Matagorda County commissioners unanimously approve grants, FEMA vehicle purchases and $175,000 law-enforcement funding

Matagorda County Judge Bobby Seiferman presided over the March 2, 2026 Commissioners' Court meeting in Bay City, where the court approved a series of routine administrative actions and funding items by unanimous votes.

The court approved the minutes from its Feb. 23 meeting after Commissioner Charles "Bubba" Frick moved to accept them and Commissioner Troy Shimek seconded the motion. The body accepted the Matagorda County Historical Commission’s annual report and approved an affidavit for the Texas Department of Agriculture Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program Year 2025 for Friends of Elder Citizens, Inc.

Commissioners authorized a $2,580.48 payment to Reliance Bay City for repairs to Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department vehicle Dodge Ram 3500 (#504). The court also approved a resolution authorizing submission of Grant Application #5497701 (Operation Lone Star) to the Office of the Governor, Homeland Security.

On funding, the court ratified acceptance of a Funding Agreement with the Texas Comptroller's Office for the Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance Program (County Attorney’s Office) in the amount of $175,000 under Senate Bill 22.

Under procurement for FEMA 4332-DR project #67470 (Alternate Project), the court awarded Siddons-Martin Emergency Group the bid to supply six utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) and approved awarding Farrwest Specialty Vehicles the bid for five 4x4 units; the County Judge was authorized to sign all related documents.

Other routine financial and administrative items approved included acceptance of the 2025 fourth-quarter internal reviews; approval of invoices for the County Judge’s office and Precinct 3; payment of demand checks; line-item transfers; and emergency amendments. Each recorded motion carried by a recorded vote of 5-0.

The court voted to enter executive session at about 9:59 a.m. under Texas Government Code sections 551.0725 (contract deliberation), 551.074(a)(1) and (2) (personnel matters), 551.076 (security) and 551.087 (economic development negotiations). The court reconvened in open session at about 11:02 a.m.; the minutes record no open-session actions arising from the executive session. Judge Seiferman then adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:04 a.m.

Votes at a glance

- Approve Minutes (Feb. 23, 2026): Mover — Commissioner Charles "Bubba" Frick; Second — Commissioner Troy Shimek; Outcome — Approved, vote 5-0. - Accept Matagorda County Historical Commission Annual Report: Mover — Commissioner Edward "Bubba" Cook; Outcome — Approved, vote 5-0. - Approve Affidavit for Home-Delivered Meal Grant (Friends of Elder Citizens, Inc., TDA, 2025): Mover — County Judge Bobby Seiferman; Outcome — Approved, vote 5-0. - Authorize payment $2,580.48 to Reliance Bay City for VFD vehicle repairs: Mover — Commissioner Mike Estlinbaum; Outcome — Approved, vote 5-0. - Approve Resolution to submit Operation Lone Star Grant #5497701: Mover — Commissioner Edward "Bubba" Cook; Outcome — Approved, vote 5-0. - Ratify Funding Agreement for Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance ($175,000, SB 22): Mover — Commissioner Troy Shimek; Outcome — Approved, vote 5-0. - Award Siddons-Martin (6 UTVs) and Farrwest Specialty Vehicles (5 4x4s) under IFB AP-12 (FEMA 4332-DR proj. #67470): Mover — Commissioner Troy Shimek; Outcome — Approved, vote 5-0. - Accept 2025 Q4 Internal Reviews; Approve invoices, demand checks, line-item transfers, emergency amendments: Outcomes — Approved, vote 5-0.

The meeting record names no public commenters and records unanimous approval for all recorded motions. No separate roll-call vote details beyond the stated 5 ayes and 0 nays are included in the minutes. The minutes were approved in open court March 16, 2026.