Resident seeks county help to repair fence behind Terrell subcourthouse; commissioners say they cannot pay but will provide written permission

A Terrell resident whose daughter lives behind the Precinct 3 subcourthouse asked Kaufman County Commissioners Court for help repairing a fence that separates the home from county property.

Steve McBride told the court his daughter lives at 403 East College Street and that the existing fence — portions of which date to the early 1900s — has deteriorated. McBride said a fence would reduce dust and foot traffic across his daughter's yard. He said he had previously asked county staff for assistance but was told the county would not fund repairs to private property.

County officials told McBride the court could not use taxpayer funds to repair or replace a fence on private property and explained legal limits on spending public dollars for private benefit. A commissioner offered that the county would provide a written letter authorizing McBride to repair the fence himself at his expense, provided the work would be on private property and not on county property. Staff also suggested McBride talk with law-enforcement deputies about addressing foot traffic and burning that contributes to dust.

Why it matters: the request highlights the limits on county authority and spending when private property borders county-owned parcels and underscores the practical concerns residents raise about dust, security and quality of life near county facilities.

Court action: no county-funded repair was approved. The court said it could provide a written permission letter for the resident to make repairs on his property; county staff said they could not supply materials or labor because the work would be on private property.