Waller County Commissioners Court held a regular meeting on Nov. 10, 2026. The court heard public comments about traffic and a proposed justice center bond, recognized county GIS staff, approved multiple grants and procurement items, amended a flag-lot access variance to 40 feet, accepted County Engineer Ross McCalls resignation and appointed Lonnie Sykes interim county engineer.

Discussion Points

•A clerical revision corrected an amount on consent item 37.
•Applicant requested variance for 30-foot access easement for a family subdivision.
•Commissioners asked veterans present to stand for recognition.
•Commissioners cited a 40-foot precedent intended to accommodate ingress, egress and drainage and to ensure emergency-vehicle access.
•Court accepted the resignation in open session by motion.
•He cited staff members and a technical method used to collect multiple mapping layers.
•Igloo is in Katy's ETJ and equipment expenditures tied to job creation are necessary for eligibility.
•Proclamation text recognized contributions and sacrifices of veterans and encouraged residents to observe Nov. 11, 2026.
•Procurement award for Owens Road attracted eight bidders and came in under the engineering estimate.
•Resident asked for drawings and cost breakdowns for the proposed justice center bond and related renovations/professional services.
•Resident expressed concern about tax increases and repeated petitions seeking transparency.
•Resident reported high speeds (up to 70 mph) and heavy cut-through traffic from new subdivisions near FM 529.
•Resident requested guidance on installing speed bumps and stop signs and said the HOA had voted for speed bumps.
•Resignation tendered by County Engineer Ross McCall in executive session.
•Ross McCall summarized national recognition from EOS Positioning Systems and Esri News for the county's GIS work.
•Seal-coating term contract renewal included a 2.6% vendor increase allowable under contract terms.
•Staff advised the rebate applies to the state portion of sales tax, not local shares.

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved with corrected amount; procurement awards carried.
•Court approved interlocal and nomination resolution.
•Court endorsed public recognition and asked staff to share links.
•Items 62 6 approved with access-easement amendment to 40 feet.
•No change to bond process or disclosure was taken at this meeting.
•No formal action was taken at this meeting to install speed bumps or signs; staff follow-up was requested.
•Proclamation adopted by the court.
•Resignation accepted; interim appointment approved.

Directions

•Amend variance approval to require 40-foot access easement; staff to proceed with recording and permitting steps.
•Appoint Lonnie Sykes as interim county engineer at the budgeted rate until further notice.
•County to sign interlocal and support the nomination for City of Katy's application.
•McCall to relay the court's appreciation to the GIS team and to make the publications available online.
•Officials advised contacting Road & Bridge and the sheriff's office; staff to follow up and provide contact information.
•Staff acknowledged the request; no formal timeline or directive recorded in open session.
•Staff to proceed with contracting and to publish the budget/line items as needed.

Nov

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court held a regular meeting that included public comments about neighborhood traffic and a justice‑center bond, recognition of the county GIS team, routine grant and procurement approvals, discussion of a flag‑lot access variance, and acceptance of County Engineer Ross McCall’s resignation with appointment of Lonnie Sykes as interim engineer.

Discussion Points

•Applicant requested a 30‑foot access easement; staff noted court precedent of 40 feet and statutory 60‑foot requirement for flag lots.
•Commissioners expressed appreciation and asked staff to share recognition with employees.
•Commissioners referenced prior 30‑foot approvals that occurred when constraints existed.
•Correction to consent agenda item 37 amount; staff explained larger road line items reflect moving to construction phase.
•Court amended the request to 40 feet citing emergency access and drainage concerns.
•Court announced McCall's resignation and thanked him for his service.
•Court moved to appoint Lonnie Sykes as interim county engineer at the budgeted salary.
•Petitioners seeking bond want detailed cost and design information for the proposed justice center and related renovations.
•Procurement staff cited eight responses for Owens Road and recommended low bidder award.
•Resident described repeated speeding and truck use on Peregrine Street and lack of sidewalks or streetlights.
•Resident emphasized the tax impact and requested clearer public documentation.
•Resident requested guidance on how the HOA can pursue speed bumps and stop signs.
•Staff highlighted national publications that recognized the GIS team.

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved with corrected amount; Owens Road low‑bid award approved; grants and procurement items 70–76 approved.
•Resignation accepted; Lonnie Sykes appointed interim county engineer.
•Variance amended to 40 feet and items 62–66 approved.

Directions

•Amend variance to 40 feet and approve items 62–66 together.
•County engineer to convey thanks to GIS staff and publicize coverage.
•County staff and sheriff’s office to follow up with resident and provide contacts and potential next steps.
•Court to consider next steps for permanent replacement in future meetings.
•Finance to update consent agenda records with corrected amount.
•Human Resources/Engineering to document interim appointment and continue operations.
•No immediate decision; petitioners will continue to request documents and clarifications from county staff.
•Staff to post procurement documents and purchase orders and implement awarded contracts.

Oct

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court met Oct. 28, 2026. The court approved routine consent items, voted on several economic-development abatements and contracts, approved a $70,000 grant agreement for a senior meal program, tabled a road-naming variance pending Commissioner Beckendorf's presence, and heard public comments about septic systems and courthouse transparency.

Discussion Points

•Architect ad services estimated at $42,500 and water-well consultant to be hired.
•Auditor cannot disburse until Jan. 1 despite approval.
•Concern about setting a precedent for future naming variances.
•IDB owns property south of Brookshire; initial four spec buildings proposed for abatements.
•Igloo reported inventory in September rather than January, reducing taxable inventory baseline.
•Program served over 40,000 meals and about 200 clients in Waller County last year.
•Resident alleges developers covered a creek and possibly violated neighborhood bylaws and TCEQ rules.
•Resident asked for breakdowns, renderings and more public notice for courthouse renovations.
•Resident handed photos and bylaw excerpts to the court.
•Resident prefers bond authorization for major expenditures.
•Resolution required by TDA to establish county support for home-delivered meals.
•Site cannot access subdivision water/septic in near term; on-site well/septic recommended.
•Staff described the larger development footprint and anticipated additional phases.
•Staff presented the assignment as routine and recommended approval.
•Staff proposed a proportional reduction of abatements instead of full rescission given the reporting option and the company's upfront disclosure.
•Staff recommended nonapproval under naming policy but noted no residential addresses would be served.
•Stream Realty's buildings occupied by Tesla were sold and require assignment of the abatement agreement.

Decisions

•Approved agreement and authorized payment; signed resolution.
•Approved amendment reducing Igloo's abatement by ~35%
•Approved design services and proceed with site utility planning.
•Approved four spec-building abatements.
•Assignment approved.
•Item 43 tabled

Directions

•Amend agreement to reduce abatements by ~35% and adjust accounting accordingly.
•Judge signed resolution; staff to coordinate disbursement and grant reporting.
•Proceed with design services and consultant hiring; move bidding schedule to Jan/Feb if needed.
•Proceed with project and implement abatements as approved.
•Record assignment and update relevant county records.
•Staff (Road & Bridge and environmental) to receive materials for review; Ross asked to send to appropriate staff.
•Staff to consider improved outreach and sharing of materials.
•Table item until Commissioner Beckendorf can participate; revisit when he is present.

Oct

Commissioners Court 10/28/2026

The Waller County Commissioners Court met Oct. 28, 2026. The court heard two public commenters about neighborhood construction and courthouse planning, considered multiple economic-development abatements and development items, approved a $70,000 agreement and resolution supporting Fort Bend Senior Meals on Wheels, tabled a road-naming variance to await Commissioner Beckendorf, entered and exited an executive session, and adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked about scale and location and staff confirmed site context.
•Commissioners raised concern about setting precedent for future requests.
•County staff acknowledged receipt and committed to forward materials to Road & Bridge and environmental departments.
•He encouraged consideration of a bond to allow voter approval of large expenditures.
•Hovde described program volume and volunteer needs.
•IDB is developing a large industrial park near I-10; four spec buildings represent initial phase.
•Igloo reported inventory in September rather than January, reducing taxable inventory and the abatement base.
•Multiple administrative, development and service items were considered and approved by voice/hand-raise.
•Parr requested a public-facing breakdown of courthouse renovation costs and more accessible workshop scheduling.
•Resident presented photos and alleged creek covering and potential septic violations.
•Some items withdrawn, one tabled, and one abstention recorded.
•Staff proposed a pro rata reduction rather than forfeiture because the reporting was legal and transparent.
•Staff recommended nonapproval based on naming policy but noted the collector road would not create addressing conflicts.
•TDA requires a county resolution for grant eligibility; Fort Bend Senior Meals on Wheels serves both Fort Bend and Waller counties.

Decisions

•Court approved abatements for four spec buildings.
•Court approved the 35% reduction amendment.
•Court approved the resolution and authorized payment of $70,000; judge signed the resolution.
•Item 43 tabled.
•No formal court action taken during public comment.
•No vote or change to the project was made during the meeting.
•Series of approvals and one tabled item as summarized above.

Directions

•County to sign resolution and authorize the agreement; auditor to process payment per budget timing.
•Court to consider outreach and how to present project costs and renderings to the public.
•Item will be re-noticed and revisited when Commissioner Beckendorf can participate.
•Move forward with abatements for the initial four buildings and monitor compliance.
•Staff to adjust accounting and incentives accordingly.
•Staff to forward Phillip's handouts and photos to Road & Bridge and environmental staff for investigation.
•Update future agreements to address reporting timing; document amendment.
•Withdrawn items to be re-noticed as appropriate; tabled item 43 will be revisited when precinct commissioner is present.

Oct

Commissioners Court 10/14/2026

Waller County Commissioners Court met Oct. 14, 2026. The court approved routine consent items, proclaimed Oct. 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month after testimony from a survivor and local nonprofit, heard updates and an appointment from CASA and the Child Welfare Board, received a delinquent tax/fine collection briefing and resale-offer for Deerwood Lakes parcels, accepted the county's clean FY2025 audit, and authorized staff work on updated road assessments and transportation funding tools.

Discussion Points

•A survivor described alleged stalking and abuse culminating in criminal charges and disappearance.
•CASA case counts for the last quarter and outcomes (adoptions, reunifications).
•Commissioners praised nonprofit work and urged community support.
•Concerns about Deerwood Lakes lots: access, septic, and buyer awareness.
•Focusing Families presented numbers for clients served, shelter nights and hotline calls.
•Fund balance levels (general fund $54.1M; combined $176.2M) and months-of-operations metric (~14 months).
•House Bill 9's change to the business personal property exemption and expected effects starting next summer.
•Issuance of 2025 GO bond ($94.3M) and tax note ($9.5M), and rising expenditures to monitor.
•Need to update countywide road-assessment data and sequence projects for construction and funding.
•Opportunity to leverage TxDOT, HGAC and federal funding for shovel-ready projects if documentation is provided.
•Presentation of delinquent tax base and tax-sale proceeds.
•Rainbow Room supplies and holiday distribution plans.
•State transition to Texans Together managing placements starting March 1, 2027, with case-management uncertainty.
•Transportation reinvestment zones and modified county assistance districts were discussed as potential local funding mechanisms.
•Unmodified audit opinion and no questioned costs for ARPA and state single-audit.

Decisions

•Accept resale bid and return properties to tax roll.
•Appoint and swear in Michelle Gonzales to the Child Welfare Board.
•Authorize staff to negotiate a task order and prepare materials for a future vote.
•Proclamation adopted declaring October 2026 Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Directions

•Auditor and staff to provide condensed presentation materials in advance of future audit briefings.
•County staff to share Focusing Families volunteer/contact information publicly.
•County to continue material support and volunteer recruitment; staff to ensure children are not lost during state transition.
•Finalize resale deed and notify environmental planning department to monitor any construction activity on Deerwood lots.
•Staff to research TRZ feasibility and potential legislative language and present recommendations before year-end.
•Staff to work with legal and LJA to prepare a task order/contract amendment and return to court with final documents.

Oct

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court met Oct. 14, 2026. The court approved proclamations (including Domestic Violence Awareness Month), heard reports on child welfare and delinquent tax collection, accepted a resale-tax bid for Deerwood Lakes lots, received the county's FY2025 audit, and authorized staff to pursue updated road assessments and transportation financing options.

Discussion Points

•Bid covers judgment taxes (~$3,000), litigation cost (~$2,300) and post-judgment taxes (~$4,000).
•Board and commissioners discussed recruitment and logistics for volunteer and holiday support.
•Commissioner requested updated assessment using videoing and condition data to prepare projects for funding.
•Commissioners discussed access, septic and buyer-beware concerns in Deerwood Lakes.
•Distribution based on prorated student population; Katy ISD saw a larger share due to enrollment increases.
•Dr. Maddox asserted a withdrawn candidate remained on the ballot and requested a departmental review of elections administration since 2017.
•Focusing Families described the scope of services and volunteer needs.
•General fund balance ~$54.1M; combined fund balance ~$176.2M; unassigned fund balance ~$53M (~14 months of operating expenditures).
•HB9 raised the business personal property exemption to $125,000 and could affect future collections.
•Increases are temporary and below the 25% threshold; rebid planned.
•Series 2025 GO bonds $94.3M and $9.5M tax note issued; revenues up $6.7M and expenditures up $8.8M year over year.
•She said she sought written confirmation from the secretary of state and a judge and received none.
•Staff noted existing data and proposed a task order-level amendment under the current contract with LJA.
•Sunbelt recommended for tank removal; Thompson Consulting recommended for hazard-planning negotiation; vendors requested price increases for road materials due to high material/gas costs.
•Survivor testimony recounted alleged abuse and homicide charge of a suspect.
•Tax sale proceeds of about $192,000 were reported.
•Total delinquent tax base ~ $3.33M through September; 2025 tax-year turnover to collection was ~2.6% (~$2.1M of an $80.8M levy).
•Treasurer reported $23,321.85 in interest to distribute.
•Unmodified (clean) audit opinion for FY2025.
•Welfare board described Rainbow Room and holiday support; CASA explained case counts and transition to Texans Together.

Decisions

•Appointment approved and oath administered
•Authorized staff to proceed with negotiations
•Awards and temporary price adjustments approved
•Distribution approved
•Proclamation adopted
•Resale bid accepted and sale to proceed

Directions

•Commissioners encouraged donations and volunteering; no formal follow-up directives recorded.
•Commissioners requested earlier distribution of the audit packet and a concise presentation for the next audit briefing.
•Legal and staff to negotiate amendment and present a final task order for vote.
•Negotiate scope/fees for consultant contract and return for approval.
•No new funding allocated at the meeting; commissioners encouraged ongoing county support and volunteer recruitment.
•Staff to finalize contracts and proceed with rebid for materials.
•Staff to monitor HB9 effects and report back next summer; continue outreach to delinquent accounts.
•Staff to provide resale deed and consider process for notifying environmental department to monitor potential construction activity.
•Treasurer to complete distributions based on prorated calculation.

Sep

Commissioners Court

A Waller County Commissioners Court meeting that approved multiple procurement and contract items, heard a public comment from Dr. Maddox urging review of the elections administrator, and authorized an executive-session discussion; several bids and routine renewals were approved with little opposition.

Discussion Points

•Clerk read the item and a commissioner commented that 'Westlaw is getting expensive.'
•Commissioners noted the benefit dates back several years.
•Commissioners questioned contract protections and noted large bid price discrepancies for mowing.
•Commissioners referenced a prior out-of-county example to explain rationale.
•Dr. Maddox requested the elections commission review the elections administrator and schedule a meeting within five working days.
•Item presented as a routine renewal for retirees who left with coverage.
•Multiple motions and approvals were recorded by voice with no recorded opposition.
•No further substantive discussion occurred before approval.
•Policy is intended to limit spending authority for outgoing incumbents to protect public funds.
•Several procurement awards and routine renewals were approved; an executive session was called for legal and personnel matters.
•She expressed concern about getting a candidate on the ballot and the county's preparation for the election.
•Staff described vetting steps (references, equipment checks) to confirm vendor capacity.
•Staff explained the terminations are due to timing and scheduling and do not reflect contractor performance.
•Yoakam identified Panettone and Gia Mulva as the firms for the reissued projects and noted city coordination in Brookshire.

Decisions

•Approved awards for items 35–39; staff will monitor performance and consider renewals based on performance.
•Approved retiree benefits renewal
•Approved spending-approval threshold policy for outgoing incumbents
•Approved termination of items 28 and 29 and approval of items 30–33
•Approve Westlaw access agreement

Sep

Waller County Commissioners Court - September 30, 2026

Waller County Commissioners' Court met to approve routine consent items and contract awards, heard a public comment from Dr. Maddox pressing for an elections commission review of the elections administrator, approved vendor awards (including a bond-funded project under budget) and a Westlaw subscription, and moved into executive session on pending litigation and personnel matters.

Discussion Points

•A commissioner expressed concern about rising cost.
•Bond-funded project bid below engineer's estimate.
•City of Brookshire has approved tax abatement and reinvestment zones for one project.
•Dr. Maddox asked the elections commission to convene and formally review the elections administrator.
•Policy aims to limit end-of-term spending by outgoing incumbents.
•Primary and secondary vendors named for mowing services; commissioners raised concerns about pricing gap and vendor capacity.
•She requested the meeting be scheduled within five business days to avoid printing incorrect ballots.
•Staff explained it is a routine election-year safeguard.
•Staff presented first-year cost and renewal options.
•Staff said agreements 28–29 are being terminated and reissued as 30–31 because of project timing.

Decisions

•Approved items 28–33
•Approved mowing contract awards and the bond-funded project
•Approved the expenditure-limit policy
•Approved the Westlaw subscription

Sep

Commissioners Court - Public Tax Rate Hearing

Public hearing opened Sept. 16 on a proposed tax rate tied to a budget the court approved last week; citizen Dr. Maddox questioned whether a prior meeting had improperly 'tentatively' approved the rate, and the judge outlined budget trade-offs, pay adjustments and the role of recent bond sales in holding the rate near last year's level.

Discussion Points

•Budget includes 3% COLA and 2% merit pool; departmental requests totaled about $12M.
•Citizen raised procedural concern about whether a prior meeting 'tentatively' approved a tax rate and whether a supermajority is required for tax actions.
•Commissioners discussed bond tranches (one described as close to $197,100) and larger mobility-bond program totals as factors in the tax-rate calculation.
•Dr. Maddox questioned whether a prior meeting 'tentatively approved' the tax rate and asserted tax actions require a supermajority.
•Judge Duhan and a commissioner said the court did not approve the tax rate at the prior meeting and reiterated quorum rules.
•Judge Duhan explained statutory timing and quorum requirements and asserted the court complied with notice and filing deadlines.
•M&O funding available roughly $6M; sheriff requested about $4.5M but court asked to prioritize within ~ $2M.
•Public hearing opened and public comment solicited regarding the proposed tax rate.

Decisions

•Budget adopted at prior special meeting; tax-rate hearing held to set rate tied to that budget.
•On-the-record denial that a tax rate was approved at the prior meeting; no formal action on the rate during public comment.
•Public hearing opened and closed; no final tax-rate vote recorded during hearing.

Directions

•Proceed to regular agenda for formal tax-rate action requiring at least four members present.

Sep

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court met for routine business: public comment and a 4‑H proclamation, ratified the property‑tax increase and adopted a 0.558466 tax rate, received a detailed Justice Tower construction and financing update, approved several grants and procurement items, and advanced a 180‑acre FM 1774 development agreement.

Discussion Points

•Details and local matches for TxDOT grants; indigent defense reimbursements are small vs county spending; amendments to funding line items for vehicle purchases.
•Elections office concerns: missing candidate listing, need for elections commission meeting, request for audit of surveillance camera accesses.
•Extension staff reviewed enrollment, outreach and volunteer contributions.
•Financing will use certificates of obligation with statutory notice requirements.
•Judge Duhan presented statutory language for adoption and read fund allocations.
•Minimum lot sizes and density pressure from developers.
•Pond design constraints and amenitization of dry ponds.
•Program changes added scope and cost (eastward site shift, suspended foundations, additional DA finish, limestone exterior).
•Turnout event logistics and speaker lineup.

Decisions

•Adopt tax rate 0.558466 (approved 4–0).
•Court approved resolution to publish notice of intent.
•Development agreement advanced/approved with county conditions.
•Grants accepted and procurement approved with funding amendment.
•Proclamation approved and photo taken.

Directions

•Maintain minimum lot standards; finalize developer reimbursement language.
•Proceed with procurement and grant acceptance; update funding lines as corrected.
•Publish notice of intent and prepare financing documents for return in November.

Sep

Special Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court held a special session Sept. 8 to take public comment, consider 23 amendments to the proposed 2027 budget and approve the budget as amended. Key changes include law-enforcement pay increases, a $550,000 reduction in road-equipment spending, insurance-provider changes that lower premiums, and a constables' salary adjustment to $80,000.

Discussion Points

•$550,000 reduction due to prior purchases; internal staffing reallocation allowed new assistant engineer position.
•Grievance committee recommended constable salaries be set at $80,000; the judge said constables accepted recommendation.
•Staff explained 23 amendments required after earlier statutory filing deadlines; judge raised concerns about appraisal district commercial valuations shifting burden to residents; judge emphasized growth and constraints on future increases.
•Staff presented specific salary and equipment changes for law enforcement.
•Staff presented two insurance savings line items totaling $764,540 as part of the amendment packet.

Decisions

•Approve 2027 budget as amended.
•Include constable salary change in adopted amendments.

Directions

•Attach amendment packet to the minutes; prepare public hearing and tax-rate vote on Sept. 16.

Sep

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court on Sept. 2, 2026 approved a new county employee insurance package projected to save about $804,000, set a proposed tax-rate hearing schedule, implemented a countywide burn ban, and approved multiple grants, procurement and capital items including a final plat for the county justice center.

Discussion Points

•Broker recommended moving to UnitedHealthcare with a 'nonstop' card delivering 0 deductible/0 out-of-pocket for employees and ancillary benefits; commissioners requested follow-up on network continuity and Medicare interactions.
•Constable Noel presented calculations showing current and projected reservist needs and reasons for requesting higher numbers for certain precincts.
•Directions to ensure small firms are not disadvantaged and that emergency/exemptions remain in place.
•Fire marshal presented KBDI data and recent incident counts (31 grass fires) as basis for recommendation.
•Grant for surveillance cameras intended to deter dumping and assist prosecutions; state grant requires local match for body-worn cameras.
•Motion to propose combined tax rate with three component rates and scheduling of public hearing.
•Plat cleans up land ownership around the jail and coordinates with city records.
•Policy creates a prequalified vendor bank, ranking for small projects, audit provisions, and online submission via [email protected].

Decisions

•Adopt A&E procurement policy under chapter 2254.
•Approve insurance selection and plan documents for 12/01/2026–11/30/2027.
•Cap approved at 20 reservist deputies.
•Court approved acceptance of both grants.
•Court approved proposing the combined tax rate and scheduling the hearing.
•Court approved the final plat and authorized recordation.
•Court implemented burn ban and authorized fire marshal to lift it if warranted.

Directions

•County engineer to maintain registry and create online submission process; procurement to lead vendor outreach.
•Fire marshal to publish ban details and may lift it if conditions improve.
•Publish notice and prepare materials for Sept. 16 hearing.
•Record the deed and file the plat with county records.
•Set maximum at 20 and allow future readdressing.
•Sheriff's staff to proceed with procurement and deployment; account for local match funds.
•Staff to distribute presentation and written answers to employee questions; coordinate enrollment events.

Aug

Special Commissioners Court

Waller County grievance committee met to consider constable salaries and unanimously recommended that commissioners set elected constable pay at $80,000; the recommendation will be forwarded to commissioners court for the county budget hearing.

Discussion Points

•Committee discussed comparative county salaries, allowances, and deputy parity as rationale for the recommendation.
•Constables present signaled agreement with an $80,000 compromise between a posted $73,000 figure and their $85,000 request.
•Duhan and others noted deputy constable pay is expected to rise to about $75,000, creating an optics problem if an elected constable were paid less.
•Duhan presented comparative salary data and noted some counties offer car or travel allowances that affect base-salary comparisons.

Decisions

•Committee voted unanimously to recommend $80,000 for elected constable salaries.
•Grievance committee voted unanimously to recommend an $80,000 salary for elected constables to commissioners court.

Directions

•Forward recommendation to commissioners court for consideration during the budget hearing on the 8th.
•Recommendation to commissioners court to set constable salary at $80,000; county budget hearing on the 8th to adopt amendment if approved.

Aug

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court opened with public comment opposing license-plate cameras, moved through routine agenda items and several land and infrastructure items, then heard a detailed presentation on financing for a proposed $125 million Justice Center Tower and conducted an extensive budget workshop focused on pay parity for law enforcement, employee cost-of-living adjustments and capital priorities.

Discussion Points

•3% COLA for non-law enforcement staff and a 2% merit pool up to 5% distribution by department heads.
•$7,500 per-deputy pay step as first phase of law-enforcement parity; additional parity steps anticipated in future cycles.
•Addition of 25 new full-time and 3 part-time positions; $15 million capital outlay prioritizing Precinct 3.
•Construction cost escalation and schedule risk affecting bidding and guaranteed maximum price timing.
•Design increases to provide dedicated voting multipurpose rooms to avoid disrupting JP courtrooms during elections.
•Discounted design fee for second prototype building; water-source issue at Precinct 3 requiring coordination with ESD 200 and landowner negotiations.
•Future procurement rounds will include backup awardees to reduce single-vendor failure risk.
•Grant will pay a lease option for the Flock license-plate reader program; local match increased because travel expenses were not awarded.
•Item 64 tabled to allow constables and staff to gather additional data and cost estimates.
•Law-enforcement speakers credited the program with supporting multi-jurisdictional investigations into catalytic-converter thefts.
•Mowing contractor failed to meet specs and lacked proper shredders; public complaints explained by contractor performance.
•Multiple items approved on consent and as the court moved through the agenda.
•Projected worst-case financing scenario: $125,000,000 with 30-year amortization and conservative assessed-value assumptions.
•Public commenter argued the system is a constitutional privacy violation and warned of litigation risk.
•Timing and statutory requirements for issuing certificates of obligation (notice on Sept.16; 45-day publication window; advertise the amount in November).

Decisions

•Court approved acceptance of the grant and the lease-option continuation.
•Court approved design changes and cost increases for Precinct 2 and 3.
•Court approved termination and re-advertise; approved equipment and other procurement items 53–59.
•Court scheduled tax-rate and budget public hearings (Sept. 2, Sept. 8, Sept. 16).
•Numerous items carried; tabled one item for further research.

Directions

•Budget committee/staff to post proposed budget and to return with detailed line items and cost estimates for parity and new positions before Sept. 8 vote.
•Continue coordination with architects to finalize construction documents and update cost estimates.
•Engage appraisal district on commercial valuations that affect revenue projections.
•Facilities to resolve water-source and road issues, coordinate with ESD 200, and prepare bid-ready construction documents.
•Proceed with recommended equipment purchases where budget allows.
•Return to commissioners if material site conditions change before bid award.
•Staff to finalize grant paperwork and local-match funding and return with contract language; sheriff to continue program operations under grant terms.
•Staff to publish legal notices and re-advertise as directed.
•Staff to publish termination notice and re-advertise the mowing contract with primary/secondary award structure.
•Staff to return on tabled items with requested information within two weeks.
•Staff to return Sept.16 with notice materials and to proceed with rating call mid-October and bond sale timeline documentation.

Aug

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court met Aug. 5, 2026. The court approved routine agenda and consent items, proclaimed Aug. 14 as Prairie View A&M University Day (marking the university's 150th), approved several procurement and road projects, voted to name a regional detention pond for engineer Charles Calchemy, and tabled a request by an applicant for nonemergency patient transport pending a business plan and further review.

Discussion Points

•Applicant Kifah Najjar described intent to provide stretcher-only nonemergency transports and to recruit/train local staff.
•Clarification whether monument lies in state FM 362 right-of-way or county entrance road; staff explained the diagram and interpretation.
•Commissioner Jones and Representative Kitzman offered remarks highlighting community ties and legislative support.
•Commissioners and Representative Kitzman praised Charles Calchemy's decades of local surveying and drainage work.
•Commissioners asked questions regarding the entry portion being county right-of-way.
•Commissioners asked whether county approval is required before state licensing and whether approval can be withdrawn if complaints arise; commissioners cited Fort Bend County previously denying a similar provider.
•Commissioners discussed term length and interim replacement procedures.
•County asked the applicant to submit a simple business plan with staffing, vehicles, medical director and office location details.
•County clerk described statutory process and electronic randomization to pick grievance committee members; clerk read names and presented them to the court for approval.
•Eileen McDade resigned from the appraisal-district board creating a vacancy. The board's role includes hiring the chief appraiser and overseeing the appraisal district budget.
•Judge read the proclamation text and highlighted the university\u0002s founding in the Texas constitution of 1876.
•Mathis Road received five bids and the apparent low bidder came in under budget.
•Recommendation to name only the detention pond (not the whole park) so invitations could be sent for the planned groundbreaking.
•Treasurer explained budget transfers and the plan to use accrued program funds to pay the FSA card fee.
•Vehicles are in stock; upfitting will take the longest lead time.

Decisions

•Approved naming the detention facility after Charles Calchemy; motion carried.
•Item 47 tabled pending additional materials.
•Items 34 and 35 approved with one abstention.
•Items 37\u000242 approved; Mathis Road award authorized.
•Items 43, 44, 49 and 50 approved.
•Joe Garcia nominated and staff instructed to notify him.
•Proclamation adopted and entered into the public record; photo opportunity arranged.

Directions

•Applicant to provide written business plan and supporting documents for staff review.
•County clerk to publish and certify committee member list.
•County staff to incorporate facility name into groundbreaking invitations and project materials.
•Purchasing to proceed with upfitting and contract execution.
•Staff to contact Joe Garcia to confirm willingness to be the county's nominee.
•Treasurer and HR to implement fee payments from program funds.

Jul

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court met July 22, 2026. Presentations included a Child Welfare Board update and a Cooperative Extension report; the court approved routine plats, a 40-foot access-easement variance tied to a four-lot development (with a plat note prohibiting access from Cemetery Road), several engineering and procurement items, and moved into executive session at 10:36 a.m.

Discussion Points

•Applicant and engineer stated the proposed easement does not use Cemetery Road and Lot 4 would not be further subdivided without court approval.
•Board confirmed donations are separate from taxpayer funds and that they vote on expenditures.
•Board described quick-response supports (graduation items, cribs, school supplies, quilts) and coordination with CPS and CASA volunteers.
•CASA reported 9 active cases (14 children) in Waller County and said cases are more complex since 2021 law changes narrowed removal criteria.
•Commissioners praised the outreach and recognized the extension’s role supporting small businesses.
•DA explained workload and need for civil and victim services support; GIS need tied to Enterprise Tyler data fields for dispatch.
•Developer committed to monetary contribution per linear foot for right-of-way; commissioners required prohibitions on build-to-rent/multifamily.
•Engineer described right-of-way dedication, detention and intersection realignment to address a skewed intersection at Kickapoo and FM 1488.
•Engineering amendments described additional survey/drainage tasks and coordination for shared detention ponds.
•Extension highlighted partnership-based programming and measured outputs including business academy graduates and housing-fair attendance.
•June collections for combined jurisdictions and a motor-vehicle breakdown were presented.
•No follow-up questions were raised and the report was received for the record.
•Public speaker Joe Garcia requested a 60-day delay to study cemetery impacts and deed history.
•Treasure reported charity account balance and described planned recurring purchases for children.

Decisions

•40-foot variance granted; final plat conditionally approved pending the no-access notation.
•Approvals granted; follow-up paperwork and hiring steps required.
•Plat approved with variances and developer commitments.

Directions

•Applicant to add a plat notation that 'no access shall be maintained off of the Cemetery Road' and the court approved the plat subject to that notation.
•Board to continue volunteer recruitment and outreach; presenters offered to provide commissioners with specifics about the cited 2021 legislative changes at a future date.
•Engineering to manage right-of-way dedication and coordinate on intersection alignment; public-safety contract-deputy agreement to be negotiated later.
•HR and DA to prepare formal salary order; IT/GIS to proceed with recruitment and budget coordination; engineering to implement amended scope and report back.

Jul

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners’ Court approved multiple consent items, discussed a 315‑acre development agreement in Precinct 2, heard public comments about an upcoming voter forum and concerns about data centers, agreed to remain with law firm Husch Blackwell, and approved delegating small refund authority to the parks director.

Discussion Points

•Agreement prohibits build‑to‑rent and requires court approval for multifamily; developer will reimburse county legal expenses up to $25,000.
•Announcement of community voter forum at Bailey Chapel on July 11 at 10:00 a.m.
•Claim that data centers operate as surveillance hubs combining multiple personal data sources.
•Curb and drainage repairs to resolve ponding; expected completion by next Monday.
•Deputy voter registrars will be present to assist with voter registration and updates.
•Developer obligations include dedication of 0.5 right‑of‑way for Sheffield Road, 22‑foot repaving of part of Sheffield Road, wet‑bottom detention, upgraded fencing, and architectural standards.
•Development agreement would allow up to 1,300 lots (969 currently proposed) and sets a lot‑size breakdown (≈33% 40s, 42% 50s, 23% 60s).
•Husch Blackwell requested clarification about file transfers when an attorney left the firm.
•Project nearing completion; Mathis and Dodson to move to third floor in about two weeks.
•Reference to Governor Abbott letter requesting review by the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT.
•Rental fee was $450; renter could not access facility for first hour; staff estimated about $28 per hour for proration.
•Staff recommended delegation of minor operational matters to the parks director to avoid returning routine items to commissioners' court.
•Staff recommended remaining with Husch Blackwell because primary attorneys (including Sandy Gomez) remain at the firm.

Decisions

•Approve prorated refund (amount not specified) and grant delegation to parks director.
•Remain with Husch Blackwell for county legal matters.

Directions

•Authorize parks director to handle routine refunds and operational decisions going forward.
•Staff to provide the agreement to county counsel (Randall Law Offices) for review and invoice developer up to $25,000 for legal costs at plat recordation.

Jun

Commissioners Court Workshop

Budget workshop in Waller County focused on a widening gap between department requests (~$10M) and projected new revenue (roughly $4–5M); commissioners flagged staffing needs, pay parity, road maintenance, GIS investment, rising IT costs, and a July appraisal certification deadline.

Discussion Points

•Appraisal district certification by end of July will determine final revenue available
•Consider contracting or departmental liaisons for cross-department tasks
•Constables face increased civil-process workload and seek pay parity consideration
•County must prioritize department requests and consider staff/contracting trade-offs
•IT must present prioritized capital needs and cost options
•Preserve dedicated GIS staff within Road & Bridge
•Projected $10M in new requests vs $4–5M in new-value revenue
•Retention pressures in sheriff's office due to higher pay in neighboring jurisdictions
•Server and firewall costs have risen substantially compared with prior estimates
•Taxable-value realization lags construction and sale by multiple years
•The county's comprehensive plan is out of date and should be updated

Decisions

•Agenda was approved; no formal budget adoption at this workshop

Directions

•County Engineer to present detailed staffing and cost options to the budget committee
•IT to provide detailed cost scenarios and prioritization for upcoming budget workshops
•Schedule additional budget workshops in August to finalize proposed budget
•Staff to consider lag in revenue realization in budget scenarios and update strategic/thoroughfare plans
•Staff to factor pay parity and constable needs into budget scenarios
•Staff to provide certified appraisal roll figures after July certification and prepare updated revenue scenarios

Jun

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court held a regular meeting that included public comment opposing data centers, a proclamation honoring Katy High School's 2026 softball champions, a public hearing on nominating Tesla for the Texas Enterprise Zone, several infrastructure contract actions, approval of a six-month indigent defense contract to replace a Spanish-speaking attorney, and a decision to absorb $5,000 in overpayments tied to SB22 covering 13 employees.

Discussion Points

•Committee composition and appointment process
•County\u0002s role limited to nominating—not providing funds
•Court congratulated team and invited photos
•Draft order structured to refund amounts already collected
•Explanation of Texas Enterprise Zone program and triple-jumbo designation
•Extent of overpayment: 13 employees, roughly $5,000 total
•Harris County agreed to pay its share
•Loss of Spanish-speaking attorney increased caseload pressure
•Need to extend design through intersection to preserve capacity
•New contractor will provide Spanish-language services for remainder of 2026
•Owens Road extension and bridge change order presented as efficiencies
•Purpose of committee to set standards and accept artwork
•Questions about job thresholds and timeline for Tesla
•Recognition of state championship and coaches' attendance
•Some affected employees no longer employed by county

Decisions

•Court adopted resolution creating the Art Committee
•Court approved items 48 through 50
•Court approved the contract
•Court voted to carry item and implement refunds per order
•Proclamation approved and photo taken
•Public hearing opened and closed; no formal nomination vote recorded in transcript

Directions

•County judge to appoint artist and educator members
•County staff to proceed with local process for nomination as appropriate (no county funding)
•Execute six-month contract for Spanish-speaking indigent defense attorney
•Proceed with amended design, finalize interlocal agreements
•Refund collected amounts and county to absorb remaining difference

Jun

Commissioners Court

Waller County Commissioners Court met June 10, 2026 in Hempstead. The court approved routine items, honored Prairie View A&Ms softball team, appointed James Porter to the Child Welfare Board, and debated whether to advance design documents for a new Justice (courthouse) Tower after presentations on rising costs and revised plans. Staff and consultants also presented an AgriLife/Prairie View extension update and a countywide master drainage plan.

Discussion Points

•Board's role supporting foster children and foster parents noted.
•Collection could cost more than recovery and could create fairness issues.
•Commissioners debated timing, inflation and financing options.
•Commissioners praised community representation.
•Creation of parks line and funding sources; solar-farm $1.5M donation referenced.
•Facilities staff and consultants presented redesigned plan and costs.
•Flukinger agreement includes lot-size caps and developer obligations for detention and roadwork.
•Judges and DA warned of courtroom capacity and case backlogs.
•Modeling assumptions: finished-floor elevation assumptions and 6-inch roadway threshold.
•Next steps: causation analysis, alternative analysis, packaging projects for the state flood plan.
•Overpayments were small in aggregate and spread across current and former employees.
•Porter is a Road & Bridge construction inspector and volunteer service was praised.
•Reinvestment zone will be industrial and may cover substantial acreage.
•Six watershed models run; 17 hot-spot problem areas identified.
•Spec abatement mechanics and amendment to reflect tenants were discussed.
•Team performance and postseason honors cited.

Decisions

•Appointment approved and oath administered.
•Approved parks activation and Flukinger development agreement.
•Approve spec abatements; hearing on reinvestment zone opened/closed.
•Item tabled for later action.
•Proceed to construction documents; GMP to be sought for commissioner approval.
•Proclamation approved.
•Receive presentation; proceed with detailed study and project packaging.

Directions

•Administer oath and add Porter to board membership records.
•Engineering to incorporate developer contributions into mobility projects.
•Finance team to identify funding sources (fund balance, tax notes, bonds, or alternative financing).
•LJA to complete causation review and alternative analysis and provide technical memos; consultants to assist county in preparing projects for state flood-plan scoring.
•Staff to confirm donation timing and include parks line item in upcoming budget work.
•Staff to develop construction documents and return with GMP by December 2026.
•Staff to proceed with statutory designation steps; draft agreements for abatements.
•Table the item until district clerk (Joan) or relevant staff can provide full documentation and recommended options.

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