Falls County Commissioners Court met Sept. 28, 2026, and handled routine county business including approval of budgets, interlocal agreements, several purchases funded by ICE forfeiture funds, posting notice to remove a platted alley, and approval of payments and bonds; most motions passed unanimously.
Discussion Points
•Jeff Jackson reported he is still looking for a haul truck; no purchase authorization recorded.
•Marlin dispatch interlocal approved; Chilton resource officer and ESD #1 interlocal agreements were not received and not acted on.
•Motion to accept the Appraisal District budget initiated by Commissioner Wuebker and approved unanimously.
•Motion to post notice for alley removal initiated by Commissioner Wuebker and approved unanimously.
•Routine approval of minutes, forfeiture report acceptance, bonds approval, and authorization to pay bills and payroll were handled by unanimous motions.
•Use of ICE forfeiture funds for sheriff's office equipment and services was approved without recorded debate.
•Work reports were on the agenda but the administrator was not present for that agenda item.
Decisions
•Actions recorded as approved; supporting financial documentation not printed in minutes.
•Approved Marlin Dispatch interlocal; other interlocal agreements deferred.
•Approved purchases and service agreement funded by ICE forfeiture funds.
•Authorized posting of notice but did not set hearing or timetable.
•Budget accepted; nominations for board candidates were not acted upon.
Falls County held an emergency meeting scheduled for May 11, 2026, to consider a Declaration of Disaster after a notice said a crude oil release affected about 166 acres of rural farmland near Rosebud. The one-item meeting invoked an urgent-posting exception under the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Discussion Points
•Notice states a "substantial amount of crude oil released from a facility" affected approximately 166 acres of rural farmland near Rosebud, Texas.
Falls County Commissioners Court held a special meeting Aug. 8, 2025. The court confirmed public-notice posting, recorded no public comments or elected-official reports, discussed county cell-phone service for sheriff deputies and preliminary items for the 2025–2026 budget, and adjourned at 10:23 a.m.
Discussion Points
•2025–2026 budget line items including detention center and road fund
•Appraisal District budget and fees for payroll processing
•Discussion of adding county-issued cell phones for sheriff deputies
•Potential county charges to school districts for tax assessment/collection
Falls County Commissioners Court held a special meeting Aug. 4, 2025, to review budget requests, discuss adding four staff positions to the draft 2025–26 budget, and approve prior meeting minutes; open enrollment was announced for Aug. 7, 2025.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners discussed adding two road-and-bridge employees and two sheriff's deputies.
•Judge Elliott announced the open enrollment date and location.
•Judge Elliott presented departmental budget requests and led discussion on staffing additions.
Decisions
•Prior meeting minutes approved (motion carried).
Directions
•County Auditor Georgie Patterson to add the four positions to the draft budget and present the revised budget at the Aug. 8, 2025 meeting.
Falls County Commissioners met July 28, 2025, held an executive session on Bridges v. Falls County and authorized a settlement with TAC Risk Pool covering payment; the court approved a series of routine administrative motions including a vape policy for the jail, interlocal tax collection agreements, and a $3,750 CDBG draw request for Chilton.
Discussion Points
•Court consulted with counsel in executive session under Section 551.071 regarding Bridges v. Falls County.
•Multiple routine administrative and procurement items were discussed and approved; PR 105 and approval of minutes were deferred.
Decisions
•All recorded motions carried; approval of minutes deferred.
•Authorization to execute settlement agreement passed.
Directions
•Authorize Judge Elliott to sign settlement; county to issue a public statement; settlement payments to be covered by TAC Risk Pool.
•Bring PR 105 back at next meeting; bring corrected minutes to next meeting.
Falls County Commissioners Court met July 14, 2025, and approved a series of routine administrative and financial actions including a road use agreement with Riverbend Renewables, payments and audit acceptance, software upgrade, and appointments to calculate the 2025 effective tax rates.
Discussion Points
•Auditor suggested adding a March 31 deadline for audit contract deliverables; SB850 noted with a Sept. 1, 2025 effective date and a proposed interlocal amendment to streamline refunds.
•Commissioner Green reported a NextLink line-location concern (Judge to follow up).
•Concern that developer traffic could degrade county roads; agreement intended to assign responsibility for repair or compensation.
Falls County Commissioners Court held its June 23, 2025 meeting, approved the county's TAC HEBP 2026 renewal and several interlocal agreements, authorized routine payments and bonds, and heard updates from Road and Bridge about a needed bridge repair on CR 368.
Discussion Points
•CR 368 bridge requires repair and new beam placement.
•Department awaiting insurance on new John Deere blade and scheduling a safety meeting.
•Executive session held under Government Code \u00038551.074 for personnel matters related to TAC HEBP and county human resources.
•Multiple interlocal agreements and routine fiscal items were approved; several road use agreements were discussed but not acted on.
•Posting compliance with Texas Open Meetings Act confirmed by Deputy County Clerk Sharon Scott.
•Road and Bridge needs fiber-optic company contact information to review utility maps.
Decisions
•Approve Buckner Road and Walter Road interlocal agreements.
•Approve payment for indigent cremation and county officials' bonds.
•Approve payment of bills and prior meeting minutes.
•Approve TAC HEBP 2026 renewal.
•Authorize $1,000 for employee luncheon workshops (subject to amendment).
Directions
•County HR to finalize workshop date and report back if costs exceed initial allocation.
•Road and Bridge to obtain contact information for the fiber optic company and proceed with bridge repair planning for CR 368.
•Road and Bridge to obtain fiber company contact information and complete insurance paperwork.
Falls County Commissioners on June 9, 2025 approved creation of the Falls County Reinvestment Zone for Riverbend Renewables and adopted a tax abatement agreement; the court also approved several routine administrative items including a railroad right-of-way sale and a server purchase.
Discussion Points
•Chilton CDBG draw request approved for $16,875
•Commissioners approved reinvestment zone and adopted tax abatement agreement
•NetData/software transition discussed with no action
•Offer accepted to purchase old railroad right-of-way
•Public hearing on reinvestment zone had no public comment
•Road Use Agreement deferred pending colored map and road numbers
•Server purchase approved with use of Records Management funds and data-transfer process explained
Decisions
•Bills and minutes approved
•CDBG draw approved
•Railroad right-of-way sale accepted
•Reinvestment zone approved
•Server purchase approved
•Tax Abatement Agreement adopted
Directions
•Place Road Use Agreement on next agenda with color map and road numbers
•Process right-of-way sale paperwork; execute server purchase and license install; place deferred road-use items on next agenda
Falls County Commissioners Court met May 27, 2025, and approved a $69,273 indigent health care intergovernmental transfer, the Cielo Vista subdivision, an interlocal road-work agreement with the City of Lott, payment of bills and minutes from the prior meeting. Several agenda items were reported as having no action; the meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 9:11 a.m.
Discussion Points
•CHIRP SFY 2026 IGT payment proposed and approved.
•Cielo Vista Subdivision proposed and approved.
•Edoc Technologies, Netdata, NextLink leasing and Project Orion road use agreement recorded with no action.
•Interlocal agreement with City of Lott proposed and approved.
•Proof of posting affirmed; no public comments during public comment period.
Decisions
•Accepted Interlocal Agreement with City of Lott for road work.
•Approved CHIRP SFY 2026 IGT payment of $69,273.00.
•Approved Cielo Vista Subdivision.
•Approved minutes of prior meeting.
•Approved payment of bills, budget amendments and payroll.
Directions
•Members and public directed to contact Road and Bridge Administrator Jeff Jackson for questions about precinct work reports.
Falls County Commissioners Court on May 12, 2025 approved multiple administrative contracts, investment actions and equipment purchases, and declared a 30-day disaster; the court also authorized the county judge to purchase a used motor grader up to $130,000.
Discussion Points
•Judge Elliott requested proof of posting and County Clerk Elizabeth Perez confirmed postings.
•No public comments were recorded.
•Sheriff Jason Campbell requested Strattmont Group for CJIS compliance; Sheriff described the program as covering training and audits.
•Treasurer Sheryl Pringle requested authorization to invest with Texas Class and to invest $50,000 total, split between Texas Class and Texas Star.
Decisions
•Investment of $25,000 to Texas Class and $25,000 to Texas Star approved; investment policy amended to add Texas Class.
•Multiple vendor contracts and procurement actions approved as recorded in actions[].
Directions
•County Judge authorized to purchase a used motor grader up to $130,000 for 90 days if one is found from auction, dealer, or another government entity.
•County staff to execute interlocal agreement with ESC 19 to enable the E-Doc contract.
Falls County Commissioner’s Court unanimously approved multiple service contracts and IT agreements, authorized investments totaling $50,000 split between Texas Class and Texas Star, approved a 30-day disaster declaration, and authorized equipment purchases including a used motor grader up to $130,000 at its May 12, 2025 meeting.
Discussion Points
•Judge Elliott confirmed posting in compliance with Texas Open Meetings Act.
•Sheriff Jason Campbell requested approval of Strattmont Group to manage CJIS compliance.
•Treasurer Sheryl Pringle requested authority to invest $50,000 split between Texas Class and Texas Star.
Decisions
•All recorded motions carried; interlocal with ESC 19 and E-Doc contract approved; 30-day disaster declaration approved.
Directions
•County Judge authorized to approve purchase of used motor grader up to $130,000 for 90 days.
•Treasurer to invest $25,000 each in Texas Class and Texas Star and to update policy to add Texas Class.
Falls County Commissioners Court met April 14, 2025, approved a Chilton CDBG draw request for $25,470, adopted an investment policy and several routine financial and interlocal items, heard a Road & Bridge report and postponed a NextLink lease and a road-use agreement pending receipt of documents. The court adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners directed staff to solicit proposals for a used motor grader via public notice.
•Judge Elliott and the court deferred action on a proposed NextLink lease and a Road Use Agreement from BT Yixon Solar, LLC until documents are received.
•Judge Elliott reported two HOTCOG grants for generators in Reagan and Lott.
•Sheriff Jason Campbell reported an imminent radio-system replacement and Chief Johnson secured a $19,000 HOTCOG grant for CAD upgrade.
Decisions
•Adopted the Falls County Investment Policy and resolution.
•Approved annual permanent school fund distribution for FY 2025.
•Approved Chilton CDBG draw request CDV23-0043 for $25,470.00.
•Approved compensatory time payout for one jail employee.
Falls County Commissioners Court Minutes for MARCH 24, 2025
Falls County Commissioners Court held routine business on March 24, 2025, approving a series of motions on county investments, road and bridge work, grants, equipment purchases, and donations; staff reported on upcoming infrastructure work funded in part by American Rescue Plan and local funds.
Discussion Points
•BT Yixon Solar, LLC road use agreement not yet received.
•BT Yixon Solar road use agreement not yet provided.
•CR 368 bridge work is scheduled to start next week under ARPA funding.
•Judge Elliott announced possible future lease with NextLink.
•NextLink seeks 2–3 acres for a lease near the county annex.
•Treasurer suggested specific renewal durations for investment instruments.
Decisions
•Approved NextLink road cut/bore.
•Multiple routine fiscal and administrative motions were approved.
Falls County Commissioners Court Minutes for MARCH 10, 2025
Falls County Commissioners Court met March 10, 2025, approving a range of routine administrative measures including a park management contract, four new jailer positions, various Road & Bridge equipment purchases and a petition to close CR 409C; a proposed Energiekontor reinvestment-zone hearing was postponed.
Discussion Points
•A petition to close CR 409C was accepted by vote.
•Bahia Pipeline requested CR 485 and CR 383 be added to a road-use agreement and planned to document roads.
•Court approved adding four jailers with March 16, 2025 start date.
•Energiekontor reinvestment-zone matters postponed to a later date.
•Equipment needs for Road & Bridge were identified and approved by the court.
•Matthew Bell appointed to ESD #3.
•Park management proposal from Johnny Seiley accepted.
•Proof of posting for Open Meetings Act satisfied by County Clerk.
•The court recorded that the public hearing and all Energiekontor related items were moved to a later date.
Decisions
•Multiple motions carried to approve contracts, purchases, payments and appointments; Energiekontor-related items were postponed.
•No action taken on reinvestment-zone designation, road-use agreement, or tax-abatement adoption at this meeting.
•Petition to close CR 409C accepted; equipment purchases authorized.
Directions
•County Clerk to record the ESD #3 appointment and notify the district.
•County Clerk to reschedule the hearing and republish required notices under Chapter 312.
•Road & Bridge to document road conditions and proceed with procurement and closure follow-up tasks.
•Road & Bridge to document roads for Bahia Pipeline and follow purchase procedures for approved equipment.
Falls County Commissioners Court Minutes for FEBRUARY 24, 2025
Falls County Commissioners Court met Feb. 24, 2025. The court heard a broadband presentation from Goextele, approved several routine items including a road bore, election-equipment upgrades and software, accepted a tax-abatement application, approved a criminal-justice grant resolution, processed ESD #3 resignations and an appointment, and heard a Road & Bridge report on upcoming bridge work and equipment needs.
Discussion Points
•Acceptance of the Riverbend Renewables application is procedural and not an abatement approval.
•Bridge work on CR 257 scheduled to start first week of March.
•BT Yixon Solar road-use agreement deferred until additional roads are added.
•Lonnie Johnson presented Goextele’s broadband capabilities for Falls County and the City of Marlin.
•Multiple routine procurement and administrative motions were approved and recorded as 'motion carried'.
•No technical specifications, costs, or contract terms were recorded in the transcript.
•Road & Bridge has equipment in hand and is seeking additional vehicles.
Decisions
•No formal vote to sign Bahia Pipeline agreement during the meeting; administrator will sign after meeting with company.
•Several motions carried to advance administrative and procurement steps.
Directions
•Road and Bridge to add roads to BT Yixon Solar agreement before it returns to the court.
Falls County Commissioners Court Minutes for February 10, 2025
Falls County Commissioners Court met Feb. 10, 2025, approved a series of routine administrative items including budgets, leases, contracts and appointments, authorized a request for proposals for Falls on the Brazos Park, and appointed Scott Hoelscher to ESD #3.
Discussion Points
•BOOT II and Nextlink effort to extend broadband coverage noted by County Judge Elliott.
•Road & Bridge updates from Jeff Jackson on blades, bridge schedules and foreman retirement.
•Sheriff Campbell conducting a staffing study for jailer needs.
Decisions
•Multiple motions approved as recorded in the minutes; Scott Hoelscher appointed to ESD #3; agreement with DFPS authorized to establish a Child Welfare Board.
Directions
•Authorize RFP for Falls on the Brazos Park management; draft and publish by mid-March.
•Process ATLIS IGT payment and copier leases; notify appointee to ESD #3 and file paperwork.
Falls County Commissioners Court Minutes for January 31, 2025
Falls County Commissioners Court held a routine meeting Jan. 13, 2025, approving several administrative items, authorizing reinvestment of two maturing CDs, accepting reports, and appointing Ben Perry to the Heart of Texas Housing Finance Corporation board.
Discussion Points
•Chilton Annex occupancy update; locksmith needed for repairs
•Consideration of reinvesting two maturing CDs totaling $373,000
•Road & Bridge auction scheduling and equipment exchange
Decisions
•Multiple motions approved as recorded; vote tallies not specified in minutes.
Directions
•Road & Bridge Administrator to schedule auction and return with dated notice
Falls County Commissioners Court Minutes for January 27, 2025
Falls County Commissioners Court on Jan. 27 approved new tax-abatement guidelines and a tax-abatement amendment for a solar project amid resident concerns, accepted a proposed confidential settlement with Young Livestock Ranch, and approved multiple grants, contracts and fiscal actions including a $103,203.09 IGT payment.
Discussion Points
•County has not yet received road use agreement for the BT Yixon Solar project; item deferred.
•County held a closed executive session to receive legal advice regarding pending litigation involving Young Livestock Ranch.
•County Treasurer recommended investing pilot payments in a one-year CD.
•Multiple routine contracts, grants and equipment purchases were approved without extended debate.
•Resident request to notify adjacent property owners regarding development was made by Wally Burns and accepted for inclusion as an amendment to abatement guidelines.
•Residents raised questions about abatement term length (10 years vs. 5-year depreciation) and presence of energy storage at BT Yixon Solar site.
•Upon return to open session, the court accepted a proposed settlement and made the settlement confidential until final agreement.
Falls County Commissioners Court held a routine December 18, 2024 meeting that approved several interlocal agreements and routine business, set 2025 meeting dates, and directed staff to seek an itemized quote for a courtroom sound system; no public comments were received.
Discussion Points
•An interlocal agreement with the City of Golinda was moved and carried.
•Court reporter reported not hearing proceedings clearly in the district courtroom.
•Judge Elliott requested itemized quotes for a replacement sound system.
•Proof of posting under the Texas Open Meetings Act was confirmed by County Clerk Elizabeth Perez.
•Southern Health Partners was approved though the minutes do not specify contract details.
•The court requested an itemized quote for a district courtroom sound system after a court reporter reported hearing problems.
•Treasurer Sheryl Pringle said some inventories remain outstanding.
Decisions
•Adopted 2025 Commissioners Court dates; approved interlocal agreement with City of Golinda; approved Southern Health Partners; approved payment of bills and payroll; approved one county official's bond; approved prior meeting minutes.
Directions
•Staff to obtain and present an itemized quote for a new district courtroom sound system.
•Staff to obtain an itemized quote for the district courtroom sound system.
