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Hardeman County commission approves budget amendments, board appointments and bridge naming
Summary
At its Nov. 18 meeting in Bolivar, the Hardeman County Legislative Body approved six budget amendments in a 14–0 roll call, reappointed members to planning and industrial boards, approved grant-funded purchases for emergency equipment, and voted to name a bridge for Sergeant Tyrone Allen.
Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse presided over the Nov. 18, 2025 regular meeting at the Hardeman County Courthouse in Bolivar, where the county commission approved a package of budget amendments, several board appointments and a bridge naming.
The commission approved Budget Amendments 1–6 by roll call, recording 14 ayes and 0 nays. The amendments were introduced in two motions: Amendments 1–4 were moved by Commissioner Johnny Lanier and seconded by Commissioner Jackie Sain; Amendments 5–6 were moved by Commissioner Bobby Wright and seconded by Commissioner Chandra Y. Lake. The roll call result was announced by the clerk and the measures were approved.
Why it matters: the highway department said one amendment corrected an underestimate so the county would not lose state funding, and the package reflects several routine adjustments to departmental budgets. Superintendent Casey Swift presented the Highway Department’s quarterly report and a proposed work plan, which the commission approved by motion from Commissioner Bethany Miller, seconded by Commissioner Johnny Weems.
Appointments and surplus property: The commission reappointed two members to the Planning Commission and reappointed Gerald Shelton, Russell Shelton, Barrett Stevens and Winfred Ray to the Industrial Board. Christina Korling-Torres was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Billy Clayton, with that term running through November 2028. Motion to approve the Industrial Board appointments was made by Commissioner Russell DeBerry and seconded by Commissioner Johnny Weems; the motions carried by acclamation. The commission also approved declaring a commercial washer and other items as surplus property for the Sheriff’s Department (motion by Commissioner Mark Gilliam; seconded by Commissioner Johnny Weems).
Bridge naming request: During public comment, Command Sergeant Major Spencer asked the commission to name the bridge over Clear Creek on Murphy Lane in Whiteville in honor of Sergeant Tyrone Allen. Commissioner Chandra Y. Lake moved the naming, Commissioner Jeff Kennamore seconded, and the measure carried by acclamation.
Mayor’s report and grants: Mayor Todd Pulse reported the county’s CBD grant has been approved and that the procurement process will begin. He also said a THREE-STAR grant was approved to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and to retrofit a lift for an ambulance; a second round of funding will seek a heart monitor and additional AEDs. The mayor noted proclamations for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and Men’s Health Month and said a Health Department ribbon cutting is scheduled for the following week. He also reported the county unemployment rate fell from 6.3% to 5.1%.
Legal update and operational items: Mayor Pulse provided an update on the Perry v. Hardeman County lawsuit concerning leave bank and comp time calculations, saying the matter is ongoing and attorneys were asked to resolve it. Commissioners also discussed a pickup truck at the EMS building that is now in use by EMS; the commission will pursue alternatives for the rescue squad’s transportation needs.
The meeting adjourned after a motion by Commissioner Russell DeBerry, seconded by Commissioner Mark Gilliam. The commission set its next meeting for Jan. 20, 2026.
