Bee County court renews forensic-pathologist contract, appoints tax official and approves surplus-equipment participation

Bee County Commissioners approved several administrative items during their regular session, including a forensic-pathology services contract, a tax-office appointment and a renewal for participation in a surplus-equipment program.

The court approved a professional services contract with Ray Fernandez MD PLLC for autopsy and related services. Commissioners noted past shortages of local medical-examiner capacity and said proximity and turnaround time for forensic services are important for local criminal investigations; the sheriff’s office signaled the provider is acceptable and sometimes preferable to more distant options.

The court also appointed Michelle Mattis, Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector, to perform and calculate the county tax rate under Texas Property Tax Code §26.04(c). Commissioners expressed support for the appointee and an expectation of aggressive tax-recovery performance for the year.

Additionally, the court renewed Bee County’s application to participate in the Defense Logistics Agency law-enforcement support program to access surplus equipment; commissioners noted the equipment list includes items such as robots and other gear. The court also approved a two-year statewide interoperability memorandum of understanding with the Texas Department of Public Safety Information Technology Division to continue use of shared radio frequencies and improve cross-agency communications.

All motions passed by voice vote without exception.