Hunt County approves prorated mobile‑food permits ahead of statewide program

The Hunt County Commissioners Court voted March 26 to prorate local mobile‑food permit fees through June 30 after county staff told the court the state will begin issuing a single, statewide mobile‑food permit on July 1.

Rodney, the county’s presenter on the item, told the court the state’s change stems from recent legislation that establishes a yearlong statewide permit for mobile food units. Under the county’s current system, a full permit costs $240. Rodney proposed charging a prorated rate — calculated as $40 per month — for inspections and permits that will expire June 30 so vendors are not charged the full annual amount for a permit the state will supersede.

Commissioners discussed how the state will handle inspections and whether the county will be able to view permits on a state website. Rodney said the state may use interlocal agreements with some cities to help with inspections and that enforcement will primarily fall to the state once the statewide permit is in place. For temporary events, Rodney said the county will continue to issue short‑term temporary permits for mobile units.

A motion to approve the proration passed in open court. The court did not record a roll‑call vote in the transcript; the motion was announced as carried.