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Matagorda County approves health plan, hires, vehicle purchases and grant applications in unanimous vote
Summary
At its July 21 meeting, the Matagorda County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a new employee health plan with TAC HEBP effective Oct. 1, funded personnel changes including grant-supported prosecutor positions, vehicle purchases for precincts and several grant and contribution acceptances; the court also met in executive session on contracts and economic development.
Matagorda County Commissioners Court on July 21 unanimously approved a package of routine business including an employee benefits plan, several personnel changes and purchases, and authorized multiple grant-related actions.
The court voted 4-0 to adopt a fully insured Life/AD&D plan and a self-funded ASO Medical/Dental plan with the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP), effective Oct. 1, 2025, and authorized County Judge Bobby Seiferman to sign the plan documents. Commissioner Charles "Bubba" Frick made the motion to approve the plan; Commissioner Troy Shimek seconded.
On personnel, the court approved creation of one or more County Attorney positions titled Second Assistant County Attorney (pay group 116), specifying that salary and associated benefits will be funded from the Rural Prosecutor's Office Salary Assistance Grant Program. Commissioner Mike Estlinbaum moved to create the position; Commissioner Frick seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
The court also approved a staffing change in the Sheriff’s Office, replacing a Lieutenant - Narcotics position with a Lieutenant - Patrol position (pay group S07) and funding it from the approved 2025 budget. County Judge Bobby Seiferman moved the measure; Commissioner Shimek seconded.
On equipment, commissioners authorized two precinct vehicle purchases: Precinct 1 was authorized to buy a used 2014 Kenworth T300 4,000-gallon water truck (VIN 2NKHLN9X7EM386013) from Double L Equipment Rental Co. for $67,500, and Precinct 4 was authorized to buy a 2024 Dodge 3500 Reg Cab 4x4 diesel pickup with service body under BuyBoard Contract #723-23 from Grapevine Dodge Chrysler Jeep for $64,661. Both purchases passed 4-0.
The court accepted contributions to support a Matagorda County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event scheduled for Oct. 18, 2025: $11,000 from the City of Bay City and $1,000 from Chemical's Inc./Ashok K. Moza Foundation. Both contributions were approved by unanimous vote.
The court also accepted an agreement with the law firm Husch Blackwell to provide legal services in the case Vantray Williams v. Johnna Montalvo and Matagorda County and authorized the County Judge to sign that agreement.
The commissioners approved submission of a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Local Parks Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Program and approved the required Applicant’s Certification and Program Assurances Form, authorizing the County Judge to sign related documents.
The meeting included routine financial approvals — departmental invoices, payment of bills, line item transfers and emergency transfers — all recorded as approved by a 4-0 vote.
Votes at a glance: - TAC HEBP employee Life/AD&D and ASO Medical/Dental Plan (effective 10/01/2025): approved 4-0. - Creation of Second Assistant County Attorney (pay group 116; Rural Prosecutor grant funds): approved 4-0. - Lieutenant – Patrol (Sheriff’s Office) replacing Lieutenant – Narcotics (pay group S07): approved 4-0. - Senate Bill 22 replacement deputy pay authorization ($410.06 biweekly while funds available): approved 4-0. - Purchase: 2014 Kenworth T300 water truck, $67,500: approved 4-0. - Purchase: 2024 Dodge 3500 pickup, $64,661: approved 4-0. - Contributions for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event: City of Bay City $11,000 and Chemical’s Inc./Ashok K. Moza Foundation $1,000: approved 4-0. - Agreement with Husch Blackwell for litigation services: approved 4-0. - TPWD Local Parks grant submission and required assurances: approved 4-0. - Invoices, bills, and transfers: approved 4-0.
The court entered an executive session at 10:02 a.m. under Texas Government Code §§551.0725 and 551.087 to consult with attorneys regarding a contract under negotiation and to deliberate economic-development negotiations with a business prospect. The minutes record reconvening at about 11:11 a.m.; no formal public action resulting from the executive session was recorded in the minutes.
The meeting was adjourned by County Judge Bobby Seiferman at approximately 11:13 a.m.
