Howard County Commissioners Court met Nov. 9, 2026. The court heard a presentation from Public Power Pool on electricity procurement and reported $189,286 in savings since 2018; approved a resolution opposing unfunded state mandates; lifted the county burn ban; discussed library renovations and handicap parking; tabled acceptance of the county treasurer's resignation pending bond questions; approved routine financial items and a budget amendment; and received road and fleet updates.

Discussion Points

•Board authorized seeking pricing for up to 10 years but only 3-year prices met ceilings on June 25, 2025
•Champion Energy Services awarded lowest bid for a 3-year fixed price covering 2026\u00012028 at 5.72 cents/kWh
•Commissioners noted limited state reimbursement (7% cited for appointed-attorney costs)
•Concern about handicap parking on top of basement causing leaks
•Judge cautioned continued safe burning practices
•Judge described examples of state mandates that create local cost (courts, indigent defense)
•Judge read the resolution language and asked for a vote
•P3 may pursue additional years if market prices fall below ceiling targets
•P3 reported $189,286 in savings since joining in 2018
•Private donors funded the renovation
•Punch-list work remains; final payment not requested
•Recent precipitation and volunteer fire department input justified lifting ban
•Ribbon-cutting/open house set for Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.

Decisions

•Burn ban lifted, motion passed 4-0
•No action required this meeting; follow-up to be scheduled as needed
•No formal county action required at this meeting (informational presentation)
•Resolution 2026-10 approved unanimously

Directions

•P3 to notify commissioners before pursuing market transactions for additional contract years
•P3 will provide updated HB 3693 report in spring when 2026 consumption data are complete
•Staff to coordinate with city inspector and engineers on ADA-compliant parking relocation and ramp options
•Staff to share resolution with state associations and media

Oct

Commissioners' Court Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court covered library computer replacements and renovation change orders, grant application permissions for the library, approval of a $96,225.51 contractor payment with $3,860 retainage, acceptance of an HVAC repair bid pending signature, approval to seek outside counsel in the J.R. Avalos lawsuit, floodplain permitting and 25th Street drainage planning work, several purchase requests and personnel promotions, and creation of a fleet manager assistant position.

Discussion Points

•0.5 Associates proposed a 60% plan to fit current budget with remainder in next fiscal year.
•Commissioners asked to be consulted before applying for grants with matching obligations.
•Commissioners confirmed the annual nature of the resolution.
•Commissioners debated whether permit fees could and should recover outside-review costs.
•Commissioners discussed installing interior decorative film first and only adding exterior tint if needed.
•Commissioners discussed procurement rules and insurance involvement.
•Court agreed to pay contractor $96,225.51 while leaving $3,860 retainage to motivate completion.
•Court reserved substantive attorney-client details for executive session as required by law.
•Judge explained the program and historical reimbursement rate (~7–8%).
•Judge summarized that multiple suits and amendments were filed naming county and city officials and companies.
•Only a single bidder responded after two solicitations.
•Staff explained glass tint mismatch and proposed exterior tinting change order ($4,270.62).
•Staff listed multiple grant opportunities and noted some are matching grants.
•Staff recommended acceptance contingent on signed commitment from the vendor to hold the price.
•The county lacks an implemented floodplain permitting process from the 2013 order; consultant proposed developing a system and application forms for roughly $30,000.

Decisions

•Accept the lone bid pending signature
•Approve change order and near-final payment with retainage held
•Approved proceeding with the 60% road plan and the floodplain-permit development contract at the presented maximum amounts, with scope refinement to follow.
•Approved seeking outside counsel
•Authorized staff to pursue listed grants subject to matching-fund notification
•Resolution approved, staff may apply for grant

Directions

•Authorize county staff to solicit outside counsel per procurement rules.
•Require vendor signature to enforce quoted price before final award.
•Staff to file the resolution and complete application paperwork.
•Staff to forward engineering report and punch-list documentation to commissioners.
•Staff to meet with consultant to sharpen scope and try to negotiate costs down.
•Staff to prepare applications and flag any matching requirements for commissioner review.
•Staff to procure quotes for public computer replacements and return with bid recommendations.
•Staff to research legal authority and prepare a recommended fee schedule to recover review costs where feasible.

Oct

Commissioners' Court Meeting

Howard County commissioners met to approve routine budget and procurement items, set the countyChristmas 2027 courthouse closure (Dec. 23-24), hear a roadway maintenance report from the county road engineer, accept several interlocal/lease/grant agreements in closed session, and table a library computer purchase and a drainage plan for further review.

Discussion Points

•A commissioner recommended making audit reports easy to find on the county website.
•Collapsed subgrade on a multi-mile segment requires replacement structures and flowable backfill.
•Commissioner requested additional review time and that a specific reviewer see the plans.
•Commissioners discussed pay-period and operational impacts of closing on the selected days.
•Discussion about adding the Election Center as an election-day location in the future.
•Ditching, patching, and seal-coat prep underway on multiple county roads.
•Engagement letter presented with a modest fee increase.
•Library computer purchase was postponed because staff were absent and a technology plan was requested.
•Names for judges were provided by party chairs.
•Retention of $95,814 will be held until architect confirms project completion.
•Staff indicated the plans had been updated but some pieces required further 'sharpening' of cost estimates.
•Staff survey showed approximately even split on preferred two-day sequences around Christmas.

Decisions

•25th drainage plans tabled.
•Appointments approved; notice signed.
•Approve CR-14 work and proceed with water-truck purchase.
•Approved courthouse closure Thursday Dec. 23 and Friday Dec. 24, 2027.
•Engagement letter approved.
•Retention maintained; computer purchase tabled.

Directions

•Admin to post audit report location on website.
•County HR to publish final calendar and payroll guidance.
•Elections Office to file signed appointment forms and required notice.
•Library to provide one-page technology plan ahead of next meeting.
•Proceed with contracted engagement.
•Proceed with CR-14 work and procure budgeted water truck.
•Staff to circulate updated plans to the reviewer and return the item to a future agenda.

Sep

Commissioners' Court Meeting

Howard County commissioners heard a presentation from the National Weather Service about relocating a NOAA Weather Radio transmitter to the county-owned South Mountain tower, approved several interlocal and procurement items including a digital case-management agreement for Stanton and a $12,540 breath-alcohol testing service with Midland College, adopted the 2027 regular meeting schedule and holidays, and approved the county clerk's annual archive plan and destruction of duplicate nonhistorical records. Commissioners formed a two-commissioner subcommittee to negotiate the NOAA/NOAA radio site details.

Discussion Points

•Agreement allows Stanton access to evidence, case tracking and scheduling in shared software.
•A purchaser presented a purported title-correction request; outside counsel advised not signing individual corrections and instead recommended consolidated research.
•Clerk will verify each volume/page in digital archive before shredding duplicates.
•Commissioners asked about alternative vendors; staff lacked a definitive competitive list.
•Concerns about security inside the county communications building and potential need for separate NWS shelter and separate power.
•Consultant identified MetLife as an available policy; premium is age-based and for the person discussed is about $314/month.
•County is required to provide certain coverage for retirees for up to three years, capped at $100,000.
•County previously retained mineral values on some tax-deed sales for a short time; an attorney-general opinion advised counties not to retain mineral values.
•Historical records (pre-1950) and criminal judgments with fingerprints must be preserved in original or by statute.
•Legal counsel guidance emphasized the notice difference between regular meetings (three business days) and emergency meetings (short notice limited to emergencies).
•Midland College provides calibration/inspection services; estimated cost $12,540.
•NWS presented scope, coverage (~50-mile radius) and access limits (4 authorized personnel).
•NWS warned transmitter could be relocated if no county agreement; building own shelter would increase approval cost and could delay service.
•Packet lists Stanton as paying 0.2 of the total amount; staff to confirm revenue recognition and invoice flow.
•Recording fees fund the archive account and pay for storage and records-management staffing.
•Shorter schedule suggested to reduce public confusion about cancellations and meeting notices.

Decisions

•Agreement approved by voice vote.
•Approved interlocal agreement as presented.
•Archive plan approved; destruction of duplicate/nonhistorical records authorized with verification safeguards.
•Court approved the shorter schedule and holiday list.
•Creation of two-commissioner subcommittee; proceed with site survey and sample agreement review.
•MetLife policy approved and funding source identified.
•No immediate corrective action; authorized research estimate request.

Directions

•County attorney to research all potentially affected properties, coordinate with the city, and provide an estimate of scope and cost before further action.
•NWS to provide site survey and sample agreement language; county attorney to review draft interlocal/MOU.
•Proceed with staged verification and use existing monthly shredding service where feasible; bring back any unusual costs or special shredding requests.
•Publish adopted calendar and use internal alternate dates for planning; county attorney to advise on notice requirements.
•Purchase MetLife coverage now; fund initial premium from reserves/contingency; set up budget line and tracking for future retiree expirations.
•Staff to confirm invoicing and revenue records and return with clarifications if discrepancies are found.
•Staff to finalize contract with Midland College and schedule inspection.
•Subcommittee of two commissioners to meet with NWS and sheriff's office representatives to negotiate details.

Sep

Commissioners' Court Workshop Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court held a public hearing and adopted the FY2026–27 budget and a no-new-revenue tax rate after public comment; multiple agenda items including library renovation payouts, roadway maintenance updates, interlocal agreements and closed-session negotiations were also handled.

Discussion Points

•Agreement covers submission of offense reports and cost allocation.
•Auditor adjustments changed projected beginning and ending fund balances.
•City attorney requested removal of indemnification clause; prosecutor's office had no objection.
•Commenters cited fixed incomes, rental impacts and perceived service shortfalls.
•Commissioners debated using fund balance versus raising tax rate.
•Completed 2026 seal-coat in Precinct 1; Midway and County Road 54 incomplete due to rock shortage/time constraints.
•County plans $3,000 per employee increases included in budget.
•Project close to completion; punch-list items remain.
•Project funded with $1,000,000 in donations and grants, not tax money.
•Public commenters urged no tax increase and asked commissioners to prioritize lean spending.
•Recommended award to Parks Fuel at $35,130.
•Three closed-session topics: airport-lease with Interstate Steel; interlocal agreements for fire and ambulance services with City of Big Spring.

Decisions

•Adopt FY2026–27 budget as amended and adopt no-new-revenue tax rate 0.383496 per $100.
•Approve bulk-fuel contract award.
•Approve contractor payout.
•Approve interlocal agreement.
•No action taken in open session on those items.

Directions

•Staff to verify worksheet component numbers (M&O and debt) prior to recording final votes.

Aug

Commissioner's Court Meeting

Howard County commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed 2026–27 budget and heard multiple public commenters urging a lower tax rate; the court postponed votes on the budget and related tax-rate items and approved several administrative items including a library change order, a burn ban, road and fleet updates, and vendor awards for jail pharmaceuticals.

Discussion Points

•Administrative payee name change to LLC (SureCare) for Ryan Williams’ services.
•Change order covers window film and ADA pedestal.
•Court emphasized the published rate may be lowered but not increased after posting.
•Court sought to reduce ignition risk and protect infrastructure.
•Explanation of why year-end 'unassigned' balance is subsequently assigned for next year's operating needs.
•How falling mineral appraisal values raise no‑new‑revenue tax rates.
•IHS’s dispensing fees and generic availability were favorable in staff's analysis.
•Library renovation funded by donations, not tax dollars.
•Multiple fires and an 'extremely dry' KBBI rating motivated the request.
•On‑site clinician reduces ER transports and county costs.
•Request for constituents to contact state officials about sunset review of circuit breaker law.
•Residents expressed concern the 44¢ proposed tax rate is unaffordable given rising groceries, gas and utilities.
•Speakers asked whether reserves could cover expenses so taxes needn't rise.
•Specific road and fleet issues (tractor repair, County Road 46 reclamation, seal coat scheduling).
•Traffic‑count units capture speed/volume but no images; data export available and counts inform speed limit review.
•Two bids received (IHS and Diamond); Diamond's bid breakdown was unclear and there were past delivery concerns.

Decisions

•90‑day burn ban approved.
•Adoption of the budget was tabled until Sept. 14.
•Contract award to IHS Pharmacy approved by the court.
•Court will continue reviewing numbers and may propose a lower rate if justified.
•No formal action required; informational briefing only.
•Payment approved; library reopening in near term.
•Physician agreements approved unanimously.

Directions

•Emergency Services to publicize the ban and enforcement details.
•Facilities staff to finish remaining work and announce reopening details.
•None (informational).
•Purchasing to finalize contract terms and ensure timely delivery to the detention center.
•Purchasing to update contract paperwork.
•Road engineer to continue counts, coordinate with landowners for structure work and report back on results.
•Staff to prepare additional budget detail for next meeting (Sept. 14).

Jul

Commissioner's Court Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court reviewed routine county business, heard updates on a library renovation, juvenile probation budget filing, road maintenance and safety work, approved interlocal inmate-housing and several purchase requests, and discussed the community response to the announced closure of the Federal Corrections Institute in Big Spring.

Discussion Points

•County faces bed shortages (female inmates highlighted) and rising jail population; sending inmates out can be financially beneficial but has transport/overtime trade-offs.
•County focus groups and workforce coordination efforts are underway; the mayor is designated media point of contact.
•Miss Tubbs explained filing requirements and the need to present to the juvenile board on Aug. 27.
•Miss Tubbs said the local match increased under state calculations by roughly $29,000.
•Progress reported on restroom tile/grout and painting; asbestos abatement completed in two former storage rooms; shelving moves require closure.
•Rehab on County Road 17 and repairs to failing segments on State Road 40 using caliche; traffic counts underway.
•The Bureau of Prisons announced the facility closure; county and other local leaders are seeking more information and reconsideration.
•TxDOT will add 'stop ahead' signs on roads entering Highway 87; possible removal of direct crossovers if crashes continue.

Decisions

•Commissioners unanimously approved moving forward with the interlocal agreement.
•Commissioners voted to accept the financials as presented to create a record of filing.
•County to close building for about 2–2.5 weeks starting ~Aug 3 (approximate).
•No formal county action taken at this meeting; continued outreach and focus-group work.
•No formal county vote; informational update and continued monitoring.

Directions

•Authorize judge and sheriff to sign interlocal agreement with Scurry County and monitor effects.
•County to cooperate with TxDOT on sign installation and perform site-distance improvements where possible.
•File the proposed budget with the commissioners court and present to juvenile board on Aug. 27.
•Library staff to provide phone contact and off-site meeting options during building closure; county to post details on Facebook.
•Public to route ideas and inquiries to the mayor’s office for coordinated responses.
•Record acceptance of the filing as an information/documentation item.

Jul

Commissioners' Court Meeting

July 13 Howard County Commissioners Court approved contracts with West Texas Centers, accepted three tax-deed bids, approved library construction payments and a change order, passed budget amendments to cover appraisal and school-district allocations, approved personnel and invoice reports, and discussed election equipment upgrades.

Discussion Points

•An asbestos abatement notification fee of $57 must be paid to the state; change order to reconstruct unstable wall and reduce room height to 7 feet was explained.
•Appraisal district payment required additional budget appropriation.
•Contractor payout amount $103,254.37 and architect invoice of $5,552.60 were presented.
•Court reviewed contracts and MOUs with West Texas Centers; workshop earlier provided background.
•Funds earmarked for school-district sheriff deputy support were split into two separate line items for proper allocation.
•Multiple items were discussed and approved across finance, personnel, property sales and capital projects.
•Purchase of three tablets using Chapter 19 funds to serve a new polling location was explained.
•The Chair explained sales arise after multiple taxing entities enforce tax-deed procedures.
•Three parcels were offered and the highest bidders were read into the record.
•Vendor software changes require remaining tablets to be upgraded for compatibility; elections staff requested permission to use election funds for upgrades.
•West Texas Centers representative emphasized diversion program benefits and cost savings to taxpayers.

Decisions

•Accept bids and proceed with sale documentation
•Approve budget amendments
•Approve contracts and MOUs with West Texas Centers (motion passed)
•Approve payments and change order
•Request recorded; no formal vote recorded in the provided excerpt.
•See individual motions and approvals listed in the article body.

Directions

•Public will be notified of short-term building closure during specific work

Jun

Commissioners' Court Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court discussed Opportunity Zones nominations, approved a 5-year Time Clock Plus licensing agreement, advanced library renovation changes after asbestos and structural issues were found, approved personnel and purchase items, accepted a $9,030 EOCCP refund, authorized several disbursement agreements and bid solicitations, and heard roadway and fleet updates.

Discussion Points

•Asbestos was found beneath tile layers; an unstable clay/brick dividing wall must be rebuilt; venting limits ceiling height to 7 feet in some new rooms.
•County to haul ~300 tons of milling from TxDOT and use RAP and emulsion for stabilization on County Road 13.
•Miss Sankey raised that three census tracts in Big Spring are eligible for Opportunity Zones 2.0 and that the nomination packet is due this week.
•Staff presented list of disbursements; the presiding official said groups receiving over approximately $6,000 should be asked to meet the court for review.
•Staff presented vendor pricing and contract length tradeoffs; vendor offered 0% increases first three years and 2% thereafter under a five‑year deal.

Decisions

•Approved disbursement agreements including victim services; West Texas Centers will bring contracts later.
•Approved moving forward with the renovation changes discussed; staff to return with change-order amounts.
•Authorized proceeding with five‑year pricing as presented.

Directions

•Proceed with reclaimer stabilization and monitor contractor scheduling.
•Staff to approve checks and invite agencies (where required) to appear for financial review.
•Staff to circulate nomination materials and notify commissioners who the county representative will be.
•Staff to include acoustical insulation options and draft change orders with cost estimates for commissioner review.
•Staff to verify exit penalties and terms and return with finalized paperwork before signing.

Jun

Commissioners' Court Meeting

Howard County commissioners discussed site preparation for two new backup generators, approved routine personnel and purchasing items, accepted a surplus-auction request, agreed to join a regional weather-modification agreement, and approved a road-stabilizer purchase; they recessed to a budget workshop.

Discussion Points

•Action sets the county representative and allows participation at committee level
•Chair introduced personnel report; commissioners treated it as routine
•Coordinate utility-line locates and gas-line checks before final pad layout
•County procedure requires posting and bidding to establish market value
•Debate over fencing height and gate type to preserve clerk's-office sight lines
•Need to remove existing metal building and older generator; pour new pad sized for two 12-foot generators
•Product reduces dust and holds road material together in heavy rain
•Quote and product use described; county has storage tank
•Request to auction an old copier and other surplus items
•Traffic counters and free base material identified for other repairs
•Updated bylaws provided and discussed

Decisions

•Motion approved to accept personnel report
•Motion approved to enter into agreement and bylaws
•Motion approved to proceed with auction
•Motion approved to purchase stabilizer
•No formal vote on fencing; proceed with equipment removal and return with recommendations

Directions

•Auditor to manage postings and auctions
•Authorize representative to vote/act at the committee
•Bring back items requiring exceptions
•Execute signature documents after partner approvals
•Road & Bridge to purchase stabilizer and schedule applications
•Road & Bridge to remove existing equipment and coordinate with vendor on slab inclusion; perform utility locates and dig test prior to final pad layout
•Staff to report back on results for prioritized segments

May

Rescheduled Commissioners Court Meeting

Howard County Commissioners met for their regular June session where they opened with a prayer and pledges, recognized outstanding students including Bergen Kingley, approved routine fiscal items (tax deed parcels, personnel report, invoices, budget amendments, purchase requests), heard a 4‑H travel funding request, and received a roadway maintenance and fleet update. The court also read a slate of potential grand jury community members and discussed scheduling for a June 8 workshop.

Discussion Points

•Alternates listed because community members may opt out.
•Bergen Kingley described her recruitment and college plans.
•Bradley explained itinerary (Lubbock then College Station), team members, chaperone requirement and itemized cost lines.
•Commissioner advocated retaining traditional mixed panel with county officers plus three community members.
•Commissioner Berry described academic and extracurricular criteria for county student recognition.
•Commissioner moved to accept the sales; motion seconded and approved by voice vote.
•Commissioners asked clarifying travel route questions and approved the purchase request.
•Contractors encountered a second layer of asbestos tile during library restroom conversions requiring additional abatement.
•FuelCloud app introduced for fueling with PINs and odometer entries; camera monitors at least one fueling station.
•Judge described the district court process for tax deed sales and noted at least one parcel appeared unimproved.
•Judge estimated additional removal costs around $5,000–$6,000; exact amount pending email from construction team.
•Judge explained statutory timeline and committee composition options.
•Judge read the list of names who served on grand jury in the prior calendar year.
•Judge referenced an email from staff explaining specific budget adjustments.
•Juvenile probation office requested window laminate for privacy and some ballistic/retardant properties following a threat review.
•Personnel report items and invoices were reviewed; budget amendments were explained as reallocations to cover expenses in appropriate line items.
•Pettus Road rehab used a reclaimer and was refinished; widening planned on FM 1205 in Precinct 2.
•Six fallen trees closed Solange Road temporarily; county worked with a landowner to pile debris and arrange a burn/cleanup.

Decisions

•County will recognize Bergen Kingley; she will be presented with certificates and photographs and will travel to Austin for a state recognition on June 26.
•Court approved acceptance of the two tax‑deed parcels.
•Informational update; no votes required.
•Names recorded for future use; no further action taken.
•No action to create the committee today; slate of community nominees was read for record and to prepare in case a grievance demand arises.
•No change order was approved at the meeting; staff will return with finalized cost and formal change order documentation.
•Personnel report accepted; invoices authorized for payment; budget amendments approved by voice vote.
•Purchase requests to support travel were approved by voice vote.

Directions

•Staff to obtain quotes and proceed with juvenile office window laminate procurement as approved.
•Staff to prepare a change order and provide exact cost via email to commissioners.

May

Commissioners' Court Meeting

Howard County commissioners held a routine meeting that included recognition of outstanding local high school students, routine consent-agenda approvals (personnel, invoices, budget amendments, purchase requests), approval of the Marita Ranch subdivision application, road maintenance and fleet fuel-system updates, and scheduling of upcoming budget workshops and a June easement discussion.

Discussion Points

•Ash rehab complete on County Road 19, FM 2230 and Moore School Road.
•Budget workshop scheduled for 18th–19th at 9 a.m. in Room 208.
•Fleet fuel-system upgrade completed and functioning.
•June 8 meeting to include easement agreement with Big Spring Sand.
•No public comments were received.
•Quorum limitations for payment processing were noted because the judge and Commissioner Wagner were absent.
•Staff confirmed approvals from Cameron Walker and Brian Klinsick.
•Students’ academic ranks, AP credits, and athletic honors were presented.
•Widening projects on County Road 48 and FM 1205 toward State Highway 350 pending materials.

Decisions

•Consent agenda and associated items approved by voice vote.
•Subdivision plat approved by voice vote.

Apr

Commissioner's Court Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court met to consider claiming unclaimed property from the state comptroller, review library construction budget items, accept a constable resignation, approve invoices and budget amendments, authorize a phone-system purchase for dispatch, review roadway maintenance and fleet surplus, and discuss mutual-aid radio problems with Martin County.

Discussion Points

•Budget amendments proposed to cover overtime and increased psych evaluations.
•Debt service line budgeted $20,000 less than payment due this year; possible contingency use and longer-term refinancing to be considered.
•Encore placed a pole within 4 feet of pavement (inside 12-foot clear zone) and will move it; county emphasized clear-zone liability rules.
•Estimated cost roughly $192/month for 60 months; city to pay ~60% share and county ~40%.
•Haul-out and rehab schedules for Precinct 1; Overton widening completed; driveways and patching scheduled; coordination with Hough engineering on drainage.
•Judge explained the process to claim unclaimed funds and stressed statutory limits on their use.
•Kickoff meeting scheduled with construction owners and administrators; insurance and bond paperwork outstanding.
•Legal option exists to remove precinct after seven years of dormancy; reopening requires court approval and election.
•List included units from sheriff and county fleet; proceeds from sheriff-purchased vehicle to be returned to sheriff.
•Martin County reported inability to hear Howard County dispatch on the new radio system; some responders could only hear a single person and could not reach dispatch.
•Non-911 city calls were dropping when routed into county law enforcement lines; vendor recommended a cellular-failover device.
•Possible fixes include tower adjustments, programming to analog/other frequencies, or cost-sharing for upgrades.
•Purple Wave had prior listing errors; staff will tighten vendor controls.
•Residence distribution in Precinct 1 is minimal; precinct may be dormant.

Decisions

•Approved budget amendments; follow-up tasks assigned to finance staff.
•Auction authorization approved by voice vote.
•Motion to file claim approved by voice vote.
•No formal action taken; informational and scheduling direction given.
•No formal vote; operational directions given to public-works staff.
•Purchase authorized; staff to proceed with installation and billing arrangements.
•Resignation accepted; vacancy to be handled in upcoming election.
•Staff to schedule and hold diagnostic meeting and report back.

Directions

•Forward resident calls to Trent for faster complaint handling; coordinate with the city for drainage/detention solutions.
•Install device, coordinate with city on billing, and invoice city for its share.
•Monitor debt schedule; identify refinancing/advisory contacts; adjust budget lines as needed.
•Monitor vacancy and place on November ballot as part of regular election process.
•Proceed to auction with improved vendor oversight.
•Radio staff to set up a meeting with Martin County and relevant regional stakeholders; include at least one commissioner in the meeting.
•Staff to complete comptroller paperwork; county auditor to track uses.
•Staff to ensure insurance and bonds are provided and to withhold payment until bond documentation is received.

Apr

Commissioners' Court Workshop Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court met to approve a library renovation contract, join a tax increment reinvestment zone with Big Spring, extend a grant-writer contract, accept the county audit, authorize spending and budget transfers for elections equipment, consider a jail reentry/substance-use grant application, approve a seal-coat change order for road work, and schedule budget workshops.

Discussion Points

•Auditor read the opinion and summarized key statement figures and favorable variances.
•Chair framed the interlocal as a starting tool for ED recruitment and warned that larger prospects could prompt further incentive discussions.
•Commissioner concerns about consultant workload and staff time required to support grant applications.
•Commissioners asked procedural questions about publication and acceptance steps.
•Commissioners noted competitiveness of federal grants and staff oversight needs for reporting.
•Commissioners requested a clean copy for signatures and discussed logistics for moving library materials.
•Commissioners requested documentation and a paper trail so transfers are auditable.
•Discussion focused on whether election fund balance ($340,000) covers software and equipment bills and on flexibility to reclassify capital to maintenance.
•Presenter emphasized peer provider model, training, service linkages to court/diversion programs and the absence of a local match requirement.
•Staff clarified the proposed fee ($2,000/month county portion) and the contingency if the city declines to participate.
•Staff explained contract exhibits, insurance and bond requirements, and contractor timeline (120 days vs requested 180 days).
•Staff explained TIRZ term, percentage (20%), and capped amount ($356,899.60).

Decisions

•Approved invoices; approved $38,000 transfer to machine maintenance fund; purchase requests approved.
•Contract with Roland McCrory Construction approved; notice-to-proceed set to agreement date when clean copy available.
•Court accepted the audit report unanimously.
•Court approved pursuing the BJA grant application.
•Court approved TIRZ participation and appointed Commissioner Ray as representative (abstained).
•Six-month extension approved at $2,000/month conditional on city sharing cost.

Directions

•Economic Development Corporation to use the baseline in recruitment and staff to complete interlocal paperwork.
•Proceed with application; coordinate auditing and reporting responsibilities with county auditor's office.
•Process invoices after transfer and include documentation at next meeting.
•Require monthly invoices and charge to contractual revenue fund; staff to renegotiate and resubmit a clean contract.
•Revisit funding if the city declines or consultant requests full fee.
•Staff to ensure required postings and include audit acceptance in meeting minutes.
•Staff to obtain clean copy of the contract, circulate for signature, and schedule pre-construction meeting.
•Treasurer and elections staff to move funds, record transfers in packet, and ensure proper coding.

Mar

Commissioner's Court Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court met to consider routine county business including record disposal, project closeouts and pay apps for the law enforcement/dispatch center, tax-deed approvals, grant applications for hazard mitigation, personnel actions, library renovation financing, roadway maintenance updates, a sheriff contract renewal, and a countywide burn ban. Several motions passed unanimously and two items were handled in closed session (general-contractor negotiations and a sick-leave request).

Discussion Points

•Agreement to include alternates and to have staff re-run numbers and confirm contingency sufficiency.
•Base bid and four alternates bring total near or above available funds; commissioners discussed paying architect from capital expenditure line to leave contingency.
•Commissioner Berry moved to adopt a 90‑day burn ban; commissioners discussed permitting processes for necessary burns.
•Commissioners questioned scratched safety glass and punch‑list items; staff noted the sheriff was comfortable with the material and warranty protections remained.
•Commissioners raised litigation-retention concerns; presenter stated no known litigation involving files and that the most recent relevant file was from 2019.
•Commissioners requested paperwork corrections to remove outdated names before submitting documents for recording.
•Court entered closed sessions under Texas Gov. Code §§551.071 and 551.075 for contractor consultation and sick‑leave deliberation.
•Demo on County Road 14 completed; base stabilization underway on Snyder Field Road and Old C City.
•Donation fund reported as approximately $1,072,000 including large family gift, a $100,000 foundation grant and $30,000 from an insurance claim; architectural fees estimated at $185,000.
•Equipment wear parts were replaced and a roller returned to service.
•Grant writer has located funds to hire a consultant; staff anticipate a lengthy process and will wait for award notification.
•No public action was taken on contractor negotiations; sick‑leave request was approved in open session.
•Packet listed contingency total $5,223.06; pay app #7 showed $0 after an adjustment of about $5,200; pay app #8 would release retainage.
•Presenter requested authorization to either transfer or shred closed client files; permanent records remain with district clerk.
•Sheriff reported per‑unit increase to about 3.031 and estimated the change at roughly 3.9%.
•Staff cited elevated KVDI readings and recommended a burn ban.
•Staff described grant application process and the requirement for a 20% match.
•Staff handling insurance/VIN issues on sold vehicles.
•Staff indicated budget can absorb the change; county in‑house provision previously found to be more expensive.
•Staff presented three parcel numbers and noted a possible city-side discrepancy in sale receipts.

Decisions

•Court accepted closeout documents and approved release of retainage.
•Court adopted a countywide 90‑day burn ban effective immediately.
•Court approved tax deeds for the three parcels unanimously.
•Court authorized execution of the agreement.
•Court authorized secure disposal or transfer; motion passed unanimously.
•No action; informational only.
•No action taken; informational briefing only.
•Sick‑leave authorization approved (up to 80 hours).

Directions

•Human Resources to apply up to 80 hours to the employee's record and report back.
•Proceed with retainage release and closeout; staff to continue documenting outstanding warranty items.
•Provide update on parking lot proposal at next meeting.
•Publish burn ban notice and instruct residents to contact fire chief or non‑emergency dispatch for permitted burns.
•Sheriff's office to finalize signature and file executed contract.
•Staff to adjust city paperwork and confirm county parcel numbers prior to recording.
•Staff to pull two files identified for review before final disposition.
•Staff to reconcile line items and return final accounting before contract award.

Mar

Commissioners' Court Regular Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court (March 9, 2026) opened with a Red Cross Month proclamation, approved routine consent items and several contracts, heard road maintenance and fleet updates, approved school resource officer MOUs, and approved an 80-hour sick-leave-pool request following an executive session.

Discussion Points

•Added two dead-end signs and a left-side supplemental no-outlet sign on Bromley Road
•Chapter will run local volunteer recruitment and "Sound the Alarm" campaign
•County Road 14 demonstration using donated material to stabilize 0.5 mile
•Court approved 80 hours upon return to open session
•Court approved both MOUs in a single action
•Dispatch recording conversion device required for recording duties
•Engineer will write procedure for sign usage
•Guaranteed maximum price honored by contractor
•Invoices include retainage for construction projects
•Legal review found inconsistencies in prior MOUs related to search authority and officer role
•Local cots/blankets stored at courthouse for emergencies
•Monthly reports presented from multiple county offices
•MOUs were revised in collaboration with superintendents, school attorneys, county attorney, auditor
•Parcel was posted and sold through online bidding
•Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission grant covered some dispatch items
•Possible small refund expected
•Pump may be under warranty; replacement pulled
•Red Cross serves 19 counties; workforce ~90% volunteer
•Retainage remains on architecture and construction items
•Sick-leave-pool request required discussion of medical records in closed session
•The online vendor/platform referenced for tracking is the place to monitor future sales

Decisions

•Approve 80 hours sick-leave-pool for Commissioner Berry
•Approve updated MOUs for Forsan and Kahoma ISDs
•Informational update accepted
•Monthly reports and invoices approved
•Proclamation signed
•Purchase requests approved except pump
•Signage installed; demo scheduled
•Tax-deed acceptance approved

Directions

•County HR to process sick-leave-pool hours in personnel records
•County to share contact info; Red Cross to coordinate trainings
•Engineer to formalize signage policy and report findings from County Road 14 demo
•None — informational update to continue tracking retainage payments
•Sheriff and schools to finalize executed MOUs and file records
•Staff to verify warranty status for the pump and to coordinate grant invoices

Feb

Commissioners' Court Regular Meeting 2-23-26

Howard County Commissioners heard a presentation from Pettit & Ayala Consulting on a proposed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) for the Crossroads Business Park and authorized staff to enter negotiations with the city; the court approved several procurement and budget adjustments, accepted a $45,000 donation for the sheriff, and approved routine personnel, payroll and invoice items.

Discussion Points

•Chair announced the donation amount and its intended purpose as a partial step toward a purchase.
•Chair clarified timeline and interview scheduling.
•Chair explained wiring and HVAC relocation needs.
•Commissioner Long moved for approval and motion passed.
•Court discussed timing and use of the application for future applicants.
•Court handled a closed-session sick-leave matter under the medical-records exception and approved temporary sick-leave use.
•Engineer requested a 489,000 change order to cover seal coating and related repairs; commissioners discussed budget and grant opportunities.
•Personnel items and invoices were discussed; some auditor paperwork arrived late but items remained within budget.
•Presenters explained TIRZ mechanics and statutory limits; consultants provided conservative revenue and term projections; county members asked about caps, term length, and board representation.
•Travel request approved with a checked-bag exception to save $70.
•Wilkerson confirmed limited editorial changes and that hiring outside counsel was not necessary.

Decisions

•Court authorized entering negotiations (no commitment to participate).
•Donation accepted by court.
•Motion to accept bid and schedule interview passed.
•PCCO #4 adjustments approved from contingency.
•Personnel reports, payroll, invoices approved; sick-leave use authorized until next court meeting; travel request approved with bag exception.
•Three items approved by court; grant application to be pursued.
•Updated guidelines and application approved by court.

Directions

•Auditor and HR to finalize documentation; process travel per approved exception; HR to monitor sick-leave usage and report at next meeting.
•County staff and county attorney to enter negotiations with city and prepare draft interlocal and revised project & financing plan for future consideration.
•Interview with bidder scheduled for March 4 at 10:30 a.m.
•Proceed with contract adjustments and complete close-out paperwork.
•Proceed with the grouped change-order items and pursue federal grant for Centerpoint Road; commissioners to provide letters of support.
•Publish updated guidelines and application; notify applicants and relevant departments.
•Sheriff’s office to apply funds to purchase and report back as needed.

Feb

Commissioners' Court Workshop Meeting

County commissioners heard a presentation and approved a memorandum of understanding to reroute Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) shipments onto a 4‑lane route through Howard County, approved several routine invoices and contracts including a pipeline easement with Medallion, and handled administrative items including personnel and bidding schedules.

Discussion Points

•Approval of invoices for law enforcement center.
•Closed session deliberation on pipeline easement with Medallion.
•Consultants offered HR policy updates, FMLA training, property surveys, and law enforcement risk training.
•Open‑session motion to enter into agreement and accept payment.
•Presenters described WIPP shipments, security and monitoring procedures; suggested reroute to four‑lane roads for safety.
•Presenters noted final route depends on Dawson and Gaines county approvals and New Mexico coordination.
•Road maintenance updates and need for system upgrades for fuel tracking.
•Scheduling and process for library bid opening and review.
•Sharron will relocate; temporary coverage planned until a replacement is named.
•Vendor mailed checks not arriving (4–5 per month) and possible digital payment solutions.

Decisions

•Court approved entering into the Medallion pipeline easement agreement.
•Court approved MOU to reroute secondary WIPP path onto four‑lane roads.
•Invoices approved; library bid opening scheduled with a 9:30 a.m. workshop for review.
•No formal action required; services are recommendations.
•Software renewal and fuel controller replacement approved.

Directions

•County attorney and staff to finalize documentation and recording.
•County staff to coordinate with consultants and treasurer\u0002s office to schedule renewals and training.
•Follow up meetings with neighboring counties and troopers; provide local demonstrations and radiological equipment for training.
•Install fuel controller replacement and report back on performance.
•Staff to explore ACH or card payments and to coordinate with incoming county auditor.
•Staff to prepare bid opening and workshop logistics and to manage vendor communications.

Jan

Media for 1/26/26 Regular Meeting moved for weather

Howard County Commissioners Court met Jan. 28 to approve construction contingency adjustments for the law enforcement center, pass a cybersecurity grant resolution, accept personnel and invoice items, approve a $75,000 donation to the sheriff's mental-health program, review roadwork grant opportunities and fleet fuel system repairs, accept low bids for road work, and approve the 2025 racial profiling report.

Discussion Points

•A 20% local match or in-kind contribution may be required; timelines unclear.
•Bright Asphalt won the emulsion contract after previously placing second.
•CK Newberry won sealcoat again; road engineer expressed confidence in bidders.
•Closed session invoked citing chapter language in the agenda.
•Commissioners moved to accept the low bidders and proceed with award documentation.
•County might spread funding over multiple fiscal years and use existing in-kind labor and equipment to satisfy match.
•Decades-old control unit failed leaving pumps inoperable; manual fuel procedure used as temporary fix.
•Discovery of a concealed wind brace requiring minor structural work and associated costs.
•Dora Roberts Foundation donation of $75,000 earmarked for mental-health officers and related inmate services.
•Funding to come from oil-and-gas budget; staff to add the purchase to the next meeting packet.
•Grant opportunity could supply $69914M in pavement projects, not eligible for federal/state roads.
•Grant timelines and documentation requirements changed, moving application windows and upload tasks.
•Judge noted federal grant certifications require cooperation with immigration detainers in certain circumstances.
•Judge said the numbers do not indicate profiling toward any group based on the data presented, noting white males are the most frequently stopped demographic in the county's experience.
•Project remains on schedule for substantial completion before April, with potential state grant reimbursement for some items.
•Reallocation of contingency funds across owner, contractor and design contingencies to cover the work.
•Resolution names Otis as the designated financial officer in the absence of an auditor.
•Sheriff presented 2025 statistical breakdown of stops and turnovers.
•Vendor DNH quoted a cloud-based replacement at about $12,000.
•West Texas Centers helps with grant support for officers.
•Whether to discuss the sick-leave request in open session or in closed session to protect medical privacy.

Decisions

•Accept low bids and award contracts to Bright Asphalt (emulsion) and CK Newberry (sealcoat).
•Accept the 2025 racial-profiling report.
•Accept the $75,000 donation and record it in county records.
•Adopt resolution to pursue cybersecurity grant and designate Otis as financial officer for application.
•Approve contingency transfers (PCCO #3) to cover the wind brace and related dispatch-area adjustments.
•Commissioners authorized staff to investigate grant rules and timelines and to pursue preliminary outreach.
•Do not extend the sick-leave request beyond prior approval.
•Proceed with temporary manual fueling and bring replacement purchase to upcoming meeting.

Directions

•Add auditor name to future certifications once the position is filled.
•Budget staff (Wanda) to identify funding source in the oil-and-gas budget.
•Handle related personnel records confidentially and document the decision with HR.
•Klintzik to include vendor quote and a purchase request in the next meeting packet.
•Klintzik to obtain the grant rules, timeline and email chain and report back to the commissioners.
•No immediate change orders to this year\u0019s plan; proceed with planned work and capture leftover funds for additional projects if available.
•Public Works to finalize contracts and confirm quantities and schedules with vendors.
•Sheriff's Office to apply funds to mental-health officer program and staff to send a formal thank-you to the donor.
•Sign required pages and file the accepted report.
•Staff to complete the application and upload required documents within the grant timeline.
•Staff to track contingency balances and return if further adjustments are needed.

Jan

Commissioners' Court Workshop Meeting

Howard County Commissioners Court handled routine county business including approval to use an existing MOU for a grant application, construction and insurance updates for county facilities, appointments of outside counsel for a confidential economic development project, several purchase approvals (including a $265,621 pay request to Butler Cohen and a $2,035 BNB Electric requisition), a road department request to buy two radar counters, review of opioid-settlement balances (about $15,900), sick-pool approvals in executive session, and scheduling of follow-up workshops and a February 4 county summit.

Discussion Points

•Benefits of less-visible counters producing authentic speed readings
•Characterization of tiny decimal interests e.g., 0.00005175
•Comparing two law firms' responsiveness and experience
•Coordination on window replacement and observed cross-bracing issues
•Estimated savings of $700 per license
•How county budgets EMS contributions (2/3, 0.333 split)
•Need to avoid filling out electronic-payment sheet prematurely
•Number of orders (12)
•Past purchases from fund (AEDs, emergency kits)
•Sick-pool duration for each employee
•Some funds tightly restricted to counseling/treatment, others more flexible
•Specific purchase amounts including $265,621 to Butler Cohen and $2,035 to BNB Electric
•The need for outside counsel given the complexity of potential transactions
•Time reduction from six months to ~two weeks for counts
•Timing for library roof completion
•Total opioid-settlement balance (~$15,900)
•Uniform-service cost calculations and fund-source questions
•Use of contingency funds for unforeseen work
•Whether executive session was required under exception 551.078
•Whether the workshop requires public posting or may proceed with leadership only
•Which budget line items to approve now (pink) versus hold (green)
•Which jurisdictions and departments to invite (cities, fire departments, volunteer fire dept.)
•Who will be listed as applicant contact (fire department address)

Decisions

•Budget amendments (pink) and the listed purchase requests approved; uniform requisition withdrawn for review
•Court approved purchase plan
•Court approved the division orders
•Court approved use of current MOU for grant application
•Information accepted; no action taken
•Olson & Olson approved to be used if county chooses to engage them
•Sick-pool request approvals recorded
•Update accepted as information; pay requests included for approval elsewhere
•Workshop tentatively slated for Jan. 23; remain under NDA

Directions

•Complete orders and file them per standard procedure
•Monitor balances and restrictions; continue reporting
•Obtain doctor's notes and necessary paperwork for file
•Proceed with procurement of two kits and associated licenses
•Process approved pay apps and hold uniform requisition until numbers are clarified
•Staff to add Olson & Olson to approved list and proceed as needed
•Staff to confirm final date and whether posting is needed
•Staff to coordinate with architect and roofer, and to monitor and report pay apps
•Staff to upload contract and complete application online

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