The meeting included an agricultural update on Master Gardener training, crop conditions and feral hog control, followed by reports on jail maintenance and staffing and courthouse annex renovations.

Discussion Points

•A committee member reported a walkthrough, bid collection, anticipated project timing, pending materials, office coordination and temporary displacement.
•A questioner asked about Extension hog programs and expressed concern about the phaseout of an earlier conservation program.
•Staff reported maintenance ticket counts, appliance repairs, leak and tile status, roof inspections and a delayed garage door repair.
•The presenter described crop damage, cotton seed counts, recent soil moisture and uncertainty about a possible second crop.
•The presenter described Master Gardener interns, continuing education programs and committee work on farm finance and marketing.
•The presenter discussed program eligibility, trapping practices and crop damage.
•The staff member reported job openings, overtime, employee absences and a county-housing revenue report.

Nov

Commissioner's Court 11/10/2026

At the Nov. 10 meeting of the Wichita County Commissioners Court the court approved the consent agenda (with one item removed), authorized payroll/bill disbursements, and approved a $5,377.03 invoice to Cornerstone Detention Products; commissioners also heard project updates and public remarks including a Farm Bureau event announcement and condolences for a former parks superintendent.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of the second annual District Three Farm Bureau jackpot steer and heifer show.
•Brick facade and canopy complete at Burke annex; multiple subcontractors present.
•Commissioners approved authorization for the treasurer to disburse payroll and pay bills within 72 hours to streamline operations.
•Competitors must be Farm Bureau District Three members; spectators do not need membership.
•Judge removed Item 2 from the consent agenda for further work before approval.
•Northwest water project: pumps and piping installed; slab pour for pressure tank underway; pressure tank shipping; 12-inch line in service; sheetrock expected next week if inspections pass.
•Sheriff and other participants offered condolences for Terry Points, described as a longtime parks superintendent.

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved with one removal; bills and payroll disbursement authorization approved; Cornerstone invoice approved.

Directions

•County Auditor to determine lines for department 511 payment of detention invoice.
•Follow up on generator set after court.

Nov

Commissioner's Court 11/03/2026

Wichita County Commissioner’s Court heard a communications-department briefing, approved routine policies and budget transfers, authorized an ADA facility assessment by Harper Perkins, and approved new meeting-manager software. Multiple items passed unanimously (5–0).

Discussion Points

•Clarity sought on item amounts and project completion percentages; item 2 tabled.
•Consent vote recorded 5–0.
•Costs (annual and one-time) and integration benefits discussed; training included.
•Davis presented audit results including fund balances and auditor fees.
•Harper Perkins to compile existing ADA work into a plan to answer TxDOT/federal questionnaires.
•Hopkins outlined communications goals, website management, ADA project, branding and internal request workflow.
•Policy minimums reviewed (general fund 25%, road & bridge 25%, debt one-twelfth, capital projects 25%).
•Policy ties capital-asset capitalization to procurement thresholds and amortization practices.
•Savings from replacing prior software were noted.
•Vendor transition from Hickenbotham to Lively; pre-funding mechanics explained; employee participation (181 contributors).

Decisions

•Authorization approved 5–0.
•Consent agenda approved with item 2 tabled.
•Court approved routine bills and continued the agenda.
•Policy renewed 5–0.
•Purchase approved 5–0.
•Transfer and account authorization approved 5–0.

Directions

•Assign project number and pay from non-departmental 409.
•Departments encouraged to submit requests with five-day lead time.
•IT to schedule implementation and training.
•Open restricted bank account; HR/payroll to coordinate vendor onboarding.
•Staff to finalize ImageNet agreement and return to court.

Oct

Commissioner's Court 10/30/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court met Oct. 30, 2026, for a brief 10-minute session covering maintenance work orders, sheriff staffing and overtime, regular bills, and an update on courthouse renovations at the Burke site; no formal votes were recorded.

Discussion Points

•Arch above Burke courthouse door completed and reinforced.
•Bricklayer expected to finish soon; steel crew may return to install front awning next week.
•Clarified one purchase as a broom that was previously approved.
•Communication issues among architect, engineer and contractors noted.
•Four staff in jail school; four out on OJI.
•Interior framing roughly one-third complete; HVAC/plumbing ductwork approximately 70% finished.
•Maintenance crews monitored roof leaks and completed recent work orders.
•One patrol and one courthouse security position remain open.
•Parts for an indoor overhead door are expected from an out-of-town vendor.
•Pre-hire interviews resumed to speed hiring and reduce background-check delays.

Oct

Commissioner's Court 10/27/2026

Wichita County Commissioner Court met Oct. 27, 2026. Commissioners heard an FFA student presentation on data centers, received project updates on a large solar installation, approved procedural finance items including LPPF rule changes and a new bank account, authorized a resolution to begin negotiations on donating county land for a state veterans home, approved facility work and lifted the county burn ban.

Discussion Points

•Birkenfeld reported KVDI numbers trending down (examples cited); local chiefs supported lifting the ban.
•Commissioner Beauchamp described the property near Henry S Graves Freeway and close to medical clinics as suitable for a veterans home; he cited a 120-bed, $65M facility and 160 jobs.
•Commissioners asked for survey work, boundary clarification and potential deed restrictions to protect county interests if funding or ownership later changed.
•Commissioners asked that residents continue to be cautious and contact local dispatch before controlled burns.
•Concerns were raised about floodway areas in the front acreage and preserving cemetery boundaries (parcel referenced as '618' for cemetery footprint).
•County staff and commissioners asked questions about tax valuation effects, closed-loop cooling volumes and construction water logistics.
•HHSC requires counties to compute mandatory payments using inpatient and outpatient revenues, create a separate bank account for funds under the new rule, and keep existing accounts operational.
•Pert warned failing to comply by Nov. 18 would risk federal matching funds (~$30M estimate).
•Project update highlighted site layout, inverter and junction box placement, multiple fences and dust-control efforts.
•Relocating the gate to the east side will improve truck access and reduce congestion during voting events.
•Staff said topsoil and conservation areas are being protected and reseeded after disturbance.
•Students presented pro and con arguments: proponents described economic benefits and a $20M pledge in the role-play; opponents described water, heat-island, noise and land-use concerns.
•The court will set assessment rates at a later public hearing, and the auditor will manage account set-up.
•The new opening will include a header labeling the precinct and two 15-foot cantilever gates.
•Two bids were received; county staff recommended selecting the lower bid.

Decisions

•Adopted LPPF rule amendment resolution and authorized creation of the new bank account; both motions carried unanimously.
•Adopted resolution to open discussions and authorize county judge to sign in-principle support; any final donation subject to further approval by commissioners court.
•Awarded contract to Texoma Door and Gate for $14,500; motion passed unanimously.
•Burn ban terminated effective Oct. 27 at 11:59 p.m.; unanimous vote.
•No county action required—the presentation was an educational contest entry; commissioners moved to public comments after thanking the students.
•No formal action requested; informational update provided.

Directions

•Auditor to set fund lines in Fund 222 for payment; Precinct 2 to schedule installation.
•Commissioners encouraged follow-up conversations and tours for students to better understand local facilities.
•County Auditor/Treasurer to open the segregated LPPF bank account and submit required documents to HHSC by Nov. 18.
•County Judge to open communications with TVLB and follow up after their January meeting.
•County staff to obtain parcel surveys, clarify cemetery boundaries and negotiate access/egress options with TVLB.
•County staff will continue to monitor the site and coordinate with developers to protect soil and water resources.
•County to continue using existing account funds until spent; new funds for calendar 2027 to be deposited into the new account.
•Lift county burn ban at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 27; continue monitoring conditions.

Oct

Commissioner's Court 10/20/2026

Wichita County commissioners heard public comments on cemetery maintenance and voting-site signage, received an investment report from Treasurer Steven Jones, approved a courthouse repainting contract for $48,451.30 and a consent agenda with several amendments. Commissioners also discussed expanding a veterans burial plaza and adding a granite marker.

Discussion Points

•Clarified how to measure 100‑foot electioneering buffer at a mall polling place.
•Committee to review investment policy and consider external monitoring services.
•County has doubled veterans burial plaza due to lack of space.
•Earned roughly $525,000 in interest this quarter from local pools.
•Funding will use previously budgeted permanent improvement funds.
•Juror donations of over $6,000 this year were noted; a budget transfer from 409 to 525 was requested for a department low on funds.
•Noted separate 20‑foot curbside buffer that required some signs to be moved.
•Proposal to place a laser‑etched black granite marker to designate the Wichita County Veterans Plaza.
•Public comment credited the marathon with economic impact and called for it to be annual.
•Public commenter described overgrown conditions and safety concerns at Eastland Cemetery.
•Scope expanded beyond originally budgeted second floor to include first and third floors and door frames.
•Unrealized losses down from about $1.2M to under $100k.
•Volunteers maintain graves intermittently but county responsibility was requested.
•Weighted average maturity reduced to under one year.

Decisions

•Motion passed 5‑0; contract approved.
•Report received; no roll‑call vote recorded.

Directions

•Investment committee to review policy and present changes in December.
•Presenter to measure mall signage and report if adjustments are needed.

Oct

Commissioner's Court 10/16/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court met Oct. 16, 2026, to review jail maintenance and work orders, receive reports on salaries and overtime, examine regular bills (including a disputed utility charge), and get updates on courthouse renovations and annex projects.

Discussion Points

•Annex HVAC bid documents nearly complete and ready to be solicited.
•Bricklayers are setting scaffolding and will start bricking Monday morning.
•County filed insurance claims and TAC will inspect storm damage.
•Elections and county clerk's office logged additional hours preparing for upcoming election.
•High Reliant bill for Precinct 4 flagged by commissioner.
•Inmate work crew is performing painting/repairs on solitary cells; completion estimated mid-November.
•Insurance claims filed for storm damage to multiple county buildings (LEC and Sprague mentioned).
•New display case installed with an unrestored eagle artifact from prior courtroom.
•Staff reported roofers reset HVAC units but leaks persisted; weather stripping replacement underway.
•Unanticipated framing ('cricket') required additional contractor work, delaying schedule by a few days.
•Unclear whether specific poles/lights are billed to the county or to the City of Electra.
•Wilmer distributed salaries/overtime report; department 04:45 showed an uptick in overtime.

Directions

•Chair and commissioners to follow up with Mr. Davis on account-level questions.
•Facilities to coordinate TAC inspection and insurance follow-up.
•Staff to continue repairs and monitor during next rain; document additional leaks and report back.
•Staff to oversight contractor completion and update commissioners on schedule.
•Staff to solicit bids for annex HVAC and follow up on AEP Building remodel status.
•Staff to verify pole locations, determine billing responsibility, and reconcile accounts.

Oct

Commissioner's Court 10/13/2026

Eligible: Wichita County Commissioners Court met Oct. 13, 2026; commissioners received the county treasury report, approved consent items and bills, and authorized a three-year inmate health-care contract for 2027 with Core Health PLLC.

Discussion Points

•2026 jail inspection was conducted on paper; commenter reported the county passed.
•Burke Annex construction progressing; drainage design clarified.
•Commissioners clarified budget and personnel effects on some consent items.
•Commissioners noted provider flexibility to present economic data for rate consideration.
•County shifted funds into TexPool and Texas Class to improve short‑term returns.
•Court reviewed contract term, renewal structure and annual renewal-percentage process.
•Elections: early‑voting equipment arriving; DPS restored ~1,900–2,100 voter records with county clerk help.
•Large LEC payment reduced cash balances; payment discussed as "2.644."
•No roll-call votes listing each commissioner by name were read in the transcript for all motions.
•Staff described the resolution as recommended by a consultant and similar to action by Tom Green County.
•Three motions recorded and each carried by voice vote 5–0.
•Treasure plans an investment‑policy review and must complete Q4 ARPA reporting.

Decisions

•Authorize county judge to sign contract — approved 5–0.
•Consent agenda approved 5–0.
•Consent agenda approved; bills authorized; Core Health contract authorized — all 5–0.

Directions

•County judge to execute contract following authorization.
•Staff to proceed with the resolution as a local step and provide follow-up if state action advances.
•Treasurer to provide an investment‑policy summary to commissioners later in the year.

Oct

Commissioner's Court 10/02/2026

Wichita County commissioners held a voting session that included a proclamation dedication, approval of routine bills, acceptance of County Judge Jim Johnson's resignation effective Oct. 2, 2026, and the appointment of Mark Dora to assume the county judge role on Oct. 2, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Appointment motion introduced by Commissioner Watts; second recorded; Chair called voice vote and announced approval.
•Chair announced the consent agenda and noted item two accepting the resignation; a commissioner had suggested tabling but Chair declined.
•Motion introduced by Commissioner Watts to appoint Barry Mueller pro tem; Chair called for the vote.
•Proclamation text recounts historical events (1835-1836) and explains the statewide plaque program.
•The court approved consent items and financial authorizations by voice vote.

Decisions

•Barry Mueller appointed judge pro tem for the proceedings.
•Mark Dora appointed to assume office effective Oct. 2, 2026.
•Proclamation adopted and dedication scheduled.
•Resignation accepted; bills and payroll authorization approved.

Directions

•Clerk to arrange swearing-in when district judge available.
•Clerk to process resignation paperwork and related administrative steps.
•Public invited to formal dedication at noon; no formal court action beyond proclamation.

Sep

Commissioner's Court 09/29/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court held its final regular meeting for Judge Jim Johnson on Sept. 29, 2026. The court approved a policy change to allow certified courthouse facility dogs, extended a county burn ban for 30 days, tabled a 2027 inmate health-care contract with CoreHealth, approved routine financial actions and consent items, and heard a clean-audit update from the county auditor.

Discussion Points

•4‑H representatives described ambassador programs and encouraged Go Green participation on Oct. 5.
•Auditor described prior restatements: $1.2M misstatement (2024 restating 2023) and over $5M in prior misstatements from 2023.
•Auditor reported receipt of opinion letter and no findings on current financial statements and single audits.
•Court agreed that several parties must read the draft before action.
•Court noted rain forecasts but cautioned that short‑term rains may not eliminate fine‑fuel dryness.
•Emergency Management reported KBDI well above threshold and cited a recent 80–100 acre grass fire in a neighboring area.
•He noted the county's collaborative relationship with cities and other officials and welcomed incoming leadership.
•HR recommended requiring certification, paperwork and vest evidence to prevent non‑certified animal admission.
•Judge Loeb described Patriot Paws partnership and courtroom uses for children and victims.
•Judge thanked county staff, cited cross‑agency cooperation and highlighted key employees.
•Organizers described National Night Out plans including first‑responder demonstrations and DPS helicopter (weather permitting).
•Todd Murphy (CoreHealth) confirmed negotiations continue and stakeholders need time to review.

Decisions

•Court adopted the facility dog policy addition with the 'certified' language change; motion carried 4–0.
•Extend burn ban through Nov. 2, 2026; motion carried 4–0.
•Item tabled and tentatively scheduled for Oct. 13.

Directions

•County staff to continue negotiations and circulate the agreement for review before Oct. 13.
•Emergency Management to continue monitoring and report before the next scheduled meeting.
•HR to update personnel manual language to require certification and paperwork for facility dogs.

Sep

Commissioner's Court 09/22/2026

Wichita County Commissioner Court met Sept. 22, 2026. The court honored an employee of the month, handled routine consent items and personnel pay matters, paused further action on a proposed truck weigh/staging 'way station,' and approved a roughly $2.74 million security and server upgrade for the Law Enforcement Center.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners emphasized local support and service availability.
•Concerns about appeals of tickets and additional county staff workload and costs.
•Cornerstone maintenance spending ~ $220,000 over three years; moving to vendor‑agnostic system allows in‑house servicing.
•Estimated capital cost near $2 million for a minimal way station build.
•Estimated Digi quote ~ $2.743M to replace servers, cameras and controllers; $300k–$400k estimated for simple server replacement.
•Higin Botham is transitioning away; PNA Group recommended by consultant EBC for cost and integration.
•ImageNet monthly proposal ~$11,222.14; Visual Edge ~$11,513.25 per month.
•Lease buyout of existing equipment ~ $37,000 could affect life‑cycle cost.
•Max salary document enforces payroll bounds; internal reallocation that changes maximums requires court action or payroll paperwork.
•One precinct requested a swap of position order for clarity; staff confirmed the amounts unchanged.
•Repeated failures of proprietary Cornerstone security systems and supply limitations for replacement parts.
•Retiree options through TAC; county does not pay for benefits (employee/retiree‑paid).
•Revenue example cited: $48,000 gross receipts for a quarter in another county; county share typically 40%, up to 45% if timely.
•Transition should be largely seamless except web/interface differences; new cards expected before Jan. 1.
•Two retirees currently use the benefit, representing five covered lives.

Decisions

•Approved 2027 maximum salary schedule 4‑0.
•Approve Digi quote #023193; motion passed 4‑0.
•Approved retiree medical package one for 2027 4‑0.
•Court approved negotiating with ImageNet and retaining Visual Edge as fallback (4‑0).
•Court approved PNA Group selection 4‑0.
•No action taken; item deferred.

Directions

•Adopt package one for 2027; staff to confirm Medicare supplement compatibility and notify retirees.
•Approve document with the Precinct 2 swap.
•Authorize up to ~$2.743M for Digi quote #023193 and permit transfers from permanent improvement fund as needed.
•Negotiate with ImageNet as primary and keep Visual Edge as secondary.
•No appropriation or commitment; return with funding options.
•Notify employees during open enrollment communications.
•Payroll to remind department heads of the amendment process.
•Pursue state/federal grants, partner contributions from data‑center/solar projects and TxDOT/DPS assistance.
•Return to court if negotiations require contract approval.
•Select PNA Group for 2027 FSA administration and coordinate transition.
•Staff to phase work, coordinate delivery, and return with implementation timeline and funding details.

Sep

Commissioner's Court 09/18/2026

Wichita County commissioners heard a presentation from IWork Systems on fleet and asset-management software, reviewed jail maintenance work orders, discussed staffing and overtime, flagged fuel cost pressures in the budget, and received updates on courthouse renovation projects.

Discussion Points

•Budget lines showing deficits; need for projection of fuel costs
•Burke furniture has arrived; no ready building for placement
•Concerns about staff data-entry burden and small fleet size
•Difficulty of budgeting months in advance due to volatile fuel prices
•New hires expected to arrive within a month
•No HVAC projects started; one-year walk of Iowa Park found no deficiencies
•Possibility of internal reallocations or budget amendments
•Recent staff departures including one to military service
•Request for more time to review payroll/overtime data
•Request for pricing proposal and assessment of sheriff office telematics compatibility
•Roof repairs scheduled; NVR2 hard-drive replacements; toilet assembly replacement in Cape Pod; repeated vehicle strikes to garage door
•Temporary storage/inspection planned under 30-day shipping guarantees
•Vendor demo of fleet-management and GPS features

Directions

•County to assess compatibility with existing GPS/telematics systems
•Facilities to inspect delivered furniture and arrange secure, weatherproof storage pending building availability
•Staff to continue repairs and track invoices/claims for vehicle damage
•Staff to provide additional payroll and overtime detail to commissioners
•Staff to provide fuel-cost projections and reallocation scenarios
•Staff to request a formal pricing proposal from IWork Systems

Sep

Commissioner's Court 09/15/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court held its regular meeting on Sept. 15, 2026. The court recognized a 30-year county employee, heard public comments including praise for volunteer firefighters and local updates, approved several procurement items and amended language in a JAG grant resolution.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of plaque dedication on Oct. 2
•Announcement of precinct 2 voting location (precinct barn)
•Budgeted replacement as part of 2026 plan
•Clarification that the City of Wichita Falls administers its portion of the JAG grant and the county will request reimbursements
•Clover Lane Bridge reopened to traffic pending paving
•Details of the invoice for Clover Lane Bridge repairs and need to assign accounting lines
•Funding source (fund 223) and accounting lines to be set by county auditor
•Need for hardware refresh to support virtual servers
•No change in grant dollar amounts; changes to resolution language intended to ease auditing
•Past failures and maintenance burden
•Presentation and acceptance of donated Alamo plaque and planned dedication
•Presentation and donation/fundraising of an Alamo letter plaque
•Recognition of 30 years of service by Tina Shaveet
•Requests for supplies and financial support for volunteer fire departments
•Solar project progress and reservation calendar for courthouse spaces
•Technical role of tower-mounted microwave radios for Precinct 3 barn internet access

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved; invoice approval and plaque acceptance recorded
•Court approved amended resolution language effective immediately
•Court approved hardware purchase
•Court approved recognition and accepted plaque donation (ceremonial)
•Court approved replacement radios

Sep

Commissioner's Court 09/08/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court met Sept. 8, 2026. The court approved routine consent items and payments, awarded contracts for emergency generators, heard competing proposals for a countywide copier/print-management contract, and declined to sign a memorandum of understanding with the city of Electra about block cameras.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners chose to construct tower pads in-house when quotes omitted pads.
•Court held closed-session consultation with county attorney about an MOU with Electra regarding block cameras in unincorporated county areas.
•Organizer provided operational detail: sag wagons picked up over 500 people and attendance up ~5%.
•Organizer reported success of the event and thanked county staff.
•Staff explained Davis bid for EMO lacked required pad work; Dillard included pad.
•Vendors asserted compatibility with Wichita County’s badge system and offered to handle lease returns and freight.
•Vendors presented costs, service levels, secure-print options and lease consolidation plans.

Decisions

•Court approved Dillard for EMO install and Davis for towers; motion carried unanimously.
•Court indicated it did not wish to sign the MOU at this time; no vote recorded.
•No action taken at Sept. 8 meeting; decision deferred.

Directions

•No authorization given; item remains without action.
•Procurement and grant accounting to process payments from grants fund and pursue reimbursement.
•Staff to compare Visual Edge and Imageet proposals and return to the Sept. 22 meeting with a recommendation.
•Staff to proceed with contracts and handle in-house pad work for towers.

Sep

Commissioner's Court 09/04/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court convened Sept. 4, 2026, to hear reports on jail maintenance, staffing and overtime, routine bills (including an audit payment and facility electrical repairs), and an unplanned water release at the courthouse annex before adjourning at 10:14 a.m.

Discussion Points

•An ARPA-related item for the city was included in the bills packet.
•An electrical failure at a precinct shop required pulling the panel and repairing arcing lugs; expense coding was discussed.
•Attic stock insufficient; new flooring must be ordered.
•Audit invoice includes normal audit plus single-audit fees; not final payment.
•Cornerstone door/sensor reporting failed for one housing area and the NVR2 camera server went down the following day.
•Multiple RTU compressors failed (including kitchen hood unit H9) and replacements have been ordered.
•Overtime driven by hospital coverage, school events, and a courthouse-security vacancy.
•Payroll for the sheriff's office is on pace to finish the year close to budget.
•Three housing pods remain closed; operations continue while vendors are scheduled to diagnose and repair systems.
•Two jail positions open; six officers completed FTO; eight interviews scheduled.
•Unplanned water release and toilet overflow damaged third-floor carpet and tile in appraisal district and public defender areas.

Directions

•Cornerstone and vendor diagnostics to be scheduled; sheriff to provide a longer follow-up email with details.
•Order new flooring for damaged areas; coordinate with scheduled replacements to limit costs.
•Schedule a Friday briefing to discuss potential LPPF administrative fee change before bringing to court.

Sep

Commissioner's Court 09/01/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court met Sept. 1, 2026, adopted the 2027 budget and set tax rates, awarded a flood-infrastructure grant contract, approved several routine business items including property bids and a vending contract amendment, extended an existing county burn ban, and heard public comments including a large veterans outreach event and a bridge failure notice.

Discussion Points

•Bridge failure requires closure to truck traffic; repair options include lifting the structure to rebuild substructure.
•Commissioners debated use of reserves and long-term projections; all favored lower numeric rate given projected growth.
•Commission voted to award contract for grant application work.
•County staff confirmed local site managers were agreeable to removals.
•Event served significantly more veterans than expected (est. 235–270).
•High KBDI values (~714) and ongoing large fires (Palpinto ~87,000 acres) increase local risk.
•Judge presented full-budget overview and rationale for modest draws from reserves.
•Mutual aid is active; donation logistics require centralized collection points.
•No other competitive bids recorded for the other parcel.
•One bid of $100 received for FM 367 parcel; court voted to accept.
•Two RFQs were received; Freeze and Nickels recommended due to relevant experience.
•VA staff ran out of forms and capacity to log attendees.
•Vendor requested removal of machines from specified locations due to poor sales and product waste.

Decisions

•Accept Ray Foresight bid for parcel 124561.
•Adopt 2027 budget; set tax rates as recorded.
•Authorize amendment to vending agreement.
•Award RFQ to Freeze and Nickels.
•Burn ban extended to Oct. 3.

Directions

•County auditor and treasurer to implement transfers and update published budget documents.
•County engineering staff to finalize agreement with the firm and begin grant application.
•County judge authorized to sign amendment; facilities staff to coordinate machine removals.
•County staff to evaluate repair options and cost and report back.
•Extend burn ban for 30 days; coordinate donation points through county emergency staff.
•Organizers plan to return next April and consider an education event about benefits before graduations.
•Treasurer/clerk to process sale paperwork.

Aug

Commissioner's Court 08/25/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court met August 25, 2026. The county judge announced he will resign at the end of September and begin an early transition to Mark Dora; the court approved several consent items, moved several procurement items under advisement, amended campground rules, approved a new temporary staff position and approved a $77,000 equipment purchase; commissioners also discussed seeking grant funds for security equipment at the law enforcement center.

Discussion Points

•Auditor noted procurement-rule changes allow quotes for such purchases and will set fund lines.
•BDO reviewed the quotes and said they meet grant guidelines; staff recommended taking under advisement to complete review.
•Captain Patterson explained MCAP and cited Suboxone as an example medication.
•Commissioners asked timing and whether funds are available; staff confirmed funds in payroll accounts cover near-term payments.
•Commissioners confirmed that combined RV/campground developments would still require external restroom facilities.
•Commissioner Watts and staff explained that septic and septic system costs motivated removing the requirement for RV/tiny-home parks.
•Court met in closed session under Texas Government Code §551.089 to discuss security-device plans for the LEC.
•Judge announced intent to resign at end of September and cited desire to allow early transition.
•Judge said Mark Dora has been in courthouse and involved in budget meetings since winning the nomination.
•Multiple quotes presented for new and used power brooms; commissioner recommended the used Yellow House unit with blade as best value.
•Staff explained prior guidance suggested bidding but BDO advised bids were not required; three quotes were obtained per site.
•Staff explained the prepayment move as a remedy for cash-flow issues created by recent large claims.
•Staff said the arrangement would be a supplement to existing vendor contracts and would not impose cost unless used.
•Upon return, the judge recommended postponing action while the auditor investigates grant sources.

Decisions

•Court approved purchase 5-0.
•Court authorized prepayment method; motion carried 5-0.
•Court voted to take quotes under advisement; motion carried 5-0.
•Item included in consent agenda and approved 5-0.
•Postpone action; motion carried 5-0.
•Section 1.5 amended as read into the record; motion carried.

Directions

•Auditor/HR to implement prepayment schedule and notify vendors.
•Auditor to determine accounting lines and staff to complete procurement paperwork.
•Auditor to investigate grant opportunities and return to court with recommendation.
•Court later approved a temporary paid administrative position to assist with transition.
•Planning/permits to publish the amended policy and guidance for developers.
•Procurement to finalize agreement language if the court ratifies; monitor potential cost savings.
•Staff to review quotes and return to the court in two weeks with recommendation and funding plan.

Aug

Commissioner's Court 08/24/2026

Wichita County Commissioners held a public hearing Aug. 24, 2026 on the proposed 2027 budget and tax rate, reviewing an $85.4 million all‑funds proposal and discussing a recommended tax rate cut to 0.518590 with a $1.25 million transfer to road and bridge; the court set Sept. 1 as the adoption date.

Discussion Points

•Breakdown of the $1.4M jail increase: $700k (ARPA premium replacement), $500k personnel changes, $250k medical.
•Commissioners recognized public safety limitations for cuts.
•Commissioners signaled support.
•Impact on precinct fund balances (about $670k reduction for road & bridge).
•Jail is main driver of increases; ARPA premium pay being absorbed into base.
•Mechanics of lowering the road & bridge rate and the $1.25M transfer.
•Overview of proposed 2027 budget totals and line‑item shares (public safety, jail, sheriff, judicial, health/welfare, road & bridge).
•Policy change allowing food purchases under $250 for public‑purpose events without court approval, with oversight.
•Public asked how transfers and rate cuts affect ring‑fenced road funds and reserves.
•Risk/benefit tradeoff given upcoming projects (solar farm) and delayed tax appraisal realization.
•Staff explained contingency budgeting for heavy equipment and road‑use agreements with developers.
•Staff presented comparative tax rates and homeowner impact estimates.

Decisions

•Set Sept. 1 at 10:00 a.m. as the adoption meeting

Aug

Commissioner's Court 08/21/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court received an activities report from the Indigent Healthcare Office outlining client counts, cost-savings tied to expanded preventive services, expanded dental and DME coverage, and recent efforts to recoup Medicaid reimbursements; the court also reviewed maintenance work orders, staffing/overtime updates, regular bills and courthouse renovation status.

Discussion Points

•30th District Court humidity and sensor issues required follow-up before acceptance.
•30th District Court renovation delayed for humidity/sensor corrections; final acceptance noted.
•39 cremation/deceased applications; 22 approvals in 2026 to date; one infant death and five unclaimed decedents reported.
•591 insurance‑discovery runs with 192 locating additional coverage; vendor billing revived.
•84 work orders completed in the last two weeks.
•Dental prevention expanded from extractions/fillings to include annual X-ray, cleaning and fluoride; future additions include sealants and dentures.
•DME/prosthetic purchases capped at $1,500 per lifetime for covered clients; examples provided of cost avoidance.
•Expense decrease of ~$113,000 from FY24 to FY25 attributed to preventive-care restructuring.
•In‑house claims processing (since December) recouped $4,719 and additional provider reimbursements moved the total to about $10,000.
•Inmates hospitalized for several days increased overtime burden.
•Jail: two openings, two OJI, one FMLA; jail school incoming to offset vacancies.
•Notable LPPPF payment ~ $8 million flagged; archival fees and accounting classification discussed.
•Office conducting prescription-management contract review; no decision made at the meeting.
•Office serves ~100 active clients, ~26 jail clients, 11 IIA-pended clients.
•Patrol side had vacancies but new hires start next month to help staffing.
•Planned FY2026–27 policy rollout to add dental and documentation requirements.
•Roof work, drain cleaning, and filter replacement done; Trinity handles filters.
•Script payouts reduced from $1,500 per three to $500 per three following management/contract changes.
•Seven services authorized for military honors; two veteran burials in county cemetery; recouped amount cited as $5,587.
•Slab work expected Monday at an annex; contractor corrections to be performed over the weekend.

Directions

•Commissioners requested follow-up slides on inmate outcomes and optional-service uptake at the next meeting.
•Staff to continue contract review and report back when complete.
•Staff to continue tracking overtime and vacancy fills.
•Staff to continue vendor billing and include reimbursement results in future budget documents.
•Staff to include expanded benefits in FY2026–27 rollout materials.
•Staff to monitor contractor corrections and update court as needed.
•Staff to reconcile invoice timing, check accounting lines and confirm archival fee treatment.
•Staff to track filter‑contract renewal and consider spot checks during construction.

Aug

Commissioner's Court 08/18/2026

Wichita County Commissioners Court met Aug. 18, 2026. The court approved consent items (including a reappointment), raised the sheriff's P-Card limit, awarded jail medical services negotiations to CoreCivic/Core Health, moved monthly foreclosure sheriff's sales to the courthouse steps beginning in November, tabled an MOU on Flock cameras for further review, and adopted a county fraud, waste and abuse policy.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners cited jail medical as a major budget item and liability concern.
•Commissioners discussed previous balances ($30,000 referenced historically) and the current $55,000 level being raised to $65,000.
•Commissioners requested legal review, clarification about state versus county road authority, and a public explanation of camera capabilities.
•Committee recommended Core Health as primary with Armor secondary.
•Completed buildings have updated kitchens, bathrooms, windows and stairways and will soon be occupied.
•Concerns included weather, double-booking of rooms and online bidding processes.
•Core Health offered two pricing options: $5,451,211.92 (with director of nursing) and $5,317,922.06 (without).
•County is one of 11 counties participating in the North Texas Housing Finance Corporation board and had a role in developing the Sun Valley Apartments project.
•Court agreed to create a new motion rather than amend the old order due to historical record concerns.
•Matt drafted the policy and staff reviewer Brendan reviewed it before the meeting.
•OAG desk review of the VINE grant found procedural discrepancies in fiscal reporting and noted the absence of a fraud, waste and abuse policy for software.
•Some regular participants preferred the courthouse steps for ease of access and familiarity.
•The MOU would permit Flock-brand cameras in unincorporated areas near Electra; staff did not provide supporting materials.

Decisions

•Court approved negotiations (5-0).
•Item tabled unanimously.
•Motion passed 5-0 to increase the P-Card limit to $65,000.
•Motion passed 5-0 to move sales to courthouse steps with indoor option.
•Policy adopted by unanimous vote.
•Reappointment included and approved in consent agenda (5-0).

Directions

•Adopt the software/technology fraud, waste and abuse policy countywide; implement controls and document compliance.
•Authorize negotiations with CoreCivic/Core Health as primary and Armor as secondary; staff to negotiate contract details and return to court.
•Clerks and finance staff to update records and controls.
•County Judge or staff to execute reappointment resolution.
•Implement change effective November sale and provide 60-90 days public notice; allow indoor move if inclement weather.
•Table the item and request a staff presentation and legal analysis before further action.

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