look at the timing and posting requirements to determine whether the court could place a formal resolution on the next agenda or issue a ratification following an interim action. Commissioners noted they could convene a brief meeting to act if timeline constraints required earlier action.
The item before the court, as presented by staff, was limited to supporting Tally Water Supply’s grant application for the next CDBG funding cycle; no formal county policy on water rights or interjurisdictional transfers was adopted at the meeting. Speakers during public comment referenced news reports and figures about industrial water use and urged the court to act to protect Harrison County’s water resources, but the court record does not adopt or verify those outside claims.
Following the sponsorship vote, several commissioners said they would research the matter further, collaborate with city leaders and prepare draft language for the court’s consideration at a future meeting.
