Hutchinson County public meetings in 2024

Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court will meet to discuss county operations, budget changes, and official bonds. The body is also considering a burn ban and the sale of struck off tax properties.

• Bonds for Lesha Krieg ($5,000), Gary Alexander ($3,000), Craig Jones ($2,500), and Jerry Langwell ($5,000)
• Insurance claim for 2023 Chevy Tahoe Vin # 6238
• Sale of struck off tax properties and tax deeds
• Line item changes, transfers, and budget amendments
• Trane service agreement

The Commissioners Court unanimously approved the consent agenda, including minutes, auditor's report, bills, payroll, and equipment disposal. They also approved bonds for county officials, a Trane service agreement renewal, an insurance claim for a deer-damaged vehicle, and line item budget changes. No public comment, bids, donations, or executive session actions occurred.

• Approved consent agenda items unanimously
• Approved bonds: $5,000 for Lesha Krieg, $3,000 for Gary Alexander, $2,500 for Craig Jones, $5,000 for Jerry Langwell
• Approved Trane service agreement renewal at $20,052
• Approved insurance claim to Texas Association of Counties for 2023 Chevy Tahoe
• Approved line item changes, transfers, and/or budget amendments
• No burn ban change reported
• No clubroom requests for Borger or Fritch libraries
• No bids, donations, or tax property sales

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will review routine consent items such as minutes, auditor reports, bill payments, payroll, and equipment disposal. The regular agenda includes appointing a Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Marshal, approving several bonds totaling $200,000 for the Tax Collector and other officials, and deciding on a burn ban. Additional items cover an amended agreement with United Way, ARP grant projects, clubroom use requests, budget adjustments, and the sale of tax‑defaulted properties.

• Appointment of Hutchinson County Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Marshal
• Approval of $100,000 bond for Carrie Kimmell, Tax Collector and related bonds
• Consideration of a burn ban or rescission of the burn ban
• Amended inter‑local agreement with Hutchinson County United Way
• Sale of struck‑off tax properties and tax deeds

The court unanimously approved eight ARP-funded projects totaling $107,470.50, including repairs and lighting at county facilities, and denied two requests from Aspire A Mindful Place for $25,000 and $75,000. They also approved appointments, bonds, an inter-local agreement, a tax property sale, and outside counsel hiring.

• Approved $107,470.50 in ARP projects (unanimous)
• Denied $25,000 ARP request for Aspire peer support salaries
• Denied $75,000 ARP request for Aspire behavioral health center
• Appointed Jason Pender as acting Fire Marshal, Alan Wells as Assistant (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 bonds for Tax Collector Carrie Kimmell and other bonds (unanimous)
• Approved amended inter-local agreement with Hutchinson County United Way (unanimous)
• Accepted $5,000 counteroffer for tax-delinquent property (unanimous)
• Approved hiring outside counsel up to $2,500 (unanimous)

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will consider several actions, including a request to opt into the Kroger opioid settlement, a $1,000 bond for the Juvenile Probation Department, and a resolution supporting a motor‑fuels tax exemption for counties. Other items include a resignation, exemptions from the Lame Duck policy, and decisions on burn‑ban status and use of library clubrooms.

• Opt into the Kroger Opioid Settlement
• $1,000.00 bond for April Jones, Juvenile Probation Department
• Resolution supporting motor fuels tax exemption for counties
• Exempt up to $1,000.00 from Lame Duck Policy for specified line items (employee medical, tires, jail supplies/equipment) effective 11/25/24‑1/1/25
• Consideration of burn ban or rescind burn ban

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court approved the consent agenda, accepted the resignation of Hanna Conner, passed a resolution supporting motor fuels tax exemption for counties, opted into the Kroger opioid settlement, approved a $1,000 bond for April Jones, and approved a travel reimbursement for Sarah Price. Several ARP grant requests were tabled for further review, and no action was taken on the burn ban.

• Approved consent agenda items including minutes, auditor's report, bills, payroll, and equipment disposal (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Hanna Conner, Ag Extension Agent (unanimous)
• Approved resolution of support for motor fuels tax exemption for counties (unanimous)
• Approved opting into Kroger opioid settlement (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 bond for April Jones, Juvenile Probation Department (unanimous)
• Approved travel reimbursement for Sarah Price for TAPEIT Conference (unanimous)
• Approved line item changes, transfers, and budget amendments (unanimous)
• Tabled ARP grant requests for Aspire A Mindful Place and Sheriff's Office security door project

Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court is meeting for a special session to conduct an executive session and potentially approve actions resulting from that session.

• Executive session topics include legal consultation, real property, gifts and donations, personnel, security devices, and economic development

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court met in special session and, after an executive session on personnel matters, voted to offer Ashley Keeney the position of Museum Director. The motion carried with three votes in favor. The meeting adjourned shortly after.

• Offered Ashley Keeney the position of Museum Director (3-0)

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will meet on November 12, 2024 to discuss a range of items, including donations, newspaper of record, facilities use fees, and several contracts and grants. Among the agenda items is the consideration and approval of a Trane Service Agreement. The court will also address a burn ban decision, a grant agreement under SB 22, and enrollment in a cybersecurity training program for 2025.

• Consider and/or approve Trane Service Agreement
• Consider and/or approve SB 22 Prosecutor Grant Agreement
• Consider and/or approve enrollment in TAC Cybersecurity training for 2025
• Consider and/or approve burn ban or rescind burn ban
• Consider and/or approve sale of struck off tax properties and tax deeds

The Commissioners Court approved four American Rescue Plan (ARP) grant applications totaling $229,857.40 for facility improvements, including floor and wall work at the Borger Annex, a courthouse chiller, and HVAC replacements at the Stinnett Annex. The court also ratified the rescission of the burn ban and approved multiple tax deeds and property sales.

• Approved ARP application for Borger Annex floor/wall work ($69,926)
• Approved ARP application for Courthouse Chiller ($69,015)
• Approved ARP application for Stinnett Annex HVAC replacement ($40,128)
• Approved ARP application for Museum entryway repair ($10,788.40)
• Ratified order rescinding burn ban
• Approved Eagle Press as Newspaper of Record
• Approved bid for R&B pickup from County Chevrolet ($46,427.03)
• Approved six tax deeds and one counteroffer for struck-off properties

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will hold a regular session on Monday, October 28, 2024. The Court will consider and approve a 2025 Rural Law Enforcement Grant Agreement, an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Stinnett to improve a parking‑lot right‑of‑way, and a possible burn‑ban or rescission of the burn ban. Routine consent agenda items such as minutes, payroll and disposal of obsolete equipment are also on the docket. Public comment is limited to five minutes per speaker.

• Approve the 2025 Rural Law Enforcement Grant Agreement
• Approve an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Stinnett for parking‑lot right‑of‑way improvements
• Consider a burn ban or rescind the existing burn ban
• Approve change order request for the Stinnett Annex roof
• Approve the Chamber of Commerce event to allow alcohol at the Conner's airport hangar

The Commissioners Court approved a rural law enforcement grant, an inmate housing contract with Carson County, and several facility change orders. The court also authorized the sale of one tax property and issued a counteroffer for another.

• Approved alcohol service for Borger Chamber of Commerce event at Conner’s Airport Hangar (unanimous)
• Approved Indigent Defense Resolution (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Rural Law Enforcement Grant Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved change orders for Stinnett Annex roof and Courthouse window shades (unanimous)
• Approved Carson County inmate housing contract (unanimous)
• Approved interlocal agreement with City of Stinnett for parking lot right-of-way improvements (unanimous)
• Approved $4,325.00 ARP grant change order for PMR Roofing at Stinnett Annex (unanimous)
• Approved $250.00 sale of Lot 60, Double Diamond Estates Unit 8 (unanimous)

Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court will consider several administrative approvals, including grant contracts and personnel salary orders. The body will also discuss public safety items and county infrastructure agreements.

• 2025 SAVNS Grant Contract and Hazard Mitigation Grant Project Resolution
• Salary orders for County Auditor, Assistant County Auditor, and 316th Judicial District Court Reporter
• Purchase of a Sheriff's Department Vehicle
• Airport house lease agreement
• Sale of fireworks for the 2024 Diwali season (October 24-November 3)

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court approved a consent agenda, several contracts, a sheriff's vehicle purchase, and multiple ARP-funded projects. They also tabled two ARP requests and a fireworks sale request, and moved a 4-H proclamation to the next meeting.

• Approved consent agenda items excluding item 5 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 SAVNS grant contract (unanimous)
• Approved FY 25 VINE service renewal (unanimous)
• Approved cellphone allowance for Sheriff's Captain (unanimous)
• Approved airport house lease agreement (unanimous)
• Approved 2 pipeline crossings for Jake Froese (unanimous)
• Approved Bay Bridge Administrators renewal with 60/40 split (4-1)
• Approved purchase of Ford F150 Responder for $69,992.95 (unanimous)

Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court will discuss administrative updates including the 2025 term of court and holiday schedule. The body is also considering several contracts and appointments, including the resignation of the Clay Renick Museum Director.

• Resignation of Clay Renick Museum Director effective December 31, 2024
• Panhandle Auto Burglary Theft Unit contract
• Appointment of two members to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board
• Axon Contract for Constable Pct. 2
• Sale of struck off tax properties and tax deeds

The court approved the 2025 holiday schedule including Columbus Day and capping holidays at 12, after a prior motion without Columbus Day failed. It also approved the 2025 term of court, a contract for the Panhandle Auto Burglary Theft Unit, and a cell phone policy change. The court rejected an initial bid for Annex work and voted to rebid the project with more detailed specifications.

• Approved 2025 holiday schedule with Columbus Day, capping holidays at 12 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 term of court, moving Oct 13 to Oct 14 (unanimous)
• Approved Panhandle Auto Burglary Theft Unit contract (unanimous)
• Approved cell phone policy change allowing allowances with bill submission (unanimous)
• Approved cell phone allowance for compliant sheriff captain (unanimous)
• Reappointed Chris Prock to TIRZ Board (3-0, Prock abstained)
• Approved Axon contract for Constable Pct. 2 after revote (3-1)
• Rebid Annex work after initial motion failed; new RFP to allow separate or itemized bids (3-1)

Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court will meet to discuss the 2024-2025 budget and tax rate. The body is also considering a general election notice and interlocal agreements with Hansford and Carson counties.

• Proposed 2024-2025 budget and tax rate
• Notice of General Election
• Interlocal agreements with Hansford County and Carson County
• Texas Department of Agriculture Texans Feeding Texans: Home Delivered Meal Grant program
• Pipeline crossing for Chris Bogner

The Commissioners Court adopted the 2024-2025 budget and decreased the property tax rate to .53. The court also approved a $47,691.44 ARP grant for museum cameras and authorized bids for sheriff department firearms.

• Approved 2024-2025 Budget (5-0)
• Decreased property tax rate to .53 (4-1)
• Approved $47,691.44 ARP grant for Hutchinson County Museum cameras (unanimous)
• Approved firearms bid from ProForce Law Enforcement (unanimous)
• Approved notice of general election (unanimous)
• Approved interlocal agreements with Hansford and Carson counties (unanimous)
• Approved updates to Purchasing, Travel, and Credit Card policies (unanimous)
• Authorized bids for Courthouse and Annex parking lot seal coating and restriping (unanimous)

Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court will conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed tax rate and salary increases. The body will also hold a budget work session for 2024-2025 and consider election-related agreements.

• Public hearing on proposed Tax Rate and proposed Salary Increases
• Budget Work Session for budget 2024-2025
• Joint Election Services Agreement between Borger ISD and Hutchinson County
• Interlocal Agreement with Sanford-Fritch ISD for Election Equipment
• Bond for Shasta Kay Hughes, Juvenile Probation for $1,000.00

The Commissioners Court unanimously approved a burn ban, an order for the November general election, a joint election services agreement with Borger ISD, and several other routine items. They also approved a $2,700 offer for struck-off tax property and discussed budget and salary issues, with a decision to set the budget and tax rate on September 9, 2024.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, auditor's report, bills, payroll, and equipment disposal (unanimous)
• Proclaimed September 2024 as Hunger Action Month (unanimous)
• Approved payment of invoices to Allen's Tri-State Mechanical and Axon Enterprise (unanimous)
• Approved order for November general election for county officers (unanimous)
• Approved joint election services agreement with Borger ISD (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 bond for Shasta Kay Hughes, juvenile probation (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of juvenile PU to IT department (unanimous)
• Approved burn ban based on drought index of 446 (unanimous)

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will consider a range of items, including optional DMV fees for 2025, an insurance proposal from the Texas Association of Counties, and the purchase of firearms for the Sheriff's Department. The meeting also includes discussion of an Axon camera contract, ARP grant projects, a potential burn ban change, and a budget workshop leading to a vote on the 2024‑2025 tax rate.

• Purchase of firearms from SB 22 funds for the Sheriff's Department
• Axon contract for body cameras and in‑car cameras for the Sheriff's Department
• Optional DMV fees for 2025
• Insurance proposal from Texas Association of Counties for auto, liability and cybersecurity coverage
• Proposed tax rate for 2024‑2025

The Commissioners Court approved a proposed tax rate of $0.55 for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, along with several other items including consent agenda, optional DMV fees, insurance coverage, and various contracts. The court also approved ARP-funded projects, a wildfire debris removal agreement, and authorized the County Attorney to negotiate with BSA up to $35,450. No action was taken on a burn ban.

• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Left optional DMV fees unchanged (unanimous)
• Approved TAC insurance with $1M coverage and $10,000 deductible (unanimous)
• Approved out-of-state travel expenses for 3167 District Judge (unanimous)
• Approved going out for sealed bids on firearms purchase (unanimous)
• Approved Axon contract for body and in-car cameras (unanimous)
• Approved CGC bid of $30,500 for holding cell removal (unanimous)
• Approved CGC bid of $6,989.50 for door replacements (unanimous)

General

The Commissioners Court will conduct a budget workshop for the 2024-2025 cycle. The body will also consider approvals for election staffing and a road maintenance agreement with Hansford County.

• Interlocal Agreement with Hansford County for seal coating
• Appointment of Early Voting Ballot Board, Judges, Alternate Judges, and Central Counting Station Staff for the November 5, 2024 General Election
• Budget Workshop for 2024-2025 Budget

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court met in special session and unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Hansford County for seal coating and approved the early voting ballot board, judges, alternate judges, and central counting station staff for the November 5, 2024 general election. The court then held a budget workshop for the 2024-2025 budget, discussing numerous departmental requests and adjustments, but no final budget was adopted. The court also discussed setting the proposed tax rate at the De Minimus rate of $0.55 and agreed to add a K9 stipend of $5,500 under the Sheriff's Department payroll.

• Approved interlocal agreement with Hansford County for seal coating (unanimous)
• Approved early voting ballot board, judges, alternate judges, and central counting station staff for November 5, 2024 general election (unanimous)
• Agreed to add $5,500 K9 stipend under Sheriff's Department payroll
• Agreed to increase Video Camera line item by $21,000 for Sheriff's Department
• Agreed to increase Jail Prisoners Medical Exp. line item by $5,000
• Agreed to add $20,000 to Capital Improvement Stinnett Annex line item
• Left Contingency line item at $500,000
• Left Constable Pet. 2 salary as is

Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court will conduct a budget workshop for the 2024-25 cycle. The body will also consider budget amendments and the purchase of FLEX/Motorola Solutions Maintenance.

• Purchase of FLEX/Motorola Solutions Maintenance
• Budget Workshop for 2024-25 Budget
• Line item changes, transfers, and budget amendments
• Payment of bills

The Commissioners Court held a special session to approve routine items and conduct a budget workshop for the 2024-25 fiscal year. All three action items—Flex/Motorola maintenance purchase, payment of bills, and line item changes/transfers/budget amendments—were approved unanimously. The budget workshop included requests from various department heads, with some increases approved and others left as is; no final budget was adopted.

• Approved Flex/Motorola Solutions maintenance purchase (unanimous)
• Approved payment of bills (unanimous)
• Approved line item changes, transfers, and budget amendments (unanimous)
• Discussed 2024-25 budget; no final decisions made
• JP Pct. 2 bond line item increased by $200.00
• Constable Pct. 2 association dues increased by $530.00 for lifetime membership
• Emergency Management/Fire budget increases discussed, including $3,500.00 for siren software
• Road & Bridge repairs increase discussed; $10,000.00 suggested

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will hold a regular session on July 22, 2024, at 9:30 AM in Stinnett to consider routine approvals, public hearings, and key decisions including 2025 sheriff and constable fees, new computer and fingerprint machine purchases for the Sheriff’s Department, and a records management plan.

• Public hearing on County Clerk’s Records Management and Archive Plan
• Consider approval of 2025 Sheriff and Constable’s Fees
• Approve purchase of three new computers for Sheriff’s Department
• Approve purchase of new live scan/fingerprint machine for Sheriff’s Department
• Consider approval of County Clerk’s Records Management, Archive and Vitals Plan

The court discussed creating a County Elections Administrator position but took no action, and the item died for lack of a motion. They approved several purchases, including a belly dump trailer and wildfire debris payments, and awarded a bid for an airport manufactured home.

• County Elections Administrator position died for lack of motion
• Approved $57,410.35 for WAVE Plus system and radios from ARP funds (unanimous)
• Approved payment of two Republic Services invoices totaling $37,504.11 for wildfire debris (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of belly dump trailer from Bruckner's for $44,540.00 (4-0, Bentley abstained)
• Awarded airport manufactured home bid to Solitaire Homes of Amarillo (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three computers for Sheriff's Department (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of live scan/fingerprint machine for Sheriff's Department (unanimous)
• Counteroffered $250 for Lot 60, Double Diamond Estates (unanimous)

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will meet to consider several items, including ammunition purchases for the Sheriff's Department and ARP grant projects. The agenda also includes a budget workshop and discussions regarding daily operations.

• Purchase of ammunition for the Sheriff's Department
• Decision on whether to implement or rescind a burn ban
• TCDRS Plan Assessment for plan year 2025
• Sale of struck off tax properties and tax deeds
• Budget Workshop

The court approved a $15,600 workstation project for the Borger Tax Office and the purchase of ammunition for the Sheriff's Department. A request for a critical incident notification system was tabled, and a request for museum chairs was denied. The court also scheduled special budget meetings for July 29 and August 5.

• Approved $15,600 workstation project at Borger Tax Office (unanimous)
• Approved ammunition purchase for Sheriff's Department (unanimous)
• Approved TCDRS Plan Assessment for plan year 2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled ARP request for critical incident notification system (unanimous)
• Denied HCH Museum request for $2,634 for chairs
• Approved Timothy Hopkins Tax Deed (R12643) for $401.00 (unanimous)
• Approved line item changes, transfers, and budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda items (unanimous)

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will meet on June 24, 2024, to discuss various county business. Items include renewing health insurance for 2024-2025 and considering architectural services for the Ranch Market Building.

• Health Insurance renewal for 2024-2025
• Insurance claim for hail damage on a jail vehicle (2023 Ford Explorer)
• Contract with Intermedia for a phone system
• Architectural services RFQ for the Ranch Market Building
• Vehicle switch between Constable Alejandro and Stinnett Chief of Police

The Commissioners Court approved the 2024-25 health insurance renewal, maintaining current coverage levels with the county absorbing specific cost increases. They also authorized moving the Stinnett Library and Extension Office to the Ranch Market Building and initiated the request for qualifications (RFQ) process for architectural services. Additionally, the court approved a new phone system contract and rejected current bids for an airport manufactured home to seek new proposals.

• Approved 2024-25 health insurance plan (5-0)
• Approved County Specific Incentive for annual physicals (5-0)
• Joined Choice Partners Purchasing Cooperative (5-0)
• Approved Intermedia phone system contract (5-0)
• Appointed Kalen Massingale as Local Rabies Control Authority (5-0)
• Approved RFQ for Ranch Market Building architectural services (5-0)
• Rejected airport manufactured home bids; to re-bid (4-1)
• Authorized IT to negotiate backup security services (5-0)

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will hold a special session on June 18, 2024. The meeting includes a presentation from Intermedia and a discussion regarding the county's phone system.

• Presentation and discussion about phone system with Intermedia
• Public comment period

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court held a special session to hear a presentation from Intermedia regarding a new phone system. Karla and Andrew from Intermedia presented features and financial details, and answered questions from the commissioners. No motion was made to approve or reject the phone system proposal during this session. The meeting adjourned unanimously after the discussion.

• Intermedia presented phone system features and financials
• No vote taken on phone system proposal
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

Commissioners Court

The Commissioners Court approved $270,694.53 in bills and $909,923.80 for May payroll. The court approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Sanford and accepted several tax property counteroffers. A decision on health insurance renewals was tabled.

• Approved $270,694.53 in bills (unanimous)
• Approved May 2024 payroll of $909,923.80 (unanimous)
• Approved interlocal agreement with City of Sanford (unanimous)
• Tabled health insurance renewal for 2024-25 (unanimous)
• Approved $200 donation from St. John’s Lutheran Church (unanimous)
• Approved $250 counteroffer for Lot 27, Block 1, Section C, Lake Meredith Harbor (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 counteroffer for Lots 14-19, Block 18, Section B, Lake Meredith Harbor (unanimous)
• Approved Christopher John Braun Tax deed (R16942) for $15,002.00 (unanimous)

Commissioners Court

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court will vote on budget amendments, bid awards, and the sale of tax properties. Officials will also discuss a county burn ban, pipeline crossings on County Road 17 and County Road D, an interlocal agreement with the City of Fritch, and dental coverage through BCBS. These items determine local road infrastructure projects, fire restrictions for outdoor activities, and county service funding.

• Approve two pipeline crossings on County Road 17 and County Road D
• Vote on an interlocal agreement with the City of Fritch
• Decide whether to implement or rescind a county burn ban
• Review budget amendments, line item transfers, and bid awards
• Discuss dental insurance options through BCBS and daily precinct operations

The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court approved the 2023 annual financial report, authorized bids for a manufactured home at the airport, and approved two pipeline crossings with fee waivers. The court also approved bills, payroll reports, routine consent items, and funding for security cameras and roof repairs using ARP grant funds. Additionally, the court accepted wildfire recovery and agriculture donations.

• Approved consent agenda including bills of $136,174.44, payroll, and equipment disposal (4-0)
• Approved Doshier, Pickens & Francis LLC Annual Financial Report for FY ending September 30, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved two pipeline crossings on County Road 17 and County Road D with $1,000 fee waived (4-0)
• Approved interlocal agreement with the City of Fritch (4-0)
• Approved ARP grant project of $9,923.00 for Fritch Annex camera installation by Access Fire & Security Systems (4-0)
• Approved ARP grant project of $88,745.80 for ranch building roof repair by PMR Roofing (4-0)
• Approved line item changes, transfers, and budget amendments (4-0)
• Approved going out for bids on a manufactured home for the airport (4-0)