Tom Green County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tom Green County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Texas Wildlife Services Annual Program Report
The state's new reporting system has been unusable since March, so the county hasn't received monthly trapper reports. The trapper provided interim numbers — 18 goats and 34 feral hogs taken — and described extensive screwworm surveillance work.
County-Wide Burn Ban Extension
The county lifted its burn ban following recent rain, though officials warned residents to stay cautious as dry weather could return.
Rabies surveillance in regional fox populations
Wildlife officials warned that a rabies outbreak is booming in Hayes and Comal counties, and the county is doing enhanced surveillance — testing gray fox brain stems — to keep it from returning to this area, which was the epicenter in the 1990s.
Specialty Court Counseling Services Transition to MHMR
The county renewed agreements with San Angelo to provide joint mental health deputies and crisis intervention services.
IT Data Backup Enhancement
The county is upgrading its data backup systems by purchasing a Veeam Backup Solution from Howard Industries for $123,620 through a purchasing cooperative. This ensures county data remains secure and recoverable.
Detention Center Healthcare Services Amendment
Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with MHMR Concho Valley to enhance care coordination inside the county jail.
Veteran Services Office Relocation
The county secured new office space for the Veteran Services department by approving a lease agreement at the historic Cactus Hotel.
Jail Mental Health Services Expansion
The county renewed agreements with San Angelo to provide joint mental health deputies and crisis intervention services.
Juvenile Justice Center Interior Alterations
The county is moving forward with safety upgrades at the Juvenile Justice Center, approving a $64,000 architectural agreement with BLD Architects. The project includes modifying doors and lowering windows to improve staff visibility and safety.
Motor Vehicle Crime Grant and Automated License Plate Readers
Commissioners debated whether to accept state grant funding that included automated license plate reader (Flock) cameras. While acknowledging the utility in solving major crimes, some commissioners voiced civil liberty and government surveillance concerns before ultimately voting to accept the grant with the camera equipment funds removed.
Sheriff's Office Training Facility and Equipment Grants
The court approved applying for a $39,762 federal Byrne JAG grant to fund specialized tactical and investigative training for sheriff's office units without any county financial match.
Flood Warning Siren Project Plan Submission
Tom Green County is set to install new outdoor warning siren systems using a $1 million state grant from the Texas Water Development Board. The project will be coordinated jointly with the City of San Angelo to improve emergency alert coverage across the area.
Sheriff's Office Receives Firehouse Subs Safety Grant
The Sheriff's Office secured a $36,249 grant from Firehouse Subs to buy tactical cameras that can see under doors and through walls. This gear helps the SWAT team and emergency responders operate safely.
Senior Meals and Homebound Support
Meals for the Elderly provides hot daily meals and supplemental care to about 600 homebound seniors in Tom Green County. Rising food and packaging costs have increased meal preparation expenses significantly.
Substance Abuse Recovery Funding and Opioid Settlement Allocation
ADAC provides residential detox, outpatient treatment, and youth prevention programs across the region, noting alarming trends in the use of synthetic opioids like 7-OH.
Foster Child Support and CPS Caseworker Assistance
The Child Services Board provides financial assistance for foster children's normal expenses, camp fees, and emergency needs, while also supporting overworked Child Protective Services staff.
Crime Stoppers Expansion and Campus Program
Concho Valley Crime Stoppers requested continued operating funds and highlighted their upcoming expansion into all three local middle schools to educate students and prevent crime.
Public Health Emergency
Tom Green County just declared a local disaster because a screwworm case popped up near San Angelo. It’s a major headache for local ranchers and could hit our agriculture scene hard if it spreads.
Emergency Disaster Declaration
A nasty parasite called the New World screwworm has been spotted in local livestock, forcing the city and county to declare a disaster. This move is basically a green light to get state and federal cash flowing so we can stop the infestation before it spreads.
Emergency Declaration
San Angelo and Tom Green County just declared a disaster because of a nasty New World screwworm outbreak. This move is all about getting state and federal help to stop these parasites from wrecking our local livestock industry.
Correctional Facility Water Renovations and Repairs
The county approved $340,000 for comprehensive water renovations at the Female Community Correction Facility and $154,399 for freeze damage repairs. These projects ensure county correctional facilities remain operational and safe.
Constable Traffic Enforcement Equipment
The Precinct 3 Constable's office received free radar and LIDAR equipment from the state to monitor speeding in Grape Creek school zones. While some commissioners questioned whether constables should handle traffic stops, supporters emphasized it enhances community safety without costing taxpayers.
Court Administration Staffing Restructuring
District judges requested changing the director of court administration position from full-time to part-time due to difficulties finding qualified applicants with specialized skills. The change aims to bring in a consultant under a part-time arrangement to set up systems before hiring permanently.
Reserve Deputy Training and County Travel Policy
The sheriff's office requested travel policy exemptions to pay for specialized training for two volunteer reserve deputies. Commissioners discussed the liability, statutory authority, and operational value of reserve deputies who provide over 1,000 hours of unpaid service to the county.
ICE Warrant Service Officer Program Implementation
The county jail will participate in a state-mandated ICE program to process federal warrants for individuals already in custody. Officials clarified that local deputies will not conduct immigration patrols or arrests, focusing solely on efficient jail releases.
Cybersecurity Training Compliance
County officials urged department heads to complete mandatory cyber training to protect county insurance rates.