Smith County honors veteran Bruce Wentworth; state rep. outlines grants and proposed severance increase

The Smith County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 112025O6 honoring Bruce Wentworth for his service to veterans and their families.

State Rep. Michael Hale addressed the commission following the recognition, thanking local officials and outlining several legislative items that could affect the county. "We started up with $2,000,000 this year, and we hope to increase that," Hale said of a courthouse grant fund opened in November to help repair older or historic courthouse buildings. He said the program aims to allow local governments to apply for funds to cover costly repairs such as windows and other restorations.

Hale also described a proposed mineral severance bill intended to increase the severance rate by 15 cents over 10 years and said he has been asked to carry a bill to increase ambulance reimbursement rates "from 70% going up to a 100, possibly a 110%," which he said could return significant dollars to counties through administrative service reimbursements. He said he has been working with district leaders and transportation partners to secure local road funding from the Transportation Modernization Act and encouraged public–private partnerships to expedite local road projects.

Chris Littney, the county's new veterans service officer, outlined ongoing and planned veterans services, including weekly veteran visit hours (Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to noon), outreach to rehab centers and plans for a PTSD support group. "We're keeping all the programs that started up with Operation Connersary," Littney said, inviting veterans to participate.

The recognition and presentations were largely ceremonial and informational; no formal county action beyond adoption of the resolution was recorded for the legislative items presented. The commission proceeded with the rest of its agenda.