Commissioners approve routine financial items, contracts, SB224 grant resolution and Memorial Day fireworks sales; several items to be considered later

At its May meeting, the Lubbock County Commissioners Court approved a series of routine financial items, renewed and awarded several county contracts, authorized the county judge to execute a statewide victim notification service agreement, approved a resolution to apply for a catalytic-converter prevention grant and authorized retail fireworks sales for the Memorial Day sales period.

Financial and routine approvals: The court approved minutes from the April 28, 2025 meeting; accepted line-item transfers totaling $398,824 and a budget amendment of $7,750 to cover an unforeseen courthouse renovation expense; and authorized payment of claims totaling $3,816,196.17. The court also accepted the quarterly investment report for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and approved the consent agenda (items 5–10).

Contracts and procurement: The court authorized the county judge to sign a participating entity service agreement for the statewide automated victim notification service (onboarding to begin this summer with service starting Sept. 1) as procured by the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Mandy Rees, county contract manager, said the FY26 grant will cover the contract cost.

The court approved termination of Special Waste Management Inc. as the medical-waste service provider for the Lubbock County Detention Center and concurrently authorized a service agreement and setup/delivery work order with MedSharks to begin medical-waste disposal services at the detention center.

The court authorized the first renewal option with Terracon Consultants Inc. for construction material testing for county projects.

Grants and public-safety programs: The court approved a resolution authorizing the county judge to apply for and accept (or reject) funding from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority under Senate Bill 224. Doug Clements, commander of the auto-theft task force, said the grant would extend license-plate-reader coverage and a covert trailer with cameras and outreach messaging to additional jurisdictions; Lubbock County’s matching funds were listed as $9,969 for the coming year.

Fireworks sales: The court authorized retail sales of fireworks for the Memorial Day season (May 21–26, 2025). The motion passed 3–2; Commissioner Shaw and Commissioner Corley recorded the opposing votes.

Votes at a glance (selected items): - Approve minutes (April 28, 2025): motion by Commissioner Rackler; second by Commissioner Shaw; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Line-item transfers $398,824; budget amendment $7,750: motion by Commissioner Rackler; second by Commissioner Dolby; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Payment of claims $3,816,196.17: motion by Commissioner Dolby; second by Commissioner Rackler; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Statewide automated victim notification service agreement: motion by Commissioner Rackler; second by Commissioner Shaw; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Termination of Special Waste Management Inc.: motion by Commissioner Dolby; second by Commissioner Rackler; outcome: approved (voice vote). - MedSharks service agreement and work order: motion by Commissioner Dolby; second by Commissioner Shaw; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Terracon first renewal option (construction materials testing): motion by Commissioner Dolby; second by Commissioner Corley; outcome: approved (voice vote). - SB224 catalytic converter grant resolution (Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority): motion by Commissioner Dolby; second by Commissioner Rackler; outcome: approved unanimously (voice vote). Lubbock County matching funds: $9,969. - Authorize retail fireworks sales for Memorial Day (05/21/2025–05/26/2025): motion by Commissioner Dolby; second by Commissioner Rackler; outcome: approved 3–2 (Commissioner Shaw and Commissioner Corley voted nay).

Court announcements and reports: The Tax Office reported April collections for venue and short-term rental taxes (total deposited to the venue bank account through April 30: approximately $19,990,741.30; balance after disbursements about $12,806,760.70). The Roads Department reported open work orders and staffing levels for roads, signs, parks and fleet.