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San Patricio County creates road superintendent position amid resident complaints about unequal road maintenance
Summary
Commissioners voted to create a road superintendent position under Texas Transportation Code chapter 252, subchapter C, after residents and farm-bureau members urged a move to a more centralized road maintenance model to address uneven coverage and growth pressures.
San Patricio County Commissioners Court voted to create a road superintendent position under Texas Transportation Code chapter 252, subchapter C, and adopt a modified unit road system, the court said at an open meeting where multiple residents urged countywide oversight of roads and bridges.
The change was proposed by Commissioner William Zikorski and carried after discussion and a closed-session review. Commissioner Zikorski made the motion "that we go ahead and create a road superintendent position, for a modified uniform system," and the motion was seconded; the court voted in favor and the motion carried.
The change followed public remarks from residents who said the current ex officio commissioner road system has produced uneven service. "The employees, equipment, and materials do not belong to the commissioners or precincts. They are all funded by the taxpaying citizens, and we deserve timely road and bridge maintenance through the county as a whole," said Sonia Witherspoon, who identified herself as a resident and urged adoption of a superintendent system. Bobby Nedbolic, speaking as a member of the Texas Farm Bureau and San Patricio County Farm Bureau, told the court the county has "outgrown the old system" and urged the commissioners to "run [road maintenance] like a business."
Court discussion cited mileage imbalances across precincts after the 2020 census and recent annexations affecting workload in some precincts. Commissioners said the change is intended to improve oversight and reduce waste or duplication as industry and population growth increase demands on county roads.
The court did not detail a hiring timeline, salary range or the administrative steps that will follow; commissioners directed staff and legal counsel to implement the change under the cited state code and to return with specifics. The transcript shows the matter was discussed in open session, moved into closed session for deliberation, then returned for the final motion and vote.
For now, the court has authorized creation of the position; further administrative steps, including drafting a job description, identifying reporting lines and a budget appropriation, will be handled by county staff and returned to the commissioners for any required approvals.
