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Washington County commissioners adopt economic plan, approve Tyler contract and appoint EMS director
Summary
The Commissioners Court adopted a three‑year Brenham–Washington County economic development plan, approved a Tyler Technologies justice‑implementation services agreement, authorized a county salary survey, and appointed Taylor Leonard as EMS director. Several related budget and procurement items also passed by voice vote.
The Washington County Commissioners Court adopted a three‑year economic development strategic plan for Brenham–Washington County and approved several administrative contracts and personnel actions during its meeting. Teresa Rosales presented the plan, which sets five strategic priorities — business retention and expansion, targeted business recruitment, marketing and promotion, workforce and talent development, and entrepreneurship and innovation — and identifies new targeted industries including biomedical supplies and packaging, ag‑tech and animal health, and value‑added wood products and modular housing components.
"We asked our consultant to look for future industries that would carry a higher salary for our area," Teresa Rosales said, noting phase 2 will focus on site work, outreach and updated marketing materials, including videos and social media. A Washington County Chamber of Commerce representative identified as Miss Franklin spoke in support, saying the Chamber "stands ready to support implementation efforts that strengthen economic vitality, workforce development, infrastructure, and overall quality of life for our residents." The court moved to adopt the plan and approved it on a voice vote.
The court also approved a professional services agreement with Tyler Technologies for enterprise justice implementation services covering the county clerk, district clerk, county court and district court. Court staff described the overall project cost discussed in the presentation as $498,000; the county's conversion/contingency exposure was presented as an amount not to exceed $198,734 to be funded from records management funds and contingencies. Staff said annual maintenance going forward will be covered by the state. The court approved the contract and authorized the county judge to execute the agreement.
In personnel actions the court approved the appointment of Taylor Benton Leonard as EMS director, effective March 2, 2026, and authorized pay exceeding the county’s 6% allowable amount in accordance with county policy. Court materials and the hiring committee described Leonard as having been hired in 2013, serving as a paramedic and in special operations, and rising to district chief before the promotion.
The court authorized a countywide salary survey with Public Sector Personnel Consultants (PSPC) to reclassify jobs and establish a 30% pay‑grade spread (rather than the current 50% model) and to create a public‑safety pay grade. The contract was presented with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $26,500.
Several routine administrative items also passed on voice votes, including approval of the February 2026 minutes and routine consent items for Expo rental regulation contracts.
The court concluded by approving accounts payable as presented. The packet reviewed in the meeting referenced several larger expenditures, including Washington County Jail roof and renovation items (noted as American Rescue Plan funds in discussion) and courthouse and records building repairs.
