Anderson County pulls $455 Texas Department of Criminal Justice invoice, approves remaining bills

The Anderson County Commissioner's Court on May 22, 2025, approved its consent‑agenda bills but removed a $455 invoice from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for burn‑ban flags after officials said the county could not legally pay that invoice without amending 13 existing contracts.

The court’s action matters because it halted payment on an already billed item that staff said requires contract amendments before county funds can be used, and because several commissioners offered to cover or split the charge personally while staff checks whether the county can pay and be reimbursed.

During a brief special meeting, a court member noted there were no budget amendments and that the only substantive item was a bills list. That member said the $455 invoice to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice must be pulled because “we can’t do this today” without changing contract terms that currently prevent payment.

Commissioners discussed several informal options. One commissioner said the flags cost about $105 apiece but that another figure of $140 had appeared, and offered to donate $105 personally. Another commissioner offered to split the remaining cost so the amounts would be even. The court discussed whether the county could pay the invoice and accept reimbursement later; staff were asked to confirm the proper process.

The court voted to approve the bills with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice invoice for $455 removed from the motion. Commissioner Whiteman made the motion; Commissioner Till seconded it. All members voted in favor.

After approving the bills, the court moved to adjourn. Commissioner Hill moved to adjourn and Commissioner Wilbanks seconded; the motion carried.

Court staff also noted a separate administrative matter: a vendor check for a dumpster pickup was being handled with the clerk (Shirley) after court. Members instructed staff to follow up on whether the county can pay the pulled invoice and, if so, the appropriate reimbursement or contract‑amendment steps.

The court did not amend any contracts during the meeting, and no formal direction to draft contract amendments was recorded on the minutes. The pulled invoice will need to be returned to a future agenda after staff confirms the payment pathway or the court takes steps to amend contracts.