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.
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.
Keyes Building Elevator Upgrade
The county is moving forward with passenger elevator upgrades at the Keyes Building, opening bids in December.
County Copier Lease Upgrades
The county is replacing 15 copy machines across various departments through a cooperative purchasing contract. This upgrade ensures reliable office equipment for daily county operations.
Sunset Vista RV Village Infrastructure Plan
The court approved the infrastructure development plan for the Sunset Vista RV Village in Precinct 4 and waived the paving requirements.
Delinquent Court Fine Collections
Collection firm Purdue Brandon presented strong multi-year figures showing over $5.3 million collected and extensive docket clearance for Justice of the Peace courts, boosted by new text message outreach.
Road Repair Equipment Purchase
The county approved purchasing new equipment for Road and Bridge precincts 2 and 4, including a John Deere rotary cutter and a Freightliner dump truck, using cooperative purchasing contracts.
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.
Pinewood Acres Section 1 Final Plat
Commissioners approved the final plat for the Pinewood Acres subdivision in Precinct 3, allowing new residential development to move forward.
Stonewall Valley Lane Road Addition
The county agreed to add Stonewall Valley Lane to its road inventory, provided property owners pay $45,000 to cover infrastructure costs.
County Salary Study and Environmental Department Status
The court discussed funding a $150,000 independent salary survey to address county-wide reclassification requests and weighed elevating the environmental control department to a standalone department with its own department head.
Polling Place and Vote Center Updates
The county updated its list of vote centers for upcoming elections, relocating the Keating polling place to North Bryant Street to prepare for new early voting laws.
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.
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.
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.
County Software Maintenance and Cybersecurity Testing Fees
Officials discussed rising costs for annual software maintenance contracts and cybersecurity testing fees across various county departments.
Wall ISD UIL Lone Star Cup and Texas Cup Recognition
The court celebrated Wall ISD students, coaches, and staff for winning both the 3A Lone Star Cup and the inaugural 3A Texas Cup, recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Tom Green County is hosting a free drop-off event this Saturday to help you get rid of old paint, chemicals, and batteries. It’s a quick, easy way to clear out your garage while making sure hazardous junk doesn't end up in the local landfill.
Countywide Internet and Fiber Cabling RFP
The court authorized issuing an RFP for comprehensive countywide internet and fiber cabling services to upgrade connectivity across all county-owned locations.
Youth Summer Work Experience Program
The county partnered with Concho Valley Workforce Solutions to offer a summer employment program for young adults aged 18 to 22. Departments like the library can bring on youth workers fully paid and insured by workforce solutions.
S. Chadbourne Property Acquisition for County Shop
The county approved purchasing a commercial property at 1810 S. Chadbourne for $195,000 to expand future county shop facilities and secure a strategic downtown corner.
Galilee CDC Affordable Housing Disbursement
The county approved releasing the final $46,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to Galilee CDC to help finish their affordable housing project on 9th Street.
County Phone System Replacement
The county is replacing its aging, unsupported phone system with a modern setup through a cooperative contract, aiming for better reliability and long-term cost savings.
Government Office Closures
Heads up: Tom Green County offices are shutting down this Friday for the holiday. Make sure you get your errands done or bills paid before the weekend hits.
Nuisance Abatement Cost Recovery
The county placed a lien on an abated property on S. 11th Street to recover over $11,000 in cleanup costs. Officials noted that contracting out future property cleanups might offer similar costs with less strain on county road and bridge crews.
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.
Early Childhood Literacy Program Support
The county backed a grant application to help the United Way continue sending free monthly books to children ages zero to five across the Concho Valley.
West Branch Library Garden Expansion
The court approved the Prequel Plant Connection's plan to upgrade the West Branch Library's outdoor garden with walking-friendly decomposed granite, fencing, and a water harvesting pavilion.
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.
Indigent Defense Grant Acceptance
The county accepted a $34,019 state grant from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to fund a new coordinator position. This role will improve coordination between the jail, local attorneys, and courts while ensuring timely legal counsel for defendants.
Public Health Reporting
Tom Green County just dropped the latest COVID-19 transmission data to help you decide if you need to mask up or play it safe this weekend. It’s a quick way to gauge the current health risk in our community before you head out.
Infrastructure Development
Congress just approved the Interstate 14 expansion, which means major highway upgrades and new economic boosts are on the way for our region. Local planners are currently figuring out how to connect these new routes to our current streets.
Sheriff election/personnel
The race for Tom Green County Sheriff is down to Keith Muncey and Nick Hanna, and it’s time to decide who you want running the show. Their different approaches to law enforcement will shape how our local police force operates for years to come.