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Residents press Frio County for answers on county judge, animal control and local services in Dilley area
Summary
Two members of the public raised questions about the county judge’s status and longstanding service gaps in Dilley-area roads, sewer and animal control during the public-comment period; commissioners acknowledged the concerns and directed staff follow-up.
During the May 27 Frio County Commissioners Court public-comment period, two residents asked the court to address local service concerns and the county’s leadership status.
Charles McLean, who identified himself as a Frio County resident and regular participant in local conversation, asked whether the county judge would return to the bench following an indictment. “I’ve heard she can't, and she can't. Somebody at y'all’s level need to find that answer,” McLean said, adding that residents were “embarrassed” by the situation and concerned about how the court will function if more indictments occur when the grand jury reconvenes. The court did not provide a legal determination during the meeting; McLean’s remarks were recorded during the public-comment block and the commissioners said they would look into questions raised by residents.
A second speaker who identified herself as Grace (last name not provided) spoke at length about conditions on County Road 3808 and problems in the Dilley/Hilltop area, including traffic safety, lighting, animal-control services and sewer needs for residences that rely on septic systems. She said the city of Dilley had in the past provided animal-control service under an interlocal agreement but that, in the past year, that city council had “put a stop to it” and the animal-control officer had been told to stop responding to the ETJ. “We don't need that Wharton deputy,” the speaker said, referring to coverage that had been provided. Grace said the neighborhood is a dead-end street with limited exits and asked the county for better patrol coverage at overnight hours.
Commissioners and staff responded that animal control and shared services have been discussed repeatedly during budget seasons and that county staff will continue seeking interlocal or regional solutions. Commissioner Connell and other staff said they had previously coordinated with Dilley and Pearsall on facility upgrades or contributions to allow continued animal-control support; staff confirmed there was no formal notice of termination in county files and recommended legal/administrative follow-up. The court advised the resident to remain in contact with Commissioner Cano for ongoing follow-up and said Road & Bridge and the sheriff’s office would be involved in security and road concerns.
The resident also raised a point about grant funding the city had pursued for sewer upgrades; commissioners noted the city and county have distinct authorities over water and sewer services and encouraged continued coordination. Road & Bridge staff acknowledged receipt of multiple requests for road repairs and said some TxDOT-donated materials were being picked up for nearby roads.
Separately, Commissioner Cano announced a Bigfoot-area town hall meeting for the next evening (7:00 p.m., Bigfoot Fire Department) to discuss road work and community projects in Precinct 4; commissioners encouraged residents to attend with “an open mind,” and the court noted the meeting would include sheriff’s staff and other county representatives.
The public comments concluded without a formal action on the topics raised. Commissioners directed staff to follow up with Dilley city officials, the county attorney, Road & Bridge, and the sheriff to clarify the interlocal animal-control arrangement and to report back to the court.
Ending: Commissioners did not take immediate action during the meeting; they recorded the concerns for follow-up and advised residents to monitor future court agendas and precinct communications for updates.
