Votes at a glance: Newton County commissioners approve appointments, budget moves, facility changes and program adjustments

Newton County Commissioners Court on an agenda session took a series of formal actions including appointments to emergency service districts, acceptance of ESD year‑end reports, approval of equipment sales and multiple budget amendments.

The court voted on more than a dozen items. Major outcomes included the appointment of new and reappointed commissioners to local ESDs, acceptance of ESD annual reports, approval to advertise the sale of surplus county equipment, several budget amendments (including funds for a generator and precinct repairs), approval of an interlocal agreement for a radio tower, relocation of the county treasurer's office, and approval of a citizen participation plan used for Texas community development block grant activities. The court also approved raising the county business mileage reimbursement rate to 70¢ per mile and authorized changes to the Kade Building rental fee.

Several items recorded as formal motions and votes: - Appointments to ESD No. 5: Daniel Burks, Alicia (Cecil) Williams and Jimmy Williams were appointed for two‑year terms. Motion by Commissioner Powell; second by Commissioner Hobson; approved. - Creation and initial board appointments for ESD No. 6: Kevin Fontenot, Nathan North, Allen Collier, Herb Kelly, Charles Duckworth, Eugene Wiley and Shelly Wright were appointed to the new ESD No. 6. Motion by Commissioner Richard Hobson; second by Commissioner Powell; approved. - Reappointments to ESD No. 2: Howard West and Leon Thornton were reappointed. Motion by Commissioner Vincent; second by Commissioner White; approved. - Acceptance of year‑end reports from ESD No. 2, No. 4 and No. 5. Motions to accept were made and seconded during the meeting and carried. - Dissolution of the sheriff’s K‑9 unit: The court approved dissolving the county K‑9 program on recommendation of the sheriff. Motion made by Commissioner Powell; second by Commissioner Hobson; approved. - Increase standard mileage rate for business to 70¢ per mile (2025 IRS rate change). Motion made and carried. - Budget amendment concerning a $10,000 Venture Global Pipeline donation for Deweyville Community Park: the court tabled the item for further review by county staff and auditors. Motion to table by Commissioner Powell; second by Commissioner White; carried. - Approval to advertise for bids/sale of surplus equipment, including a 2015 John Deere motor grader, and authorization for the auditor’s office to advertise a surplus mechanic’s truck for sale. Motions made and carried. - Approval of an interlocal agreement permitting placement of a replacement radio tower on SRA property. Motion by Commissioner Powell; second by Commissioner Hobson; approved. - Relocation of the county treasurer’s office from the old prison site to the Davidson Street office building (former auditor’s office) temporarily while staff receive medical care. Motion made and carried. - Approval of a Kade Building rental fee increase to $50 with a refundable $50 cleanliness deposit upon return. Motion made and carried. - Approval of a citizen participation plan to be used for Texas community development block grant public‑participation requirements (generic plan acceptable for GLO and TDA grant processes). Motion made by Commissioner White; second by Commissioner Benson; approved. - Budget amendments for Precinct 1 generator purchase ($20,000) and multiple account adjustments for Precinct 3 for road materials, equipment and repairs were approved. Motions made and carried. - Appointment of Commissioner White as judge pro tem for 2025. Motion made and carried. - Extension of a declaration of disaster related to a January 20, 2025 cold weather event. Motion made and carried. - Payment of the presented county bills totaling the amount read into the record was approved. Motion made by Commissioner Powell; second by Commissioner Hobson; carried.

Several of the votes were taken by voice with the court answering “Aye” on the record; the court did not provide a roll‑call tally by name for all matters. Where a motion and second were recorded in the minutes, the mover and seconder are noted above.