Jim Wells County Commissioners Court authorized staff to go out for bids to add 12 new RV hookups at the county fairgrounds after an extended discussion about costs, timing and alternatives.

Lance Brown of county Emergency Management told the court there are currently 57 people on a waiting list for RV hookups at the fairgrounds. County officials described plans to extend electric, water and sewer to the fairgrounds northeast side and to install 50‑amp breakers and junction boxes spaced roughly every 60 feet. The county judge said the county would front installation costs and recoup the investment by having the fair association collect a fee and remit funds to the county until the project is paid off.

Commissioners debated whether the county should add new hookups or prioritize upgrading existing 30‑amp outlets to 50‑amp to better serve the growing size and electrical needs of modern RVs. One commissioner argued upgrading existing infrastructure could be the better long‑term investment and allow higher charges that would recover costs. Other commissioners raised concerns that expanding hookups will increase electricity and water use during fair week and that taxpayers could be exposed to higher utility bills if fees do not fully cover operating costs.

The court approved a motion to solicit bids and set a target project completion window discussed by staff (staff said October 15 was a target but commissioners expressed skepticism about septic work timelines). Commissioners asked staff to obtain detailed cost estimates, explore the fair associations fee arrangements and return with bids before final contract approval.

The vote to go out for bids carried by voice vote; staff will report back with bids and updated timelines for consideration.