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Harrison County commissioners hear request to raise game warden budget during tax-rate public hearing
Summary
At a Sept. 3 special meeting in Marshall, the Harrison County Commissioners Court held a public hearing on the FY2024–25 proposed tax rate and heard Scott Robertson, a Texas game warden transferring to Texas State Parks, request increasing a $1,000 game warden training/equipment line to $3,500 for three officers; court set a formal hearing for Sept. 10 and will vote then.
HARRISON COUNTY, Texas — The Harrison County Commissioners Court opened a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2024–25 tax rate on Sept. 3 and took public comment that included a request to boost funding for game warden training and equipment.
Scott Robertson, identified by the court as a Texas game warden who said he will transfer to Texas State Parks as a State Park Peace Officer assigned to Caddo Lake State Park, asked commissioners to increase an existing $1,000 line item to $3,500 to support three officers. "We were requesting a a total of $3,500 for 3 officers," Robertson told the court, describing the funds as intended for training, ammunition and equipment.
Robertson said his new duties will be based at Caddo Lake but that he would respond countywide when needed. He told the court his usual shifts will be concentrated Friday through Monday, and that a replacement game warden posting for the county would be posted in October with the position likely filled in late November or early December.
Commissioners voiced support for adding enforcement capacity at Caddo Lake, citing recent increases in enforcement activity during large events and the coming hunting season. One commissioner said Robertson’s presence "is making a tremendous difference" in addressing misuse and abuse at the lake.
Presiding officer Semmes told the court the panel would not amend the budget at the special meeting but asked staff to include Robertson’s request in the materials for the court’s next session. "You'll get the opportunity to vote on it the 10th next week," Semmes said. The court closed the public hearing at 9:11 a.m.
Separately, the court voted to schedule a formal public hearing on the FY2024–25 proposed tax rate for Sept. 10, 2024 at 9 a.m.; the motion was made by Commissioner Ebar, seconded by Commissioner Malden, and passed on a voice vote. The session ended with a motion to adjourn by Commissioner Timmons, seconded by Commissioner Hatfield; the court adjourned at 9:12 a.m.
Next steps: Robertson’s budget request will be included in materials for the Sept. 10 meeting where commissioners will have an opportunity to vote on any budget amendment or the tax rate.
