Smith County Commissioners Court on Jan. 14 authorized the purchasing department to advertise, solicit and receive sealed proposals for RFP 15-25, a multi-jurisdictional mitigation action plan that the court said will be reimbursed by a $100,000 grant from the Texas General Land Office.

The plan is intended to make the county eligible for additional mitigation grants. Brandon Moore, a county staff member who answered questions for the court, said, “This plan will open us up for grants. We're also working on the community wildfire protection plan as well,” and recommended the court authorize the solicitation.

The decision followed public comment from Bob Brewer, a resident, who told the court he was concerned about rapidly increasing wildfire threats and urged local planning. “We're facing a fire threat like nobody's ever seen,” Brewer said, adding that mitigation requires spending now to avoid larger losses later.

Commissioner Moore moved to authorize the purchasing department to advertise and solicit sealed proposals for RFP 15-25; Commissioner Carraway seconded the motion. The court recorded, “All in favor, say aye,” and the presiding judge said the motion carries.

The court did not set a deadline for proposals during the meeting; the motion authorized the purchasing department to proceed with advertising and receiving sealed proposals. The county said the plan and the related community wildfire protection plan will position Smith County to apply for further mitigation funding.

Provenance: Public comment on wildfire risk occurred during the public participation segment; the court discussed and approved the RFP during agenda item 5.