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Newton County commissioners extend burn ban, approve contracts, appointments and temporary road access
Summary
On Oct. 21, 2023, the Newton County Commissioner's Court extended its burn ban to Nov. 20, 2025, approved a one-year contract extension with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments for nutrition services, confirmed multiple groundwater-district appointments and granted a temporary access agreement for Private Road 7073.
The Newton County Commissioner's Court on Oct. 21, 2023, voted to extend the countywide burn ban to Nov. 20, 2025, citing near-extreme dry conditions and the ability to lift the ban earlier if rain improves.
The extension motion was offered during the meeting and was seconded; the court approved the change by voice vote. The presiding official said the ban could be removed before the Nov. 20 date should conditions improve.
The court also approved a one-year contract extension with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DECOG) to continue funding the county’s Meals on Wheels and congregate meal program. The contract was described as the same agreement the county has operated under in prior years and passed by voice vote after a motion and second.
Commissioners reviewed and approved the 2026 county holiday calendar and the 2026 commissioner's court schedule (meetings to begin Jan. 13 and generally fall on the second Tuesday). Commissioners discussed whether to retain Columbus Day on the holiday calendar and debated timing of monthly bill payments; the schedule was approved after a motion and second.
The court confirmed appointments to the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District. The body appointed Olin Veil for a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and approved Courtney Lott to fill a vacated term through Dec. 31, 2026, with a subsequent term beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Court members noted these are unpaid, representative positions.
The court approved a temporary access agreement with Manulife Investment Management (described in the meeting packet) for use of Bridal Road/Private Road 7073 in Precinct 4. County officials said the access would shorten emergency response travel by roughly 10 miles compared with a highway detour, reduce vehicle wear, and provide an alternate evacuation or response route during incidents on I‑10.
Budget amendments were listed on the agenda but, with no representative from the auditor’s office present, the court proceeded to payment appeals and an item likely to require executive session for litigation.
