Waller County approves grants, transit funding and program actions; tax collector reports March collections

Waller County Commissioners Court on April 29 approved a series of administrative and budget items including a two‑year extension on a CDBG‑MIT contract, local funding to complete a state homeland‑security grant project, an application to continue license‑plate reader leases, additional transit funding, and several routine capital and personnel items.

Tax collector/assessor Carolyn Midke provided the March collections report, saying county collections were $1,600,000 and total collections for all jurisdictions the office collects for were $4,400,000. Midke also reported produce tax collections of $42,000 and Lineberger's at $14,000 and said the office will mail notices next week to accounts that remain unpaid before the July 1 transfer to collections. "The collections for Waller County was 1,600,000, and our total collections for all the jurisdictions that we collect for were 4,400,000," Midke said.

On grants and contracts, staff member Brooke briefed the court that item 39 is a two‑year extension of a contract with the Texas General Land Office covering a master drainage plan and a Prairie View generator project, extended through April 30, 2028. Brooke also told commissioners the county was awarded a state homeland‑security grant but must provide local funds to cover higher equipment costs; the original radio procurement was scaled back because prices rose since the application was submitted. Brooke asked whether the court wanted a formal presentation from LJA (the drainage consultant) and agreed to coordinate a future update if the court requests one.

The court approved submitting an application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for a continuation of license‑plate reader leases; Brooke confirmed the application carries a $13,500 local match. The court also voted to provide additional local funding to Colorado Valley Transit to support routes serving Hempstead, Waller and Brookshire and paratransit scheduling.

The court approved an adopt‑a‑road program: volunteer groups will adopt one‑mile segments, coordinate cleanup at least four times a year with county environmental staff who will supply materials and signage, and the county will manage collection of filled trash bags. Staff said environmental will be the first adopter for Menke Road. The court also approved a small consulting contract to help work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on conservation easement work for county‑owned property, payroll adjustments that include four new jailer positions, and multiple construction and furniture pay applications tied to the county building project (third‑floor completion expected in June, move‑in in July).

The court accepted a donation of hygiene kits from 1 Oak for distribution to fire and disaster victims, and approved routine budgeted items including annual support for Navasota Soil & Water Conservation District and claiming unclaimed capital credits from the Texas Comptroller. The court also approved authorization for Memorial Day fireworks sales.

On litigation and legal matters, the judge told the court legal advised withdrawing several listed items and that item 59 — consultation with outside counsel on creation of county‑sponsored tax increment reinvestment zones pursuant to Government Code §551.071 — would be discussed in executive session; the court then adjourned into executive session at 9:53 a.m.

The court recorded votes to carry items 39–41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46–51, 52–56 and the routine budget items on the agenda; individual roll call tallies were not included in the public transcript.