Hood County Commissioners Court voted Dec. 19 to table action authorizing the county judge to sign a $1.7 million contract with DRG Architects that would formalize the fee schedule and relationship for a planned $24 million jail expansion.

Commissioner Samuelson moved to table the contract until the court holds a workshop to allow public review and to ensure the contract language reflects the voters’ intent; she argued the timing—late December—left limited opportunity for community input. "It's a $1,700,000 contract, but it's gonna govern the $24,000,000 bond that was just passed," Samuelson said, urging more public review.

Other commissioners pushed to proceed. One commissioner said the voters had approved the bond and "it's time we've gotta move forward" with construction, noting DRG's previous experience building jails across Texas. After discussion and a second on the motion to table, the court voted 3 in favor, 2 opposed.

County staff and the county attorney's office confirmed the contract had been reviewed; proponents of immediate approval said DRG had performed preliminary work and that delays would further defer a project the court described as long delayed. Opponents said a short public workshop could surface needed tweaks and ensure transparency.

The court instructed staff to bring the contract back following the requested workshop and review period; one commissioner suggested a three‑week window for additional review. No contract signing occurred at the Dec. 19 meeting.