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Hemphill County commissioners approve FEMA-backed hazard plan, grants and several contracts
Summary
At a Sept. 29 meeting in Canadian, Hemphill County’s commissioners approved a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan, a SAVNS grant contract with the state Office of the Attorney General, several contracts and routine bills; an invoice was approved with one abstention.
Hemphill County Judge Lisa Johnson and the county commissioners on Sept. 29 approved a package of contracts, grants and administrative actions that the court said will update county emergency planning and fund local services.
The court unanimously approved the updated Hemphill County Hazard Mitigation Plan, which it noted has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Commissioner Tim Alexander moved to adopt the plan; Commissioner Nicholas Thomas seconded and the motion carried without opposition. The court also approved the county’s participation in the 2026 Sexual Assault Victim’s Needs and Services (SAVNS) grant administered through the Office of the Attorney General.
Commissioners authorized going out for bids to replace sheet metal on the county pavilion after a presentation from Jeffrey E. Heffelfinger describing modifications needed at the facility. The court voted to select Doshier Pickens and Francis, LLC as the county’s auditor for the 2025 audit engagement and approved a contract amendment to the county’s solid-waste disposal agreement with the City of Pampa.
Several routine administrative items were approved, including a 2025–2026 District Attorney contract concerning disposition of property and monies seized by the Panhandle Auto Burglary Theft Unit and a 2026 Hemphill County resolution to participate in the Indigent Defense Grant Program. The court also approved alcohol sales for the Canadian Rodeo Association’s July 4, 2026 rodeo and dance at the group’s request.
During public comment, Canadian Rodeo Association volunteer Remelle Farrar thanked the court for its support in hosting a college rodeo that drew more than 600 people, said stalls were rented and added that organizers received “a lot of great feedback about the improved lighting in the area.”
Judge Johnson announced that the courthouse light columns are finished and that new light fixtures have been ordered at a cost of $1,200 each. Commissioners approved both computer-generated and hand-stamped bills; later, the court approved a $186.26 invoice from Alexander's Grocery and Deli for coffee for the sheriff’s office. Commissioner Dale Schafer moved the invoice and was recorded as abstaining; the motion otherwise carried.
The meeting recessed at 10:36 a.m., resumed at 10:41 a.m., and adjourned at 10:52 a.m.
Votes at a glance: approve minutes (carried, moved by Dale Schafer, seconded by Dawn Webb); pavilion sheet-metal bid authorization (carried, moved by Nicholas Thomas); 2026 SAVNS grant contract (carried, moved by Dawn Webb); Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption (carried, moved by Tim Alexander); audit engagement with Doshier Pickens and Francis, LLC (carried, moved by Tim Alexander); Solid Waste Disposal Agreement amendment with City of Pampa (carried, moved by Dale Schafer); approval of alcohol sales for July 4, 2026 rodeo/dance (carried, moved by Dawn Webb); 2025–2026 DA contract re seized property (carried, moved by Judge Lisa Johnson); 2026 Indigent Defense Grant resolution (carried, moved by Nicholas Thomas); approval of bills and a $186.26 invoice for the sheriff’s office (invoice carried with Schafer abstaining).
