[1. Call to Order.]
[00:00:08]
>> GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU ALL TODAY IS THURSDAY, AUGUST 13TH, 2026. AND IT'S NOW 1:00 P.M.
I CALL TO ORDER THIS REGULAR MEETING OF FORT BEND COMMISSIONERS COURT. WELCOME TO THE COURTROOM AND THANK YOU TO THOSE FOR JOINING US THROUGH LIVE STREAM.
PLEASE BE ADVISED WE HAVE THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM.
PLEASE STAND AS COMMISSIONER VINCENT WILL LEAD US FROM PRAYER FOLLOWED BY THE INVOCATION OF THE FLAGS.
>> THANK YOU. JUDGE AND WELCOME EVERYONE TO TODAY'S COMMISSIONER COURT. BOW YOUR HEAD.
HEAVENLY FATHER, WE GATHER TODAY AS A PUBLIC BODY.
UNDER THE WARMTH OF THIS SUMMER'S LIGHT TO SEEK YOUR GUIDANCE AND WISDOM IN THIS COMMISSIONER'S COURT MEETING.
WE ASK THAT YOUR HOLY SPIRIT BE PRESENT AMONG US.
GUIDING OUR DECISIONS FOR THE COMMON GOOD AND THE WELL BEING OF ALL WE SERVE. MAY THIS SEASON OF GROWTH AND RENEWAL INSPIRE US TO WORK WITH UNITY, HUMILITY AND PURPOSE.
HELP US TO SET ASIDE ANY DIFFERENCES, LISTEN WITH RESPECT AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY. OPEN OUR HEARTS TO NEW IDEAS AND STRENGTHEN OUR RESOLVE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY FAITHFULLY.
WE THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER FOR THE HEALTH AND THE STRENGTH OF THOSE PRESENT.
AND FOR THE BLESSINGS THAT SUSTAIN US.
MAY THIS MEETING BE A TIME OF CLARITY, COLLABORATION AND PROGRESS. REFLECTING YOUR WILL FOR A BETTER WORLD. IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY, AMEN.
>> AMEN. IF YOU WILL JOIN ME IN THE PLEDGE TO OUR NATIONS FLAG AND THEN THAT TO THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG; I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU, PLEASE BE SEATED.
SO I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A HAVE SHORT OPENING REMARKS.
GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE. WELCOME TO TODAY'S MEETING OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.
WE HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT AGENDA BEFORE US TODAY.
PARTICULARLY AS WE CONTINUE OUR WORK ON THE COUNTY'S BUDGET.
AND TAX RATE FOR THE COMING YEAR.
BUDGET SEASON IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST NUMBERS ON A SPREADSHEET.
IT'S ABOUT SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FORT BEND COUNTY, SUPPORTING THE EMPLOYEES WHO SERVE OUR RESIDENTS INVESTING IN PUBLIC SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE. AND MAKING SURE WE ARE RESPONSIBLE STEWARDS OF EVERY TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND ENTRUSTED TO US. TODAY WE WILL TAKE ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP IN THE PROCESS BY CONSIDERING A PROPOSED COUNTY TAX RATE. AND SETTING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE FY 2027 BUDGET. THOSE HEARINGS WILL GIVE OUR RESIDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD AS WE WORK TOWARD ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET AND TAX RATE. AT THE SAME TIME, THIS AGENDA CONTAINS GOOD EXAMPLE OF EVERYDAY WORK BEING DONE ACROSS FORT BEND COUNTY. WE ARE CONSIDERING ACCEPTANCE OF A $10,000 TEXAS GRANT FOR OUR LIBRARIES WITH NO CASH MATCH REQUIRED FROM THE COUNTY, ALWAYS GOOD.
WE DON'T HAVE TO MATCH MONEY COMING IN.
WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH MOBILITY PROJECTS AND ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT THROUGHOUT FORT BEND COUNTY.
WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING NEARLY $191,000 IN IDENTIFIED COMMUNICATION COST SAVING THAT CAN BE RETURNED TO CONTINGENCIES. THIS MAY SEEM LIKE VERY DIFFERENT AGENDA ITEMS BUT WE ALL COME BACK TO THE SAME RESPONSIBILITY. MAKING SURE COUNTY GOVERNMENT WORKS EFFECTIVELY, EFFICIENTLY AND RESPONSIBLY FOR THE PEOPLE WE SERVE. FORT BEND COUNTY CONTINUES TO GROW AND THAT GROWTH BRINGS TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES AND REAL CHALLENGES. OUR JOB IS TO SHOW UP TO WORK, MEET THOSE CHALLENGES, PLAN FOR THE FUTURE, PROTECT TAXPAYERS AND CONTINUE DELIVERING THE SERVICES OUR RESIDENTS EXPECT.
[00:05:02]
THIS IS THE WORK BEFORE US TODAY.AND I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING IT DONE.
[3. Approve minutes of regular meeting held on July 23, 2026.]
THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. NOW WE WILL PROCEED TO AGENDAITEM NUMBER 3. >> I MOVE THAT WE APPROVE AGENDA
ITEM NUMBER THREE. >> DO I HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND. >> SO I DO HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[4. Public Comments regarding the Agenda and Announcements.]
ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.MOTION PASSES 3-0. NOW PROCEED TO AGENDA ITEM FOUR.
TODAY WE HAVE ONE PROCLAMATION TO PRESENT TO OUR LOVELY COUNTY CLERK. BOBBY, WILL YOU PLEASE COME UP
AND READ THE PROCLAMATION. >> WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS THE HONORABLE LAURA RICHARD FOR FORT BEND COUNTY HAS CONSISTENTLY EARNED A LOW RISK RATING IN VITAL REGISTRATION FROM THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES EACH YEAR SINCE ASSUMING THE OFFICE OF CLERK AND COMMITTED TO THE EXCELLENCE OF VITAL STATISTICS LAWS ADMINISTRATIVE RULES AND BEST PRACTICES ESTABLISHED BY THE STATE REGISTRAR AND WHEREAS THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES ASSESS THE HONORABLE LAURA RICHARDS AS MEETING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE PLACING THE OFFICE IN LOW RISK ACROSS NUMEROUS AREAS OF VITAL REGISTRATION AND LAURA RICHARD AND THE DEDICATED STAFF OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE HAD NO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE STATE FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION OR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT REFLECTING THE OFFICE'S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE.
COMMISSIONERS COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS ON THIS 13TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2026 HEREBY RECOGNIZES AND HONORS THE HONORABLE LAURA RICHARD FOR HER OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AS COUNTY CLERK AND LOCAL REGISTRAR AND COMMENDS HER FOR HER EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP, DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF FORT BEND COUNTY.
>> JUST WONDERFUL. MEMBERS OF COURT DO YOU HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS OR ANYONE?
ALL RIGHT. LET'S MOVE FORWARD.
A AT THIS TIME WE WILL TAKE PUBLIC COMMENT.
DO WE HAVE ANY PUBLIC SPEAKERS? >> WE HAVE SIX.
VICKY COFFMAN ON AGENDA ITEM 30 B.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
HELLO AGAIN. I'M VICKY COFFMAN.
THIS WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY BE THE LAST TIME FOR A WHILE I AM SURE YOU WON'T MIND. I AM GOING TO SPEND THE MAJORITY
[00:10:04]
OF MY TIME UNTIL NOVEMBER REGISTERING VOTERS.COMMISSIONERS MORALES, I APOLOGIZE FOR MY CONFUSION AS TO IDENTITIES AND ILLNESSES LAST TIME.
COMMISSIONER MEYERS, I HOPE YOU'RE WELL NOW AND COMMISSIONER MORALES, I HOPE YOU REMAIN IN GOOD HEALTH.
THE AGENDA ITEM I REFLECT TO IS REGARDING JUDGE WONG.
THE WAY HE WAS PUT IN THE CHAIR STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN.
I'M NOT HERE TO SAY WHAT I SAID, I AM HERE TO SAY WHEN I STOP SHOWING UP TO THE MEETINGS, IT'S NOT I DON'T CARE ANYMORE, IT'S I HAVE MORE PRODUCTIVE THINGS TO DO WITH MY TIME UNTIL NOVEMBER.
I HAVE A COUPLE THINGS TO ADD. ONE CONCERNS THE JUDGE WHO IS CURRENTLY KEEPING THIS THING UP IN THE AIR.
I RECENTLY FOUND OUT HE APPEARS TO BE A PERSONAL FRIEND OF MR. WONG, INTERESTING. THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY.
INTERESTING. THE SECOND THING CONCERNS A PROCEDURAL POSSIBILITY I RECENTLY FOUND OUT.
I AM LEARNING WAY MORE THAN I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS IN THE COURSE OF THIS MESS.
FOUR COMMISSIONERS IS A QUORUM. AND THAT QUORUM CAN APPOINT A PRO TEM JUDGE. MR. WONG WOULDN'T EVEN TO HAVE RESIGN. ALL HE WOULD HAVE TO DO IS RECUSE HIMSELF FOR PURPOSES OF BUDGET DISCUSSIONS.
I WILL LEAVE WHILE HE APPARENTLY WILL NOT CONSIDER THAT FOR THE STUDENT. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW IF THE COUNTY'S AIR CONDITIONING HAS BEEN MIXED.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. THIS IS YET ANOTHER OPINION FOR YET NOBODY IN PARTICULAR. I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY NOT TO FEEL I HAD TO DO IT IN THE FUTURE.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING.
NEXT. >> THE NEXT SPEAKER IS AMEN
> HELLO. Select to skip to this part of the video">O"NEIL ON 28 A. >> HELLO.
I AM SPEAKING ON AGENDA NUMBER 28 ENGINEERING.
I AM IN FAVOR OF GROWTH BUT I THINK THE COUNTY IS GOING THROUGH AN EXCESSIVE TIME OF GROWTH.
TWO MONTHS AGO, THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE CAME OUT WITH AN ARTICLE SAYING FORT BEND WAS NEVER PREPARED AND IS NOT PREPARED TO HANDLE THE ONE MILLION PEOPLE THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO LIVE HERE BY 2030 AND THE TWO MILLION THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE BY 2050. THIS IS BY FORT BEND 2050 THAT WAS THEIR PROJECT. ACCORDING TO THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE ARTICLE, THEY WERE SAYING THERE ARE BOTTLE NECKS, CORE SYSTEMS INCLUDING LOCAL ROADS WATER NETWORKS AND POWER GRIDS FACE PROACTIVE UPGRADES ARE DELAYED AND THERE'S A TAX BASE IMBALANCE AND WE ARE RELYING TOO MUCH ON RESIDENTIAL.
THAT PLACES A LARGER TAX BURDEN ON HOMEOWNERS AND YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT I THINK ABOUT PROPERTY TAXES.
AND I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU'RE TRYING TO BRING JOBS INTO THE COUNTY. I KNOW THAT ELON MUSK HAS ALREADY APPLIED FOR HIS FACTORY TO BE BUILT RIGHT NEXT TO THE FUTURE AUSTIN POINT COMMUNITY. I JUST HOPE THAT THE BUILDING JUDGE OR ENGINEER, YOU'RE EXCELLENT AT THIS.
IS GOOD, STABLE AND DOES NOT CAUSE UNWANTED MUD OR QUAGMIRES OR UNWANTED TRAFFIC. WITH SO MANY PEOPLE COMING IN, I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S POSSIBLE. I KNOW IN FULL SHARE, MR. MORALES, YOU AND THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MORE BUILDING ALONG 359, AND THERE'S YOU KNOW ABOUT THE DELL WEBB SENIOR CENTER THERE JUST NORTH OF THE FULL SHARE.
NEXT TO IT IS A BUNCH OF APARTMENTS.
I FEEL LIKE THAT MIX WITH ONE LANE ON EACH ROAD SUCH AS 359 IS GOING TO BE A POSSIBLE PROBLEM. I KNOW FULL SHARE IS TRYING TO HIRE AS MANY POLICE OFFICERS AS THEY CAN TO KEEP UP WITH THE EXCESSIVE GROWTH. I ALSO JUST WANT TO SAY THIS, IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IF YOU DON'T SHOW UP FOR WORK FOR NO REASON, YOU, WE ALL KNOW WHAT THE CURRENT PRESIDENT WOULD SAY.
YOU'RE FIRED. YOU WOULD BE FIRED AND SO, IN HARRIS COUNTY, THERE'S ONLY ONE REPUBLICAN COMMISSIONER AND HE'S OUT NUMBERED BY 4-1 YET STILL GOES TO WORK ANYWAY.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS KNOW IF YOU DON'T GO TO WORK, YOU'RE NOT REPRESENTING YOUR CONSTITUENTS EVEN IF YOU'RE OUT
[00:15:05]
VOTED IN EVERY COMMISSIONER'S COURT.I THINK THE HOLD OVER PROVISION IN TEXAS CONSTITUTION WAS CLEAR TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T HAVE A DEADLOCK IN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE KEEP GETTING PAID AND GOING TO THE WORK IN THE COUNTY,
WE NEED A JUDGE UNTIL NOVEMBER. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING.
>> THE NEXT SPEAKER IS GREG BARNES ON 17 A.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ABOUT AGENDA ITEM 17 A. I NOTICED ON THERE THAT THE VERY LAST ITEM NUMBER 13, IS FOR A WAIVER OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE JUST OF PEACE 4 FOR JONES CREEK RANCH.
I'M FOR THAT BUT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE COMMISSIONER.
I'M A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT FOUR AND WOULD LIKE TO GET HIS INPUT ON HOW THAT WAS REACHED. COMMISSIONER MCCOY, IF YOU HAVE A MOMENT, I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT THAT.
COMMISSIONER MCCOY. YOUR CONSTITUENT NEEDS TO SPEAK TO YOU. COMMISSIONER MCCOY.
JUDGE, I GUESS I'M, I GUESS I'M THROUGH.
I DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO SPEAK TO AND THAT'S SAD FOR ONE OF CONSTITUENTS OF THE PRECINCT. GUYS, DO THE BEST YOU CAN.
IF YOU FIND COMMISSIONER MCCOY. LET HIM KNOW HIS CONSTITUENTS WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM HIM IN THIS SETS.
APPARENTLY, HE DOESN'T CARE ENOUGH TO SPEAK TO HIS
CONSTITUENTS. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING.
>> THE NEXT SPEAKER IS FERNANDO CORLEÓN ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER
>> THAT'S FERNANDO CAR LEÓN ON ITEM 21.
HE MIGHT BE IN THE OVERFLOW ROOM.
DO YOU WANT ME TO SKIP HIM AND COME BACK?
SO I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON AGENDA 21.
THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE.
THAT WAS DONE ON JULY 11TH. SO, MY NAME IS FERNANDO CARRION.
I LIVE IN GUY TEXAS. I'M HERE TO VOICE MY ABSOLUTE OPPOSITION ON THE INDUSTRIAL CONCRETE PLANT ONE MILE AWAY FROM THE NEEDVILLE HIGH SCHOOL AND IN MY BACKYARD.
SO I DO REALIZE THIS IS TECQ -- >> I'M SORRY.
I'M CONFUSED. THIS ISSUE HAS NOTHING TO DO
WITH A BATCH PLANT. >> IT'S A LEGISLATION.
IT IS A COMMITTEE. HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH A BATCH PLANT. I'M SORRY.
>> SO DO YOU WANT ME TO STOP HERE?
THAT'S WHAT I HAD TO TALK ABOUT. >> IF YOU WANT TO FIND AN ITEM THAT ADDRESSES IT, YOU CAN SPEAK ON IT.
THIS PARTICULAR ITEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH A CEMENT PLANT.
>> THAT'S WHAT I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT.
I GUESS THAT'S ALL I'VE GOT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR COMING. PREERNT IT.
>> NEXT -- APPRECIATE IT. >> NEXT.
THE NEXT IS VENA PENA ON ITEM 21.
>> HELLO JUDGE WONG. HELLO ESTEEMED COMMISSIONERS THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME TODAY. I LIVE IN NEEDVILLE, TEXAS AND HAVE PROPERTY ALL THROUGHOUT FORT BEND COUNTY.
THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME TIME TODAY.
I CAME TO TALK ABOUT ITEM 21 AND HERE'S WHY.
YOU ARE SHUFFLING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MY AWESOME COMMISSIONERS BUT SHUFFLING RESPONSIBILITIES.
I AM CONCERNED. YOUR SHUFFLING DUTIES TAKES FOCUS OFF OF WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ME AND THAT IS THAT BATCH PLANT THAT'S COMING IN NEEDVILLE.
I'M TELLING YOU IT'S RELATED COMMISSIONER MEYERS, I KNOW IT IS. YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE YOUR EYES
OFF THE PRIZE. >> THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH
THE BATCH PLANT. >> IT HAS EVERYTHING BECAUSE
[00:20:02]
YOUR EYES ARE OFF THE PRIZE. >> IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE BATCH PLANT, THAN FIND AN ITEM THAT ADDRESSES THE BATCH PLANT.
THAT DOES NOT ADDRESS THE BATCH PLANT.
IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. >> RESPECTFULLY, MAY I CONTINUE MY POINT? NOT SAYING THE WORD BATCH AGAIN AFTER THIS. SO YOU'RE TAKING YOUR FOCUS, YOU'RE SHIFTING THE FOCUS OF COMMISSIONERS.
I THINK JUDGE WONG OPENED BRILLIANTLY SAYING YOU'RE LOOKING AT EFFICIENT AND RESPONSIBLE WAYS OF MANAGING THE COUNTY. ENTERTAINING THE SHIFT AT THIS TIME IS NOT WISE BECAUSE OF THE CHANGE IN FOCUS.
PEOPLE THAT ARE USED TO DEALING WITH CERTAIN ISSUES WILL BE CHANGING AND I'M NOT SURE THAT OUR REPRESENTATION WILL BE WELL THOUGHT OF ON THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE. SO I'M VERY CONCERNED.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
YOU'RE WELCOME TO CALL MY OFFICE AFTER THIS.
WE WILL DISCUSS IT. >> HAVE A GOOD DAY.
>> NEXT. >> THE LAST SPEAKER IS EDWARD PETROSKY ON ITEM 21. HE'S NOT HERE.
OKAY. >> I'M EDWARD PETROSKY AND I UNDERSTAND YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING ON THE BATCH
PLANT. >> THE ITEM 21 HAS NOTHING TO SPEAK ON THE BATCH PLANT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON 21, WITH REGARD TO THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT MAKE UP OF THAT PARTICULAR COMMITTEE, THAT'S WHAT 21 IS
SO THEN, MY SPEECH IS OUT. I CAN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT?
>> IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA. >> THE HAZARDS AND THE HEALTH.
>> AGENDA ITEM 21 HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH A BATCH PLANT.
>> SO THEN WHAT I GOT IS NO GOOD TO READ
>> CORRECT BECAUSE IT'S NOT AGENDA ITEM.
BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS CALL MY OFFICE TO DISCUSS IT.
>> YOU CAN COME BY MY OFFICE TO TALK ABOUT IT.
WE HAVE DEALT WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT BATCH PLANTS.
YOU'RE WELCOME TO COME TO MY OFFICE AND TALK ABOUT
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE IT.
[5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1:00 p.m.: Conduct Public Hearings and take all appropriate action on the following matters:]
>> NO MORE SPEAKERS. >> WONDERFUL, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
IT'S NOW 1:20 P.M. WE WILL NOW MOVE TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
I NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING SEGMENT FOR AGENDA ITEM 5 A AND B. AS PROPERLY POSTED AND PUBLISHED ON THE AGENDA. DO WE HAVE ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON THIS PUBLIC HEARINGS TODAY? I WILL ASK AGAIN. IS THERE ANYONE HERE TODAY WHOED LIKE TO SPEAK ON THIS PUBLIC HEARINGS? HEARING NONE, I WILL NOW CLOSE THIS PUBLIC HEARINGS.
I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT AGENDA ITEM 5 A AND 5 B ARE READY FOR
ACTION. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF 5 A AND B
>> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR
[ CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: (6-20)]
HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.NOW I PRESENT TO COURT CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 6-20.
I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF A COUPLE CORRECTIONS AS FOLLOWS.
>> YES THE FIRST ONE IS UNDER BUDGET TRANSFERS AND IT IS AGENDA ITEM 9 F. THE CORRECTION OR THE CLARIFICATION IS THIS IS JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT THREE PLACE 2. AND THE SECOND CORRECTION IS TO AGENDA ITEM 11 E 9 UNDER ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT.
WHICH IS APPROVE THE FOLLOWING PLATS.
9 SHOULD READ, RIGHT HILL, PARKWAY STREET.
DEDICATION SECTION 3 PRECINCT 3. >> THANK YOU, DO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEM 6-20 WITH NOTED CORRECTIONS.
>> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR
[21. COMMISSIONER, PCT. 3:]
HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.NOW BEGINNING WITH AGENDA ITEM 21.
PRESENTED UNDER COMMISSIONER PRECINCT THREE.
DO I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 21 AS PRESENTED?
MOVE APPROVAL OF 21. >> SECOND.
[00:25:02]
>> AND ANY DISCUSSION? AFTER REDISTRICTING ALL OF THE AREA IS UNDER PRECINCT THREE. WHICH IS THE REASON FOR THIS MODIFICATION TO THE COMMITTEE. ALL RIGHT.
DISCUSSIONS? I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
[22. AUDITOR:]
MOTION PASSES 3-0. NEXT WE WILL MOVE TO AGENDA ITEM 22 A THROUGH E. PRESENTED BY THE AUDITOR.>> I DO WANT TO PULL ITEM C. IF YOU DON'T MIND.
BUT I WILL MOVE APPROVAL OF A, B, D AND E.
>> SECOND. >> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
>> MOTION PASSES. >> ON C, I KNOW IT DOESN'T NOTE IT. THIS PARTICULAR PARK IS IN PRECINCT THREE AFTER REDISTRICTING AND IS PARKS HERE? BY ANY CHANCE? ANYBODY FROM PARKS?
I'M NOT TOTALLY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROPERTY VALUES OUT THERE.
WE HAVE ABOUT .7 NEAR $96,000. IS THAT MARKET VALUE FOR LAND
OUT THERE? >> WE DID DO AN APPRAISAL ON IT.
>> SO THE APPRAISAL CAME BACK AT SIX BUCKS.
>> THANK YOU. I WILL MOVE APPROVAL OF 22 C
>> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND FOR ITEM 22 C, ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
>> MOTION PASSES 3-0. BEFORE WE VOTE FOR 22 E, I ALREADY PASSED THAT ONE. WE'RE GOOD.
I STILL WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT ACTUALLY.
THIS 22 E, I DO WANT TO HIGHLIGHT 22 E IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE THIS ITEM REFLECTS $190,000 IN COMMUNICATION COSTS SAVING. SO, ED, PLEASE MAKE SOME COMMENT ON THIS SAVING THAT FOR FORT BEND COUNTY.
>> THIS WAS A SIGNIFICANT EFFORT WITH OUR I T TEAM THANKS TO ROBIN DOWDY'S TEAM ON WORKING WITH THE CONSULTANT SPY GLASS TO IDENTIFY THE SAVINGS AND DISCONNECTING, DISCONTINUING THOSE SERVICES THAT WERE NOT BEING UTILIZED OR WERE NOT EFFICIENT. SO THIS IS AN ON GOING EFFORT.
AND THE COURT HAS ALREADY APPROVED THE FUTURE ENGAGEMENT OF SPY GLASS FOR MAINTAINING THESE SAVINGS GOING FORWARD SO WE DON'T GET BACK INTO THE SAME BOAT IN THE FUTURE THAT WE IDENTIFY THESE SAVINGS BEFORE THE EXPENSES ARE INCURRED.
SO WELL DONE TO OUR TEAMS FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
>> GREAT WORK. VERY POSITIVE RESULT FOR OUR
[23. BUDGET & FINANCE:]
TAXPAYERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH.LET'S GO TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 23.
A 3 E PRESENTED BY BUDGET AND FINANCE.
WE WILL TAKE IT INDIVIDUALLY. LET'S DO 23 A FIRST.
DO I HAVE A MOTION REGARDING 23 A AS PRESENTED?
>> WE HAVE TO HAVE OUR BUDGET ALSO EXPLAIN TO US WHAT THE
>> THAT WILL BE GOOD. >> FOR A, THE PROPOSAL FOR THE ELECTED OFFICIALS IS A ZERO PERCENT INCREASE.
SO, I WILL MOVE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED SALARIES TO REMAIN THE SAME AS THEY ARE NOW WITH NO INCREASE IN SALARIES FOR THE
ELECTED OFFICIALS. >> THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS FOR THE DISTRICT JUDGES AND COUNTY COURTS AT LAW JUDGES WHO ARE MOVING UP INTO THE NEXT TIER BASED ON SENATE BILL 293.
THEY HAVE SEPARATE TIERS THAT ONCE THEY MOVE UP TO TIER.
THERE ARE JUDGES WHO WILL BE MOVING INTO THOSE DIFFERENT TIERS NEXT YEAR AND BASED ON THIS.
THERE IS AN INCREASE TO THOSE. THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW JUDGES AREN'T LESS THAN DISTRICT JUDGES.
>> I MODIFY MY MOTION TO APPROVE THE NO INCREASE FOR THE ELECTED
[00:30:07]
OFFICIALS EXCEPT FOR THE DISTRICT JUDGE AND COURT AT LAW.>> AS PRESENTED BY THE BUDGET OFFICE AS RELATED TO THE
>> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND.
NEXT WE WILL CONTINUE AGENDA ITEM 23 B.
PUBLIC HEARING. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF THE
TWENTY-THREE B AS PRESENTED. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.
GO TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 23 C. >> ALL RIGHT.
I GOT A MOTION. >> I DO, BUT BEFORE YOU MAKE
>> I WOULD JUST LIKE TO CLARIFY FOR THE RECORD THAT PROPOSING THE TAX RATE IS DIFFERENT THAN LEVYING THE TAX RATE.
SO THEREFORE YOU DO NOT NEED A QUORUM OF FOUR FOR TODAY'S ACTION. AS YOU WOULD LATER IN SEPTEMBER FOR THE ACTUAL LEVYING TAX RATE.
>> CORRECT. >> THANK YOU FOR THE EXPLANATION. I WAS GOING TO EXPLAIN IT BUT YOU DID MUCH BETTER THAN I COULD.
I WILL READ THE MOTION. I MOVE THE PROPERTY TAX RATE BE INCREASED BY 0.294236 FOR THE GENERAL FUND AND .107764 FOR THE INTEREST IN SINKING FUND FOR TOTAL FORT BEND COUNTY TAX RATE OF .4120, EFFECTIVELY A 4.05% DECREASE IN THE TAX RATE.
>> IT SAYS DECREASE. >> I UNDERSTAND.
THAT IS INCORRECT. >> INCREASE.
>> I THOUGHT IT WAS AN INCREASE. >> YOU ARE RIGHT.
>> I READ IT AS YOU WROTE THIS DOWN.
>> I'M SO SORRY, THAT'S INCORRECT.
IT'S INCREASE. >> INCREASE IN THE TAX RATE OF
>> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOW, ONE OF THE THINGS WE WANT TO MAKE CLEAR IF WE DON'T HAVE FOUR PRESENT FOR THE SEPTEMBER 10TH ADOPTION OF THE TAX RATE, THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE THE TAX RATE WE END UP WITH, CORRECT.
>> YES, SIR, THAT'S CORRECT. >> ALL RIGHT.
>> IF WE DO NOT HAVE A QUORUM OF AT LEAST FOUR MEMBERS OF COURT, WE WOULD NEED TO REVERT BACK TO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE
>> AND THAT NO NEW REVENUE RATE >> .05% LESS THAN THAT.
>> OKAY. THE TOTAL FORT BEND COUNTY RATE WOULD GO TO .405588 IF WE DO NOT HAVE A QUORUM.
>> ONE POINT SIX CENTS. >> SO OLGO PROCEED.
>> YES, MOTION PASSES. AGENDA ITEM 23 D.
DO I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEM 23 D AS PRESENTED
>> MOVE APPROVAL OF 23 B AS PRESENTED.
I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. AND DISCUSSION.
>> WE ARE ESSENTIALLY SETTING SEPTEMBER 10TH TO ADOPT THE
>> ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR
[24. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:]
HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.AGENDA ITEM 24. PRESENTED BY COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF 24.
>> SECOND. I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR
[25. COUNTY CLERK:]
HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.AGENDA ITEM 25. PRESENTED BY COUNTY CLERK.
MOVE APPROVAL AS PRESENTED. >> SECOND.
I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
>> ALL IN FAVOR. >> MOTION PASSES 3-0.
[26. COUNTY TREASURER:]
NOW GO TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 26. BY COUNTY TREASURER.>> MOVE APPROVAL OF THE 26 PRESENTED.
>> SECOND. >> I HAVE MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND.
[27. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:]
MOTION PASSES 3-0. AGENDA ITEM 27.PRESENTED BY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
MOVE APPROVAL OF 27 PRESENTED.
>> SECOND. >> I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND.
[28. ENGINEERING:]
2-0. I'M SORRY.ONE ABSTAIN. AGENDA ITEM 28 A THROUGH B, PRESENTED BY ENGINEERING, MOVE APPROVAL OF 28 A-B B
>> I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[29. FACILITIES MANAGEMENT & PLANNING:]
[00:35:01]
ALL IN FAVOR, RAISE YOUR HAND. MOTION PASSES THREE-0.AGENDA ITEM 29. PRESENTED BY FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING. >> APPROVAL OF 29.
SECOND. >> I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR
[30. GRANTS ADMINISTRATION:]
HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.AGENDA ITEM 30 A THROUGH D PRESENTED BY GRANTS
ADMINISTRATIONS IS. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF 30 A THROUGH
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR
[31. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES:]
AGENDA ITEM 31 PRESENTED BY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.
>> MOVE APPROVAL OF 31 PRESENTED.
>> SECOND. >> I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR
[32. HOMELAND SECURITY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:]
HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.AGENDA ITEM 32 PRESENTED BY HOME LAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF 32 AS
>> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND.
[33. HUMAN RESOURCES:]
MOTION PASSES 3-0. AGENDA ITEM 33 A AND B, PRESENTED BY HUMAN RESOURCES. WE WILL TAKE THIS SEPARATELY.BEGINNING WITH 33 A. >> AND JUDGE, JUST FOR THE COURT TO REMEMBER THERE IS A MOTION PROVIDED BY HUMAN RESOURCES.
>> YES, JUDGE, I HAVE THE MOTION.
I MOVE FOR THAT FOR THE 2027 TCDRS PLANNED YEAR COMMISSIONERS COURT MAKES NO CHANGE TO THE PLAN PROVISIONS, ADOPTS NO COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT. COLA TO BE PAID TO RETIREES OR THEIR BENEFICIARIES. ELECTS TO PAY THE TOTAL REQUIRED EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION RATE OF 12.01% AND LAST AUTHORIZES THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE THE PLAN AUTHORIZATION FORM TO FORMALLY COMMUNITY THESE DECISIONS TO THE TCDRS.
>> SECOND. >> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
MOTION PASSES 3-0. AGENDA ITEM 33 B.
>> MOVE APPROVAL OF 33 B PRESENTED.
>> SECOND. >> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[34. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PCT. 3, PLACE 1:]
ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOU'RE HAND. MOTION PASSES THREE-0.ITEM 34 PRESENTED UNDER JUSTICE THE PEACE.
PRECINCT 3 PLACE 1. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF THIRTY-ONE
>> I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[35. LIBRARY:]
ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.MOTION PASSES 3-0, 35 A AND B. PRESENTED BY THE LIBRARY.
>> LET'S DO 35 A FIRST. >> ROOSEVELT HERE? LIBRARY. LET'S CHECK THE OVERFLOW ROOM.
>> HE'S NOT HERE. MANDY, CAN YOU CHECK? APPRECIATE THAT. LET'S WAIT A LITTLE WHILE AND SEE IF WE CAN FIND MR. WEEK. OKAY.
FANTASTIC. >> NATIONAL HOLIDAYS.
GOOD AFTERNOON ROOSEVELT WEEKS. PROUD DIRECTOR OF THE
>> JUSTIFICATION FOR 35 A. THE CLOSURE OBSERVATION OF
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS. >> WE HAVE DONE THAT FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS. OUR LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD HAVE
APPROVED OUR SCHEDULE. >> BUT THE COURT HAD NOT
>> BUT THE COURT HAD NOT. >> CORRECT.
>> OKAY. THE JUSTIFICATION FOR LEAVING IT
CLOSED. >> WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY
[00:40:03]
THE SAME PRIVILEGES AND BENEFITS OF THE MOST MAJORITY OF THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES. WE ARE A SEVEN DAY OPERATION.HERE IN THE COUNTY. WE ARE OPEN SUNDAY THROUGH SATURDAY. AND WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO TAKE IF A HOLIDAY COUNTY FALLS ON A FRIDAY, WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY OFF.
IF THE HOLIDAY FALLS ON A MONDAY, WE WANT TO TAKE THE SUNDAY OFF. WHAT WOULD THAT DO IS BRING EQUITY TO OUR STAFF. PROBABLY ABOUT THREE FOURS OF MY STAFF DO NOT WORK ON THE DAY. IT'S JUST THE LUCK OF THE DRAW.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR STAFF FROM A MORALE STANDPOINT GET A CHANCE TO ENJOY THAT AS WELL. IT HAS BEEN DONE, ALL THE LIBRARY SYSTEMS AROUND US ARE CLOSED ON THOSE DAYS.
JUST LIKE THAT WE ARE PROPOSING RIGHT NOW.
>> OKAY. ARE THOSE ALL HOURLY EMPLOYEES? NO. IT'S ALL EMPLOYEES.
>> COMMISSIONER, YOU HAVE OBSERVATIONS.
>> I'M SORRY. YOU HAD OBSERVATIONS.
YOU HAD AN OPINION ON THIS. >> OH THAT I BELIEVE WHAT MR. WEEKS IS SAYING, THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S 10 YEARS OR WHATEVER, I HAVE NOTICED THAT AND IT'S WHAT I SAW, I DON'T HAVE IT IN FRONT OF ME.
UNLESS WE CAN PUT THAT UP. I THINK IT'S LIKE CHRISTMAS,
THANKSGIVING -- >> IT'S THE MAJOR HOLIDAYS THAT PROBABLY NO ONE GOES TO THE LIBRARY ANYWAY.
I WOULDN'T SAY NO ONE BUT LOWER ATTENDANCE.
>> THAT'S PROBABLY THE PROPER WAY TO SAY IT.
DO YOU HAVE A MOTION? >> I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND
>> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.
>> THE LIBRARY EMPLOYEES APPRECIATE YOU ALL.
LET'S GO TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 35 B.
LET'S GO BACK TO B. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF THE 35 B AS
I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
[36. PARKS & RECREATION:]
MOTION PASSES 3-0. LET'S GO TO AGENDA ITEM 36 A THROUGH C PRESENTED BY PARKS AND RECREATION.>> MOVE APPROVAL OF A, B AND C AS PRESENTED.
>> SECOND. >> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[37. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:]
ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.MOTION PASSES 3-0. LET'S GO TO AGENDA ITEM 37.
PRESENTED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
MOVE APPROVAL AS PRESENTED. >> SECOND.
>> I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND, ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
[38. PURCHASING:]
MOTION PASSES 3-0. LET'S GO TO AGENDA ITEM 38 A THROUGH Y PRESENTED BY PURCHASING.>> SECOND. >> I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR
[39. SHERIFF'S OFFICE:]
HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.MOVING ALONG, AGENDA ITEM 39, A AND B, PRESENTED BY SHERIFF'S
OFFICE. >> MOVE APPROVAL AS PRESENTED.
39 A AND B AS PRESENTED. >> SECOND.
I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[40. TAX ASSESSOR/COLLECTOR:]
ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.40 A AND B. PRESENTED BY THE TAX ASSESSOR
AND COLLECTOR. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF 40 A AND B
>> I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[41. Approve Bills.]
[42. Ratify the release of time-sensitive disbursements made on July 30, 2026, and August 6, 2026.]
[43. Ratify the release of time-sensitive disbursements made on August 20, 2026, to be ratified by Commissioners Court on August 27, 2026. ]
ALL IN FAVOR. RAISE YOUR HAND.MOTION PASSES 3-0. NOW I PRESENT AGENDA ITEMS 41, 42 AND 43 APPROVALS OF THE BILLS AND OTHER TIME SENSITIVE DISBURSEMENT. SO GOOD TO SEE YOU ED.
JUDGE. ALONG WITH THE TIME SENSITIVE DISBURSEMENTS 25 MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THIRD $27.
WITH ROUTINE DISBURSEMENTS TOTALLING 11 MILLIO$11,311,208..
>> MOVE APPROVAL FOR 41, 42 AND 43.
>> MOTION MAY BE MADE AND SECONDED.
[00:45:03]
ANY DISCUSSION? >> ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE
YOUR HAND. >> MOTION PASSES 3-0.
[44. WORKSHOP:]
NOW, NEXT I PRESENT AGENDA ITEM 44, WORKSHOPS.OLGA PLEASE PROCEED. >> 44 A, CONDUCT WORKSHOP TO RECEIVE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE PROPOSAL REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF ESTRAY ANIMALS IN FORT BEND COUNTY.
>> WHERE IS THE SHERIFF? OKAY.
THEY'RE COMING. THEY'RE IN THE OVERFLOW ROOM.
LET'S WAIT A LITTLE WHILE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.
JUDGE AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
SO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS REPRESENTED HERE TODAY BECAUSE OF A LONG-TERM SOLUTION THAT IS NEEDED TO RESOLVE A PERSISTENT 30-YEAR CONCERN. FORT BEND COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO HANDLE LOSE LIVE STOCK AND EXOTIC ANIMALS AND EVEN EXOTIC FOUL. FORT BEND COUNTY DOES NOT OWN BARN, STALL, PENS OR ACREAGE USED TO SHELTER OR PASTEUR ESTRAY ANIMALS. ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO IN OUR COMMUNICATION WITH FACILITIES, THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT AND HAS BEEN AN ATTEMPT TO LOCATE LAND TO LEASE BUILDINGS OR BARNS TO LEASE OR EVEN POSSIBLY TO PURCHASE.
NOTHING HAS BEEN LOCATED TO DATE.
HOWEVER, A DEPUTY HAS GENEROUSLY ALLOWED USE OF HIS PRIVATELY-OWNED PROPERTY TO SHELTER ESTRAYS.
AND MANAGE THEM WHEN OWNERS ARE NOT LOCATED.
SO, THE MANAGEMENT OF ESTRAYS INVOLVES THESE KIND OF ACTIONS.
CAPTURING LIVE STOCK. TRANSPORTING AND TRAILERING THEM. PENNING THEM.
TESTING FOR DISEASES. MEDICATING THEM.
PROVIDING FOOD AND WATER PASTURING, SOMETIMES CALVING AND BIRTHING. AND ALL OTHER ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.
THE ADDITIONAL WORK IS LOCATING THE OWNERS.
THAT'S THE PRIMARY CONCERN. AND ALSO IMPOUNDING, AUCTIONING, SEEKING ADOPTEES AND OTHERWISE DISPOSING OF ANIMALS INCLUDING DESTROYING THEM AND BURYING THEM WHEN NECESSARY.
SO, ESTRAY MANAGEMENT IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
ESTRAYS MAY CONTRIBUTE TO DANGEROUS CONDITIONS SUCH AS SANITATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT. TRAFFIC HAZARDS.
THERE ARE ANIMALS STRUCK BY VEHICLES AND CAUSED INJURIES.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND POTENTIAL DISEASE TRANSMISSION TO HEALTHY HERDS. THE PROPOSAL PROVIDED ADDITIONAL CONTEXT IN EXISTENCE OF LET'S SAY ABOUT 150 POSSIBLE BACTERIAL AND VIRAL INFECTIONS, SOME ARE ZOONOTTIC WHICH MEANS THEY TRANSFER TO ANIMALS TO HUMANS AS WELL AS FUNGI AND PARASITES THAT EFFECT ANIMALS. UNTREATED, THIS MAY CREATE AN ANIMAL HEALTH EMERGENCY OR LIFE STOCK DISEASE OUTBREAK.
THE LIVE STOCK UNIT THE DEPUTIES ASSIGN SERVE AS A POTENTIAL FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AS OUTBREAK AND LIVE STOCK CONCERNS. THE DEPUTIES ARE AWARE OF STATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DISEASE CONTROL IS REGULATED BY THE TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION.
SO, IF I CAN GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS SLIDE ON THE TABLE.
THIS TABLE WAS COLLAPSED A BIT TO INCLUDE MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES THAT THE LIVE STOCK DEPUTIES ARE RESPONSIBLE.
WHAT IS NOT LISTED HERE ARE ADMINISTRATIVE THINGS LIKE ATTENDING COURT. ISSUES CITATIONS, MAKING ARRESTS, CONDUCTING INVESTIGATIONS FOR THINGS LIKE ANIMAL ABUSE AND CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.
SO THERE ARE A RANGE OF PENAL CODE STATUTES THAT ARE ENFORCED BY THE ESTRAY DEPUTIES, BUT IF I COULD DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO
[00:50:06]
THIS SLIDE, THE 2025 COLUMN SHOWS THE ACTIVITIES THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST. THERE ARE NOTABLE NUMBERS THERE.IF YOU LOOK AT THE 804 INSTANCES WHERE DEPUTIES REPAIRED FENCE.
AND THEN LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF PENNED AND INPOUNDED ANIMALS.
THERE COULD BE A CORRELATION BETWEEN THE DEPUTIES TO REPAIR FENCES AND THE LIKELIHOOD THAT ANIMALS WILL ESCAPE, WANDER OFF AND PERHAPS DAMAGE PROPERTY OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
SO, IN ESSENCE, WHAT THIS SLIDE DOES IS SHOWS THE NEED FOR THE CONTROL OF ESTRAY ANIMALS AND IN FACT, THIS IS A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT THAT THE SHERIFF UNDER THE AGRICULTURE CODE CHAPTER 241 IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RESPONDING TO ESTRAY ANIMALS INCLUDING IN MUNICIPAL JURISDICTIONS.
BY THAT, I MEAN THAT CITIES THAT HAVE AN ESTRAY ANIMAL WILL CONTACT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE AS WELL TO DEAL WITH LOOSE ANIMALS.
SO, THE NEXT SLIDE SHOWS WHAT WE WOULD NEED IF FORT BEND COUNTY WERE TO CREATE A MEANS TO MANAGE LOOSE ANIMALS WHEN THEY ARE NECESSARY TO QUARANTINE, THE TESTING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR LIVE STOCK. THE HORSE HAS TO GO THROUGH A COGNIZANCE TEST. IF THEY HAVE THE DISEASE, THEY MIGHT BE QUARANTINED 90 DAYS TO SIX MONTHS.
WITH COWS, THERE'S THE BRUCELLIS DISEASE THAT'S ALSO ZOONOTIC.
THIS SLIDE SHOWS SOME OF THE ESTRAY NEEDS DAILY CARE WHICH IF OUR DEPUTIES ARE NOT DOING THIS, IT'S A COUNTY RESPONSIBILITY.
THEN RANCH HANDS MAY BE NEEDED TO COMPLETE THESE TASKS.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE ITSELF ARE BARNS WITH 50 BY 50 FEET AND PENS CAN 10 FEET BY 12 FEET AND THIS IS FOR SEPARATING BREEDS SO THERE'S NO CROSS CONTAMINATION OR ANY PROBLEMS. SOME ANIMALS ARE AGGRESSIVE AND THEY MAY CAUSE PROGRESSES.
BUT, THE ADDITIONAL NEEDS ARE ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE AREAS AND THESE ARE ENFORCED BY THE AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION.
IF YOU'RE GOING TO QUARANTINE, IT'S A HALF ACRE EACH.
THE PASTURE IS FIVE ACRES. IF WE WERE TO ESTABLISH SOMETHING SIMILAR, IT WOULD BE A REQUIREMENT TO HAVE ABOUT FIVE ACRES. AND THE LAST SLIDE IS THE OPTIONS. SO YOU MAY BE THINKING WHY WAS THIS NOT PRESENTED IN THE LAST BUDGET REQUEST OR THE BUDGET CYCLE? REALLY FOR THREE REASONS.
ONE, IS IT WAS PREMATURE. DURING FEBRUARY AND MARCH WHERE THE BUDGET CYCLE BEGAN, THE FACILITIES DIRECTOR WAS SEARCHING FOR PASTURE LIVE STOCK BARNS AND ANYTHING SUITABLE TO HANDLE THIS RESPONSIBILITY. AND SECONDLY, IT WAS NOT KNOWN THAT THE DEPUTY WOULD BE RETIRING.
THE DEPUTY WHO ALLOWS THE USE OF HIS PRIVATELY-OWNED PROPERTY.
IT WAS NOT KNOWN. FORTUNATELY, HE DID GIVE US A ONE-YEAR NOTICE AND NOW THAT CREATES A DILEMMA BECAUSE NOW WE HAVE TO LOCATE A SUITABLE FACILITY AND A SUITABLE MEANS OF HANDLING ESTRAY ANIMALS. THERE ARE FIVE OPTIONS THERE.
THE FOCUS WE'RE LOOKING AT NUMBER 5.
IT'S A TEMPORARY FIX. AND BY THAT, I MEAN THAT THIS WOULD ONLY ALLOW FORT BEND COUNTY TO MANAGE THIS UNTIL THE DEPUTY RETIRES. AND AT THAT POINT, WE HAVE TO HAVE MORE LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS. I DON'T KNOW HOW CLOSE I AM TO THE TIME BUT I CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
>> I HAVE A QUESTION. >> A FEW QUESTIONS.
>> YES, SIR. >> HOW LONG IS THIS STATUTORILY
BEEN IN EFFECT? >> I DON'T HAVE THE TIMELINE, BUT IT'S BEEN IN EFFECT AT LEAST 40 YEARS.
IN MY YEARS AS A HOUSTON OFFICER.
[00:55:01]
>> IT'S TOO BAD WE DON'T DO THIS BEFORE PROPERTY VALUES SKY ROCKETED. THE OTHER THING I HAVE A CONCERN WITH, WITH THE AMOUNT OF DEVELOPMENT GOING ON IN FORT BEND COUNTY, EVENTUALLY THIS WILL PROBABLY SUBSIDE THIS KIND OF ISSUE OVER TIME. IT'S JUST LIKE EVEN THE TRACT OR LIGHT ROSENBERG HAD TO CHANGE THEIR WHOLE BUSINESS MODEL BECAUSE THE COMBINES AND ALL THAT, THEY'RE JUST NOT SELLING THAT ANYMORE HARDLY. WE DON'T WANT TO INVEST A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY INTO THIS AND WHEN THINGS ARE CHANGING.
I HEAR YOU. WE DO NEED IF IT'S A STATE STATUTE. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING.
I THINK WE NEED TO DO IT VERY EFFICIENTLY AND AS ECONOMICAL AS POSSIBLE. THE GENTLEMEN THAT'S RETIRING, IS THAT ONE OF OPTIONS HERE WHERE HE WOULD CONTINUE IF WE
PAID HIM A CERTAIN FEE? >> THAT'S SOMETHING THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED INITIALLY WHEN THIS WAS DISCUSSED.
THAT WAS NOT AN OPTION. I THINK IF THERE'S AN AGREEMENT ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS, THAT MIGHT BE A POSSIBILITY BUT HE'S HERE WITH US TODAY. JENKINS.
I DON'T WANT TO PUT HIM ON >> YEAH.
YEAH. >> AND WE DON'T WANT TO PUT HIM ON THE SPOT EITHER. BY THE WAY, WE APPRECIATE --
>> HEY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. >> HE'S GOT THE HAT ANYWAY.
>> YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ANSWER TODAY.
>> OKAY. IS THAT AN OPTION MAYBE?
>> I DID PRESENT THAT TO THE EXECUTIVE STAFF THAT I WOULD BE WILLING FOR AT LEAST A YEAR. I GOT MY GIRLFRIEND IN MY EAR
ABOUT THIS TOO. >> I UNDERSTAND.
>> THE REST OF MY LIFE. BECAUSE I HAVE HOUSED ANIMALS RIGHT NOW WE HAVE A DWARF NUBIAN GOAT.
WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE A CONTRACT IN PLACE PRIOR TO MY ENVIRONMENT. WITH 35 YEARS AND A HALF EXPERIENCE WITH THIS GOVERNMENT, IT'S GOING TO TAKE A WHILE.
WE WILL HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD TO MAKE SURE I'M HAPPY.
MY GIRLFRIEND IS HAPPY AND MY CPA IS HAPPY.
I DO WANT TO EXPAND REAL QUICK, STOCK LAW WAS VOTED ON IN FORT BEND COUNTY IN 1930. OKAY.
BY COMMISSIONERS COURT. I HAVE SAID FOR YEARS AND YEARS THAT WE JUST NEED AND TYPE OF FACILITY.
YOU RAISED A GOOD POINT ABOUT THE FARMING INDUSTRY.
YES, SIR, THAT'S OUT THE DOOR BECAUSE A LOT OF THE OFF SPRING IF YOU WILL ARE SELLING THE LAND BECAUSE OF THE PRICING.
WHAT I DON'T THINK THAT YOU MIGHT BE TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION IS IF YOU TOOK A DRIVE AROUND THE COUNTY, DOESN'T MATTER WHAT DISTRICT WE HAVE, WE HAVE SIX DISTRICTS THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR.
LIVE STOCK HAS AN IMPACT IN EVERY DISTRICT.
YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT BUY TRACTS OF LAND.
FIVE, 10 ACRES. I HAVE PEOPLE WITH A QUARTER OF AN ACRER. THEY SHOW UP WITH PIGS AND GOATS AND WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THEM. YES THE RESPONSIBLE RANCHERS, MOSTLY TO THE NORTHWEST AND SOUTHWEST.
YOU HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE MOVING INTO THE RURAL AREAS THAT WILL STAY RURALS WITH TRACTS OF LAND. THESE PEOPLE WILL BRING ANIMALS WITH THEM. IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO EITHER PUT THE ANIMALS UP, EDUCATE THE OWNER ON WHAT TO DO OR NOT DO OR EVEN WRITE THEM A CITATION.
THEN WE ROLL INTO THE ISSUES OF ANIMAL CRUELTY AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE THAT DO HAPPEN WITH THE ANIMALS THAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR OFFICE AND GET A WARRANT THROUGH JUDGE CROWE'S OFFICE AND SEIZE THE ANIMALS.
I MENTIONED THIS TO CHIEF ZA MORA.
I HAVE BEEN MEETING THIS DRUM FOR YEARS.
WE HAVE CASE AFTER CASE AFTER CASE AND THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS THE COUNTY DOES.
THE GOVERNMENT DOES INVOLVED IN THESE ANIMALS WE SEIZE FROM PEOPLE. WE JUST DON'T GO OUT AND SEIZE THEM. WE TRY TO GIVE YOU THE CARROT BEFORE THE STICK. WE GIVE YOU SO TO SPEAK, SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
IF YOU DON'T FIX THE PROBLEM AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, WE HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD AND SEIZE THE ANIMALS.
WE HAVEN'T MOVED TO THE CRIMINAL REALITY YET.
ONCE WE GO TO THE JP AND SHE RULES 99.99% OF THE TIME, AIN'T GETTING THAT ANIMAL BACK AND NOW IT'S MY PROBLEM.
EITHER I HAVE TO SELL THE ANIMAL OR FIND AN ADOPTER THAT'S
[01:00:02]
SUITABLE TO TAKE ON THE PROJECT OR BOTTOM LINE BEING DESTROYED.WHAT WE TRY TO DO IS GET THEM WITH A SUITABLE OWNER.
THE COUNTY GETS THE MONEY FROM THE SALE OF THE ANIMAL WHICH IS NOT THAT MUCH. IF A JUDGMENT IS MADE IN THE JP COURT LEVEL, WE AS A LIVE STOCK DEPUTY SHOULD HAVE THE AUTHORIZATION TO PRESENT THE JUDGMENT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY OFFICE SHOULD SEEK TO FILE A LIEN AGAINST SAID PERSON ON THEIR PROPERTY. IT WON'T BE IN MY LIFETIME.
AT SOME POINT, SOMEBODY IS GOING TO WANT TO SELL SOMETHING THAT'S TANGIBLE. WHEN MY TRAILER ROLLS, YOU'RE IN THE RED. THAT'S JUST THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS. WE HAVE ACCIDENTS IN THIS COUNTY. PEOPLE DIE.
WE HAVE PEOPLE SEVERELY INJURED IN THESE ACCIDENTS.
LESS THAN SIX WEEKS AGO WE HAVE THE TRAIN GOING AND TOOK OUT TWO MINIATURE PONIES THAT SOME GUY BOUGHT, PUT THEM IN HIS BACKYARD AND THEY ESCAPED. NOW THEY'RE NOT HERE NO MORE.
WE HAVE THE COST WHETHER COUNTY HAS TO PICK THE ANIMAL UP.
WE HAVE POS FOR THAT OR IT'S A STATE PROBLEM.
WELL IF WE FIND YOU, IT'S YOUR PROBLEM.
IF YOU DON'T GET THE ANIMAL PICKED UP, I'M GOING TO SEEK ENVIRONMENTAL ON YOU AND THAT'S NOT PRETTY.
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER THE ANIMAL HAS TO BE DISPOSED OF.
I'M WILLING TO HANG AROUND FOR A YEAR.
HELP YOU OUT BEST I CAN. >> WHAT I'M THINKING THAT WOULD
GIVE FACILITIES ENOUGH TIME TO >> MIGHT NEED A LITTLE NUDGING.
>> THERE MIGHT BE PROPERTY THAT WE HAVE ACQUIRED, I DON'T KNOW, I'M NOT GOING TO SPEAK FOR JAMIE.
MAYBE WE HAVE THAT WE COULD -- >> LIKE I SAID, NOT TRYING TO BE FUNNY. YOU HAVE BEEN KIND OF AUTHORIZED A YEAR. I COULD PROBABLY STRETCH IT A
LITTLE MORE. >> MAYBE YOU CAN HELP US EXPLAIN EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED TO OUR FACILITIES TO GET BY.
>> YES, SIR. BECAUSE MY PLACE IS FIVE ACRES.
IT'S GATED. I WAS TELLING THE CHIEF YESTERDAY AND MY ADMINISTRATORS. YOU HAVE TO IF YOU WILL, WRAP YOURSELF AROUND THE CONCEPT OF A JAIL AND THE INMATE AND ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT COMES ALONG WITH THAT.
THAT'S THE SAME THAT WE HAVE IN LIVE STOCK.
IT'S BASICALLY A LIVE STOCK JAIL.
IF IT DIES, WE HAVE TO WRITE A REPORT ON IT.
IF IT'S SICK, WE HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE VET OR I GIVE THE
MEDICINE AT MY HOUSE. >> WE GET THE PICTURE.
>> ONE MORE THING. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS, AND CHIEF I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU DIDN'T, WE DIDN'T TALK ABOUT IT LAST YEAR OR YEARS BEFORE. IS THIS IS A BAD YEAR TO BE INVESTING IN ANYTHING. SO.
MAYBE WE CAN WORK SOMETHING OUT AND THEN WE GO FROM THERE.
>> THANK YOU. >> APPRECIATE THE INFORMATION.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. I WOULD JUDGE ASK THE COURT THAT YOU PLEASE LOOK AT OPTION 5 ON THE DEPUTY STIPENDS BECAUSE WHAT THEY DO IS, HAZARD DUTY. IT'S VERY
COMMENTS? THANK YOU SO MUCH, CHIEF.
APPRECIATE IT. >> LET'S MOVE TO 44 C FOR CONDUCT WORKSHOP TO DISCUSSION DISCUSS FOERLT BEND -- FORT BEND
COUNTY LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. >> WE HAVE TWO REPRESENTS TO
HELP ENLIGHTEN US A LITTLE BIT. >> HELLO GENTLEMEN.
IT'S ALWAYS A JOY TO BE HERE. NICE TO SEE YOU ALL.
WOW, GIVE YOU AN UPDATE. >> WELL ONE OF THINGS I WANT TO POINT OUT. WE HAVE TWO OF THE MORE EFFECTIVE EFFECTIVE LEGISLATURES.
JIM AND MICHELE HAVE PULLED US OUT.
THE LAST LEGISLATION AT THE LAST MINUTE, MICHELE CALLED AND SAID, HEY, YOUR TWO COURTS ARE ABOUT TO BE LEFT OUT OF THE BILL.
YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING IN LESS THAN AN HOUR.
THAT'S HOW, THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS IT'S SO ESSENTIAL TO HAVE CONSULTANTS LIKE MICHELE AND JIM THAT ARE THERE.
KNOWING WHAT IS GOING ON. CONNECTED INFORMED, AND ENGAGED
[01:05:06]
AND HAVE A READY SOLUTION TO OUR PROBLEMS TO HELP US SALVAGE IT.HAD WE NOT HAD THEM THERE, THE LIKELIHOOD IS OUR TWO COURTS WOULD HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT OF THE BILL AFTER OUR CONVERSATION I DID CONTACT THE SPONSOR OF THE BILL STAFF AND LET ME KNOW, WE'RE GLAD YOU DID THIS BECAUSE YOU WERE GOING TO BE LEFT OUT OF THE BILL. BY THE WAY, WE WERE NOT GOING TO ALLOW ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL, SO, YOU WERE EITHER GOING TO BE IN OR OUT AND THAT WAS IT. THANKS TO HER EFFORTS AND HER BEING THERE AND OBVIOUSLY, CONNECTED.
WE WERE ABLE TO SALVAGE THE TWO COURTS.
THAT'S JUST, THAT'S JUST THE LATEST EXAMPLE OF THE THINGS THEY HAVE DONE. I AM TRYING TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS. HOW NECESSARY IT IS FOR COUNTIES AND CITIES TO HAVE PEOPLE IN AUSTIN THERE ALL THE TIME.
THAT ARE INFORMING US OF WHAT IS GOING ON.
THERE ARE THINGS HAPPENING, WHEREVER YOU'RE WORKING EVERY DAY, YOU'RE NOT IN AUSTIN, YOU HAVE NO CLUE REALLY WHAT'S GOING ON AND A LOT OF TIMES, OUR LEGISLATORS THEMSELVES AREN'T SPECIFICALLY AWARE OF A BILL BECAUSE IT DOESN'T IMPACT THEM DIRECTLY. SO, THEY'RE FOCUSED ON THEIR LEGISLATION AND THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WE HAVE MICHELE AND JIM THERE. JUST LET YOU KNOW HOW IMPORTANT
THEY ARE TO FORT BEND COUNTY. >> THANK YOU.
WE BOTH REALLY DO APPRECIATE THAT.
I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE I WISH THAT OUR GOVERNMENT WORKED THE WAY YOU READ ABOUT IN POLITICAL SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS.
THAT IS NOT REALITY. THAT'S, WE'RE IN THE LABORATORY SIDE OF THE POLITICAL SCIENCE CLASS.
SO, IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO BE AND WE'RE HAPPY TO REPRESENT YOU.
>> WHAT IS YOUR SENSE OF THE COMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITH
REGARD TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS? >> AS TOUGH AS EVER.
>> SO IN OTHER WORDS WE'RE IN FOR A ROUGH RIDE.
>> YES. >> I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY REASON FOR ME TO SUGAR COAT THAT.
THE GOOD THING IS, WE KNOW HOW TO RIDE THIS WAY.
WE HAVE DONE THIS. WE WILL BE THERE AND WILL BE THERE AGAIN. THE WAY THAT THE PERFECT STORM THIS INTERIM GOING INTO THIS SESSION IS SIZING UP, THE BIGGEST ISSUES THAT ARE ON EVERYBODY REGARDLESS OF PARTY ON EVERYBODY'S MINDS, ONE IS AFFORDABILITY AND WE'RE LOOKING AT HEALTHCARE AFFORDABILITY. WE'RE LOOKING AT HOUSING AFFORDABILITY. WE'RE LOOKING AT PROPERTY AND CASUALTY AFFORDABILITY ACROSS THE BOARD.
WE'RE ALSO LOOKING AT THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
THE NEED FOR MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE BUT ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE. THE GOOD THING IS OUR ECONOMY KEEPS GROWING AND EVERYBODY KEEPS MOVING TO TEXAS.
Y'ALL EXPERIENCE IT ON A DAILY BASIS.
THE STRESS ON YOUR ELECTRICITY. NEEDING ADEQUATE ELECTRICITY.
ADEQUATE LINES. ADEQUATE GENERATION.
WATER. YOU JUST SAW CORPUS CHRISTI COME NEAR LOSING THEIR WATER. YOU HAVE SMALL TOWNS ACROSS TEXAS WHO HAVE LOST FOR A BIT. THE SOLUTION OF TRUCKING AND WATER IS NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION FOR ANYTHING.
YOU CAN'T DEVELOP WATER AND ELECTRICITY OVERNIGHT.
THERE'S SIGNIFICANT INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES.
THEY COST A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT TOO.
THERE WILL BE SOME STATE MONEY I BELIEVE INJECTED INTO THAT AND THERE'S ALSO GOING TO BE PRIVATE MONEY THAT HAS TO BE PUT INTEREST THAT. YOU WILL LOOK AT INFRASTRUCTURE, AFFORDABILITY. THE TWO, THE TWO BIGGEST THINGS BEING TALKED ABOUT IN AUSTIN RIGHT NOW.
THREE, THEY DOVE TAIL INTO EVERYTHING.
DATA CENTERS AND ELECTRIC LINES. THE BUILDING OF NEW TRANSMISSION LINES. IT'S NOT DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW.
IT'S MORE IN CENTRAL TEXAS GOING OUT TO WEST TEXAS.
BUT IT'S AFFECTING RURAL TEXAS IN A SIGNIFICANT WAY.
AND THAT EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE RURAL AREA IN FORT BEND COUNTY, THERE IS AN INTERPLAY ACROSS THE STATE.
WE CAN'T COMPLETELY SEPARATE WHAT IS GOING ON IN CENTRAL AND WEST TEXAS TO WHERE YOU ARE. EVERYTHING HOLDS HANDS.
IT'S A RELAY RACE AND THERE'S COMPETITION.
EVERYTHING AROUND DATA CENTERS THAT REQUIRE WATER AND ELECTRICITY. WE ALL USE AI.
I DO. WE NEED THE DATA CENTERS BUT WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT WAY TO HAVE THOSE DATA CENTERS.
>> WHAT DO YOU SEE WITH REGARD TO THE LEGISLATORS ATTITUDE TOWARD LOCAL GOVERNMENT WITH REGARD TO PROPERTY TAXES? I KNOW THE GOVERNOR HAS COME OUT AND SAID HIS OBJECTIVE IS TO
[01:10:04]
REDUCE LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES. WHAT DOES THAT IN YOUR OPINION POSSIBLY HOLD FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PARTICULARLYCOUNTIES LIKE FORT BEND? >> SO GOING TO AFTER NOT, CONSIDERING DATA CENTERS TRANSMISSION LINES AFFORDABILITY INFRASTRUCTURE, THE OTHER BIG ISSUE THAT PREDOMINATES IS PROPERTY TAXES. BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND THE SPEAKER HAVE ALL SAID WE HAVE REDUCED PROPERTY TAXES. PEOPLE STILL DON'T FEEL IT ENOUGH. WE WANT TO REDUCE THEM MORE.
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS AND THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR RELEASED A FRAMEWORK THAT IS MORE CONSERVATIVE IN THAT IT'S LOOKING AT DIFFERENT EXEMPTIONS. IT'S LOOKING AT INCREASING THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION. $40,000 TO 180.
HIS PLAN IS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT.
THE GOVERNOR'S IS MORE OF A WHOLESALE LET'S LOOK AT OUR PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM. ALMOST CRAP IT AND REBUILD IT.
WE ARE IN AUGUST AND GO INTO SESSION IN JANUARY.
THAT'S A HARD THING TO DO. THE SPEAKER HAS SAID, I'M WITH YOU GUYS. WE DO NEED TO DO SOMETHING, WE'RE ALL THERE IN SPIRIT TOGETHER BUT THERE IS NOT A PLAN YET. A LOT OF HOUSE MEMBERS HAVE SIGNED ON TO A MAJORITY OF THEM, HAVE SIGNED ON TO THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL. IT'S A PROPOSAL.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO GET THROUGH NOVEMBER.
AND SEE WHO ALL IS GOING TO BE IN AUSTIN VOTING ON THESE THINGS. THOSE DETAILS WILL HAVE TO BE HAMMERED OUT. MANY OF THEM ARE GOING TO MAKE LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT TIME MEETING YOUR MANDATES. WHAT I MEAN BY MANDATES.
UNFUNDED MANDATES THAT YOU DO RECEIVE AND MANDATES THAT PASS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO YOU, THAT YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE IN BUT YOU HAVE TO FUND.
>> SO WE WILL KNOW A LITTLE MORE CLEARLY ABOUT THAT IN THE NOVEMBER TIME FRAME WHEN THEY FILE BILLS ONE TO 20.
THEY HAVE TO FILE. >> WE WILL SEE THAT.
AND ANOTHER THING IS WE WILL SEE A BUDGET REVENUE ESTIMATE.
THE COMPTROLLER GIVES US THE BRE.
THE ACTING COMPTROLLER HAS SAID, I DON'T THINK HE INTENDED FOR ALL OF US TO HEAR THAT. HE'S GOING TO RELEASE THE BUDGET REVENUE ESTIMATE. HE DOESN'T WANT EVERYBODY TO HAVE A HEADS UP UNTIL WE GET TO SESSION.
THAT'S DEALT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LEAD THE BUDGET TO BE RESPONSIVE TO. YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW MUCH TO SPEND.
WE WILL HAVE A SURPLUS BEGIN. WE'RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE, WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD A SURPLUS. WELL, WE HAD A FEW YEARS WE HAVE A DEFICIT BUT OUR SURPLUSES ARE GETTING SMALLER.
THIS ONE WILL BE SMALLER THAN LAST TIME.
YOU HAVE A LOT OF THE SURPLUS AUTOMATICALLY GETS SPOKEN FOR BECAUSE OF FEDERAL MANDATES TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT MOSTLY IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. IT DOESN'T GIVE YOU A LOT OF MONEY TO PLAY WITH. WHEN YOU ALSO LOOK AT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE BEING PITCHED, GOVERNOR ABBOTT HAS SAID TO DECREASE THE CAP ON HOME HOME HOMESTEAD APPRAISAL INCREASES.
HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A TWO-THIRDS VOTER APPROVAL FOR BOND ELECTIONS. HE WOULD LIKE TO, THIS IS THE BIG ONE OF COURSE. ELIMINATE ISD PROPERTY TAXES AND REPLACE THEM WITH SOMETHING. IT WOULD REQUIRE AND THAT'S A PHASED IN APPROACH, I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THAT MEANS YET EITHER. TO TAKE AWARE ALL OF YOUR M& O PROPERTY TAX AND REPLACE WITH TAX.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE SOMETHING ELSE IT RIGHT NOW.
THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AS I SAID WANTS TO MOVE FROM $140,000 TO $180,000 AND INCREASE OR DECREASE FROM 65 TO AGE 55 FOR THE PROFIT TAX FREEZES AND THEY'RE BOTH LOOKING AT THIS, CAP CITY AND COUNTY BUDGET GROWTH AT 3.5 % HARD CAP.
MEANING THAT YOU CAN'T NECESSARILY PROPOSE SOMETHING AND GET VOTER APPROVAL ON IT. SO, IT WOULD BE A HARDER CAP THAN WHAT YOU HAVE IN LAW RIGHT NOW.
WHEN YOU ASK WHAT IS GOING TO BE GOING ON THIS SESSION AND I TELL
[01:15:01]
YOU, I THINK THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR US, WHEN WE LOOK AT THINGS THAT ADD MONEY TO THE STATE COFFERS IN THE FORMS OF TAXES THAT PEOPLE PAY WHEN YOU CREATE JOBS.YOU CREATE JOBS AND BRING PEOPLE TO FORT BEND.
IT'S GOOD FOR THE STATE WHEN WE CREATE JOBS.
ANYTHING YOU HAVE THAT IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS GREAT.
ANYTHING THAT YOU DO THAT CAN BE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, IS GREAT. OTHERWISE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE, ON EVERYTHING THAT I'M TALKING TO YOU ABOUT.
AND TEACHING AND TELLING, WE DO HAVE OPEN MINDED LEGISLATORS.
THEY HEAR THIS EVERYBODY. HE, ME TOO.
I WANT PROPERTY TAXES TO GO DOWN.
WE ALL LIKE THAT. WE ALL LIKE SERVICES TOO.
WHEN WE TALK TO OUR REASONABLE LEGISLATORS AND SHOW THEM, HERE'S WHAT IS GOING TO CUT. HERE'S WHAT YOUR NOT GOING TO HAVE. HERE'S WHAT WE CAN'T DO.
THIS IS A SOPHIE'S CHOICE. WE'RE NOT EVEN GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THE MANDATES THAT WE'RE MANDATED TO DO MUCH LESS ANYTHING ELSE EXTRA TO FORT BEND COUNTY.
>> WHAT I'M HEARING YOU TELL ME, WE HAVE A BIG EDUCATION ISSUE WITH REGARD TO OUR LEGISLATORS WITH REGARD TO IF YOU CAP OUR DEBT, HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS.
IF YOU LOWER OUR REVENUE CAP, WHICH IS A 3.5 TO 2.5 TO ONE.
THERE'S BEEN ALL KINDS OF PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD.
WE NEED TO DO AN EXCELLENT JOB LETTING OUR LEGISLATORS UNDERSTAND CLEARLY WHAT IMPACT TO OUR RESIDENTS AND THE SERVICES WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE.
AM I CORRECT? >> YOU'RE CORRECT AND WE HAVE GOT TO TELL PEOPLE EVEN IN A FAST GROWTH HIGHLY POPULATED PLACE LIKE FORT BEND COUNTY. I SENT A LETTER THAT A VERY SMALL RURAL COUNTY WROTE TO HIS STATE SENATOR AND HIS STATE REP SAYING, THESE SOLUTIONS THAT Y'ALL ARE PROPOSING WILL STRANGLE US EVEN MORE. THEY FEEL THE SAME WAY.
THEY ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING.
EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE A DIFFERENT TYPE COUNTY.
A RURAL AGRARIAN COUNTY ECONOMY. EVERYBODY IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE EDUCATING THEIR LEGISLATORS ON THE RIGHT WAY AND THE WRONG WAY TO LOOK AT PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION.
WE ALL WANT IT. BUT WE'VE GOT TODAY IT IN A WAY THAT SOMETIMES HAVEN'T YOU MADE A DECISION YOU REGRETTED LATER? THIS WILL BE REALLY IMPORTANT TO GET RIGHT.
>> OKAY. SO, DEFENSE IS THE NUMBER ONE THING WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO BE PLANNED.
>> WE DO HAVE A COUPLE AND I WILL BRING UP THE MAIN TWO.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES THAT OBVIOUSLY I WILL JUST BE BLUNT.
THEY'RE MY PROPOSALS. ONE HAS TO DO WITH THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT LEGISLATION.
WE CAME WITHIN A HAIR OF GETTING PASSED LAST TIME.
THERE WAS MISCOMMUNICATION BETWEEN ONE OF THE MAJOR INDUSTRIES HERE AND THE COMMITTEE THAT WAS HEARING THE BILL. ONE OF REASONS WE WENT SIDE WAYOS IT. I ANTICIPATE AFTER TALKING WITH PAUL BETTENCOURT, IF IT'S A LOCAL BILL, HE WOULD GIVE A LOT OF DEFERENCE TOWARD PASSING THAT LEGISLATION.
IF WE PLAY OUR CARDS CORRECTLY WE CAN GET THAT DONE.
THE OTHER IS THE ADVANCED RESEARCH INSTITUTE THAT DIDN'T GO FAR. THE IDEA IS TO CREATE AN INSTITUTE LOCATED IN FORT BEND WHERE THE UNIVERSITIES COME TOGETHER UNDER AN UMBRELLA FOR JOINT EFFORTS IN ADVANCED RESEARCH PARTICULARLY GETTING GRANT FUNDING FROM THE FEDS AND FROM THE STATE AND PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THAT EFFORT.
SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE TALKED TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ABOUT.
WE HAVE AUTHORITY TO DO A LOT OF THINGS.
IT WILL BE SOMETHING WE HAVE TO COORDINATE WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE. IT'S ONE THING FOR THE GOVERNOR TO HAVE IT. FRANKLY, IF YOU'RE, YOU NEED THE LEGISLATORS TO HAVE SOME SKIN IN THE GAME A LITTLE BIT AND A SITUATION OF THIS NATURE. IN MY OPINION, WE NEED TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING WHERE EVERYBODY HAS SOMETHING TO GAIN OR AT LEAST HAVE A SAY. SO, IN AND OF THESE AND IT'S SOMETHING OF THIS NATURE. SO THOSE ARE THE TWO MAIN ONES THAT WE HAVE. I DON'T THINK WE NEED TO PUT A LOT MORE ON OUR AGENDA. I THINK MOST, 99% OF OUR EFFORTS WILL BE PLAYING DEFENSE. WE WILL HAVE TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME SIMPLY EDUCATING ALL THE LEGISLATORS NOT JUST OUR DELEGATION BUT ALL THE LEGISLATORS, THE CUC IS PRETTY
[01:20:03]
MUCH AWARE OF THIS. I KNOW JIM WORKING WITH ADAM IN THE CONFERENCE OF URBAN COUNTIES.AND HE'S A GUY THAT IS OUR LEGISLATURE CONSULTANT THERE.
I KNOW THAT THEY REALLY APPRECIATE YOU AND JIM BECAUSE THEY, YOU ARE THE TWO OF THE GUYS THAT CAN GO TO IMMEDIATELY AND GET HELP AND IT HELPS A LOT. THIS IS THE CONFERENCE OF URBAN COUNTIES WERE THE 37 LARGEST COUNTIES IN THE STATE.
85% OF THE POPULATION ARE IN THE 37 COUNTIES AND PLAY A KEY ROLE.
THEY WILL BE A KEY ORGANIZATION WITH REGARD TO EDUCATING OUR LEGISLATORS WITH REGARD TO WHAT THE IMPACT IS GOING TO BE SHOULD THEY REDUCE OUR CAP OUR DEBT OR REDUCE THE CAP ON OUR REVENUE.
HOW ARE THEY, MAY CAP THE AMOUNT OF INCREASE IN PROPERTY VALUES.
I THINK YOU MENTION THE GOVERNOR SAID THREE %.
SO, IT'S 10. I BELIEVE RIGHT NOW.
THAT'S A MAJOR DECREASE. OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE FORT BEND COUNTY HAS BEEN KIND OF LIVING ON THE INCREASE IN THOSE INCREASE IN VALUES TO PROVIDE ONE OF THE WAYS TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND BUILD ROADS. WE HAVE A CHALLENGE.
THE OTHER THING WE ARE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT IS MODIFYING THE COUNTY ASSISTANT DISTRICT LEGISLATION.
RIGHT NOW IT'S NARROW WITH REGARD TO WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THAT. THAT'S SOMETHING THAT FRANKLY WHEREVER I GOT THAT LEGISLATION PASSED IN 2007, ONE OF THE AGREEMENTS I MADE WITH PATRICK AT THAT TIME TO GET IT DONE, WE WOULD USE FOR MOBILITY AND FOR REDUCING OFF SETTING PROPERTY TAXES. WE HAVE DONE THAT TO A LARGE EXTENT. I KNOW COMMISSIONER MORALES AND I HAVE. GENERALLY SPEAKING, WE HAVE NOT STUCK TO THAT VERY CLOSELY. OTHER COUNTIES ARE LOOKING AT THAT AS POTENTIAL REVENUE SOURCE FOR THEM.
WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO GIVE PROVIDE THE ABILITY FOR THIS EMTO UTILIZE SALES TAXES TO OFF SET PROPERTY TAXES.
ONE OF WAYS TO DO THAT IS WITH SALES TAXES.
THE OTHER THING HAS TO DO WITH THE COUNTY, EXCUSE ME, THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS THAT ARE MADE BETWEEN THE CITIES AND THE MUDS PARTICULARLY BETWEEN THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND THE VARIOUS MUDS. THE CITY OF HOUSTON IS COLLECTING NEARLY $30 MILLION IN SALES TAX REVENUE.
THE STATUTE SAYS THAT THE PURPOSES TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE DISTRICT THAT CITY OF HOUSTON NEVER PROVIDED ANY SERVICES TO THE DISTRICT. WE NEED TO GIVE TEETH TO THAT AND WILL BE A BIG HURDLE TO GET OVER.
ANY LEGISLATION WOULD RESTRICT THEIR ABILITY TO COLLECT
REVENUE. >> THAT'S TAXPAYER FAIRNESS.
>> RIGHT. THAT'S TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION FRANKLY AND SOMETHING WE FOUGHT A CIVIL WAR OVER. NOT A CIVIL WAR, A REVOLUTIONARY WAR OVER. I THINK THAT IT IS ONE OF THE KEY THINGS THAT WE HAVE WORKED ON FOR A LONG TIME.
WE KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF OPPOSITION TO IT AND IT WILL BE CONTINUE TO BE OPPOSITION TO IT. SIMPLY A FAIRWAY OF IN MY OPINION, A FAIRWAY OF DEALING WITH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE PAYING THE TAX BUT THEY ACTUALLY GET AND KIND OF SERVICE IN RETURN FOR THE TAXES THEY PAY RIGHT NOW THEY'RE GETTING ZERO.
MOST OF THEM GETTING ZERO. >> YOU GUYS HAVE ANYTHING YOU
WANT TO ADD >> IT'S A LONG LIST.
COMMISSIONER MORALES, ANYTHING TO ADD?
YOU CAN ADD ON LATER. >> YOU GOT YOUR JOB AHEAD OF
YOU. >> I HAVE COMFORTABLE SHOES.
I CAN RUN AROUND THAT CAPITOL A LOT.
>> MICHELE. THANK YOU FOR EVERYBODY.
>> LET'S GO TO 44 B. JUST TO INTRODUCE IMPACT
STRATEGIC CONSULTING. >> WE'RE TAKING THEM UP NEXT.
>> ON THE ACTIONS OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION, OBVIOUSLY THE CONSTRAINTS THAT WE EXPECT TO OCCUR, MATERIAL OR NOT, WILL BE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON FUTURE FORT BEND COUNTY BUDGETS.
WHETHER WE TALK CAPITAL OR >> CORRECT.
>> YEAH. >> WE'RE VERY WELL AWARE.
IT'S THE REASON WE'RE TRYING TO WORK SO HARD TO FIGURE OUT A
JUDGE WONG. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.
JUDGE WONG. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS
[01:25:01]
COURT AND EVERYBODY PRESENT TODAY.GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS INGRID JONES AND DIRECTOR WITH STRATEGIC CONSULTING.
I WILL PRESENT THE AFTER COVID REPORT.
THE PRESENTATION WALKS THROUGH THE PURPOSE OF THE ACTION REPORT. IT HIGHLIGHTS KEY FINDINGS AND STRENGTHS IN AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS IDENTIFIED AS WELL AS PROVIDES RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT THE COUNTY IN FUTURE PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE EFFORTS IN THE EVENT OF ANOTHER PANDEMIC. THE GOAL OF THE AFTER ACTION REPORT WAS TO EVALUATE THE COUNTY'S PLANNED COORDINATED AND ADMINISTERED HOW YOU ADMIN ADMINISTERED YOUR COVID EFFORTS. INCLUDING THE MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION OF YOUR FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS. THE REVIEW FOCUSED AND IDENTIFIED WHAT WENT WELL, OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN FUTURE EMERGENCY RESPONSES AND EFFORTS IN ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE. THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE AFTER-ACTION REPORTS WAS TO RECOGNIZE THE COUNTY'S OVERALL PERFORMANCE, RECOGNIZE YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTHS AS WELL AS IDENTIFY AREAS OF IMPROVEMENTS AND CAPABILITY GAPS, CAPTURE LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMEND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO ENHANCE FUTURE OPERATIONS, TRAINING, PLANNING AND COORDINATION. AND DECISIONMAKING.
AS WELL TO PROMOTE ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT. THE ASSESSMENT COVERED THE COUNTY'S RESPONSE TO THE PANHANDLE FROM 2020 TO 2024 AND INCLUDED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION GATHERED IN OUR ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEWS.
THE AAR, THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT WAS ORGANIZED IN FIVE FOCUS AREAS THAT NOT ONLY REFLECTED THE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS BUT THE OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONSAS WELL.
THOSE FIVE FOCUS POINTS INCLUDED WORK FORCE CAPACITY AND STAFFING EXPERIENCE. THE COUNTY'S PLANS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, THE ABILITY TO PERFORM GRANT MANAGEMENT AND FUNDING OVER SIGHT. AS WELL AS THEIR ABILITY TO DO FINANCIAL REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING CAPABILITIES. AND LASTLY, THE COUNTY'S COMMUNICATION, OUT REACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUR STAKEHOLDERS. NOW BEFORE ADDRESSING THE AREAS OF IMPROVEMENTS NOTED IN THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT, I LIKE TO PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGING, THE COVID PANDEMIC WAS AN EVENT THAT AFFECTED OUR COUNTRY IN UNPRECEDENTED WAYS.
HOWEVER, OVERALL, FORT BEND COUNTY DEMONSTRATED A STRONG AND COORDINATED RESPONSE THAT WAS DUE TO THE STRONG LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, AND SOUND MANAGEMENT AND YOUR USE OF YOUR RESOURCES. THE KEY STRENGTHS IDENTIFIED DURING THE AFTER-ACTION REPORTS INCLUDED EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION EFFORTS.
COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS AND STRONG FINANCIAL AND GRANT MANAGEMENT EFFORTS. THESE STRENGTHS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO YOU ALL'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE CHALLENGES PRESENTED BY THE PANDEMIC AND EFFECTIVELY RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS OF FORT BEND COUNTY.
NOW WHILE THERE WAS STRONG AREAS IDENTIFIED IN THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT, WE ALSO IDENTIFIED A COUPLE AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT THAT CAN FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE COUNTY'S RESPONSE AROUND YOUR STAFFING AND CAPABILITIES, YOUR TRAINING AND READINESS.
GRANT MANAGEMENT, SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES AND YOUR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY. OVERALL, THE FINDINGS POINTED TO A NEED FOR STRONGER COORDINATION, CLEARER PROCESSES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND A MORE CENTRALIZED SYSTEMS. BASED ON THE FINDINGS, WE DEVELOPED SIX KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE COUNTY. ONE, BUILDING CAPACITY.
[01:30:03]
CAPACITY IN YOUR STAFFING AND RESOURCES THAT ARE SCALABLE.STAFFING MODELS AND CROSS TRAINING AND SERVICE SUPPORT.
SECONDLY, DEVELOPING CENTRALIZED OPERATIONS SYSTEMS. FOR EFFECTIVE DATA STORAGE AND REPORTING THAT CREATES A MORE UNIFIED TRACKING SYSTEM WITH REALTIME VISIBILITY.
THIRD, STRENGTHEN YOUR READINESS BY TRAINING AND OPERATIONS IN YOUR STANDARDIZED AND TRAINING PROGRAMS AND CONDUCTING REGULAR EXERCISES TO ENSURE ALL STAFF ARE ON BOARD.
NEXT, INCLUDE IMPROVE YOUR COMPLIANCE, COMPLIANCE IN YOUR GRANT MANAGEMENT AND YOUR STANDARDIZED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AS WELL AS CREATING MORE OVER SIGHT OR COMPLIANCE DIVISION THAT CENTRALIZES OVER SIGHT.
NEXT, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION, ENHANCING YOUR COMMUNICATION AND YOUR COORDINATION TO DEFINE CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENTS, AND DEFINING COMMUNICATION STRUCTURES. AND LASTLY, INSURANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY BY ESTABLISHING LONG-TERM PLANNING THREE POST FUNDING STRATEGIES AND ALIGNING THEM WITH YOUR INTERNAL POLICIES AS WELL AS FEDERAL AND STATE MANDATED REGULATIONS.
NOW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE DESIGNED FOR PRACTICAL AND ACTIONABLE USE WITH A FOCUS ON IMPROVING COORDINATION, CONSISTENCY AND OVERALL PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVENESS.
PLEASE NOTE THE SIX RECOMMENDATIONS ARE OUTLINED IN DETAILED IN THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT.
THEY WERE A FEW NOTABLE TAKEAWAYS THAT WERE IDENTIFIED DURING THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT. COLLECTIVELY, FORT BEND COUNTY EXHIBITED STRONG LEADERSHIP, COMMENDABLE FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP AND IMPECCABLE COMMITMENT TO SERVE THE RESIDENTS OF FORT BEND COUNTY. PLEASE NOTE, YOUR FUTURE PREPAREDNESS CAN BE STRENGTHENED THREE IMPROVING YOUR WORK FORCE READINESS. YOUR STANDARDIZED PROCEDURES AND CONTINUING ENHANCING YOUR TECHNOLOGY AND ON GOING TRAINING ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA OF FEDERAL FUNDING.
IN CLOSING, FORT BEND COUNTY DEMONSTRATED STRONG LEADERSHIP, RESILIENCY AND A CAPABILITY ADAPTABILITY THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC. THE AAR PROVIDES A ROADMAP FOR BUILDING ON THESE STRENGTHS. WHILE IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE FUTURE PREPAREDNESS, STRENGTHENING COORDINATION AND IMPROVING OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS.
THE COUNTY CAN RESPOND MORE EFFECTIVELY IN THE EVENT OF FUTURE EMERGENCIES AND BUILD LONG-TERM RESILIENCY.
YOUR HONOR AND TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
AS THE STAFF IMPACT STRATEGIC CONSULTING WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THE RESULTS OF THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT AND ALL THOSE WHO MET WITH US AND PROVIDED THIS INFORMATION. THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME. ANY QUESTIONS?
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
[45. Meet in Closed Session to deliberate the following matters as authorized by the Texas Government Code:]
REALLY APPRECIATE IT. >> YOU'RE WELCOME.
THANK YOU ALL. >> NEXT I PRESENT AGENDA ITEM 45. I WANT TO RECORD TO REFLECT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY OFFICE ADVISED US THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE READY FOR ACTION AND DEBT CONSULTATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
PRIOR TO THE COURT TAKING ACTION ON THIS MATTERS.
SO IS THERE A MOTION TO TAKE UP ITEM 45 AT THIS TIME?
SO WE'RE NOT MEETING IN CLOSED SESSION?
>> THESE ITEMS CAN BE HANDLED HAVA MOTION IN ORDER IN OPEN COURT. IF THERE ARE QUESTION THAT IS COME UP, WE COULD PROMPTLY PULL IT AND HANDLE IT OFFLINE.
>> I DO NEED A MOTION TO TAKE THESE UP IN THE OPEN SECTION.
>> YES. >> ANY MOTION TO TAKE THESE UP
IN THE OPEN SESSION? >> 45 A AND B IS THAT WHAT
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. >> A 1 THROUGH SEVEN.
>> YES. 8, NINE AND 10 HAVE BEEN PULLED.
>> RIGHT. >> 8, 9 AND 10 PULLED.
>> I MOVE WE ADDRESS A 1 THROUGH 7.
>> SECOND. >> I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
SO WE WILL PROCEED WITH 45 A 1 THROUGH 7.
[01:35:06]
45 A 1. THE LAND PURCHASE THROUGH FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE AS PRESENTED IN NUMBER 1 PART ONE AND TWO PART TWO. FOR LAND PURCHASES THROUGH SAID FOR FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY.YES. WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S
YEAH. THIS IS FOR THE DRAINAGE
DISTRICT WANTS TO DO THIS. >> THE DRAINAGE DISTRICT HAS BEEN RUNNING WITH THE GLO. HERE'S THE ORDER.
DID YOU HAVE A QUESTION COMMISSIONER?
>> YOU SAID, YOU SAID THIS IS DRAINAGE DISTRICT ISSUE.
>> THIS IS A PROJECT THAT IS BEING RUN FROM THE WITH THE DRAINAGE DISTRICT WITH THE GLO UNDER A GRANT PROGRAM AND ASKED US TO PUT ON THE AGENDA. I HAVE A MOTION.
I MOVE FORT BEND COUNTY MUSTANG BAYOU TENSION PROJECT.
SMITH LAWSON COUNTY OF FORT BEND BE AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT THE LANDOWNERS OFFER TO SELL THE REFERENCE PARCELS ON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS PREVIOUSLY NEGOTIATED BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND EXECUTE ALL CLOSING DOCUMENTS FOR A TOTAL SUM OF $1,247,928.40 PAYABLE TO THE LANDOWNER AND ALL CLOSING COSTS ASSOCIATED THERE WITH AS CHARGED BY FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE UNDER 1035012500075 T. AND A GRANT COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT MITIGATION CDBG DESIGNATED AS THE FUNDING SOURCE.
>> SECOND. >> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED. AND DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.
A 2. CAUSE NUMBER 25-DC V-33710.
>> I HAVE A SETTLEMENT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
>> DOESN'T MATTER. >> I MOVE THAT IN A, AGENDA ITEM 2. ACCEPT THE FULL AGREEMENT AND APPROVE SUCH TERMS AND PROVISIONS FOR THE FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF 25 DC V 33710 AIDEN ANTHONY URIBE AND FAITH MARIE MEJORADO VERSUS FORT BEND COUNTY IN THE 502 JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF FORT BEND IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000.
>> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND.
CAUSE NUMBER 25-CCV-077783. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.
SIRS. I HAVE MOTION TO CONDEMN AND SETTLE A LAWSUIT ON THE KOEBLEN ROAD SEG ONE.
>> I MOVE THAT AGENDA A 43 A 3, BE AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY ROBERT CORTEZ OFFER SET FORTH IN CONDITIONAL RULE DATED AUGUST 7, 2026.
TO SELL TO THE COUNTY ALL OF THE LAND IN HIS OWNERSHIP INTEREST
[01:40:03]
IN PARCELS 1 A AND 1 B R46709 ON KOEBLEN PROJECT PRECINCT THREE TO RESOLVE AND SETTLE CONDEMNATION SUIT FOR THE SUM TOTAL OF $560,000 AND NO CENTS. I FURTHER MOVE THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY IS AUTHORIZED FOR APPROPRIATE DEED AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS TO VEST A FEE SIMPLE TITLE AND DELIVER ALL ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS AND ARE RELATED INSTRUMENTS NECESSARY TO AFFECTUATE SUCH PURCHASE AND FINALLY MOBILITY BONDS ASFUNDING SOURCE. >> MOTION AND SECOND.
PASSES 3-0. 4, CAUSE NUMBER 25-CCV-07774.
WE REACHED A RULE SEVEN ORDER. >> PRECINCT THREE?
THIS IS, THAT'S NUMBER FOUR. NUMBER FOUR.
I MOVE THAT AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 45 A 4, FOR LAWSON COUNTY ATTORNEY BE AUTHORIZED TO COUNTER SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE COUNT CONDITIONAL RULE 11 ON AUGUST 12, 2026, AND RESOLVE THE SUIT AND CLOSE THE ACQUISITION FOR THE AMOUNT AND UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN SUCH CONDITIONAL RULE 11 AGREEMENT AND THAT MOBILITY FUNDS BE DESIGNATED AS FUNDING SOURCE.
>> SORRY COMMISSIONER, IF I COULD ASK YOU TO PAUSE.
WE JUST LOST THE LIGHT FEE. WE NEED TO ALLOW IT TO CHECK INTO THIS. THIS JUST HAPPENED AS YOU WERE
TAKING. >> WE WILL TAKE A FIVE-MINUTE
WAS THERE AN AMOUNT OF DOLLARS HERE? THERE'S NO AMOUNT HERE. COMMISSIONER, WE DID PUT IT IN
THE -- >> YOU DON'T NEED TO PUBLICLY NOTE IT? YOU DON'T NEED TO NOTE THE
AMOUNT PUBLICLY. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.
THE COMMISSION OF COURT IS BACK IN SESSION, 3:21 P.M.
LET'S CONTINUE THE ITEM 45 A 4. >> OKAY.
I WILL READ IT AGAIN FOR THE RECORD.
I MOVE THAT AGENDA ITEM 45 A FOUR, SMATH SMITH LAWSON COUNTY BE AUTHORIZED TO COUNTER SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY AND CONDITIONAL RULE 11 ON AUGUST 12TH, 2026, ASK RESOLVE THE FUND AND IN THE AMOUNT UNDER WHICH CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN SUCH CONDITIONAL RULE AGREEMENT AND THAT MOBILITY BONDS BE
DESIGNATE AS FUNDING SOURCE. >> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, RAISE YOUR HAND. MOTION PASSES, LET'S GO TO A 5.
>> 26-CCV-077506. >> GOOD AFTERNOON AGAIN SIRS, THIS IS AGAIN A CONDEMNATION MATTER IN PRECINCT 1.
OLGA HAS THE ORDER AND I AM GOING TO --
>> THANK YOU. >> I MOVE THAT AGENDA ITEM 46 A 5, 25 CCV-O77506, FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS VERSUS CAROLANNE MCCANN. MARITAL TRUST ET AL..
WALLACE STREET PROJECT NUMBER 2305 PARCEL 36, PRECINCT 1, SMITH LAWSON COUNTY ATTORNEY OF FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS BE AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY THE MEDIATION AGREEMENT AND DOCUMENTED BETWEEN LEGAL COUNSEL ON AUGUST 11, 2026, FOR ACQUISITION OF THE PARCEL AND ALL APPARATUSES IN
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THE ACQUISITION IF ANY TO RESOLVE THE CONDEMNATION SUIT AND FUND AND CLOSE THE ACQUISITION FOR THE TOTAL SUM OF $165,000. SET FORTH IN SUCH MEDIATION AGREEMENT AND THE MOBILITY BONDS BE DESIGNATED AS THEI HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
>> 6 CAUSE NUMBER 26-CCV-079630, GOOD AFTERNOON SIRS, I AM MARK KING AND HAVE A MOTION IN CASE NUMBER 26-CCV-079630.
OLGA HAS THE HEARD AND I UNDERSTAND --
>> THAT'S A HOT ONE TO READ. GO TO COMMISSIONER MORALES.
HE HAS A TOUGH ONE TO READ. >> THANK YOU.
OKAY. I MOVE THAT IN 26-CCV 079630 FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS VERSUS LAUER MEJORADO, PROJECT 20226 X, 8973 PRECINCT 2, BRIDGETTE SMITH LAWSON OF FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS BE INCURRED EXPENSES FOR ANY ASK ALL COST OF PRETRIAL, TRIAL, APPEAL AND INCIDENTAL COSTS INCLUDING POTENTIAL FEES CITATION BY PUBLICATION FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000. AND THAT MOBILITY BONDS BE DESIGNATED AS THE SOURCE.
>> SECOND. >> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
CAUSE 26-CCV-078880. >> GOOD AFTERNOON AGAIN.
THIS IS A PRECINCT 2 MATTER. IT'S AGAIN A SETTLEMENT OF A LAWSUIT CONDEMNATION MATTER. FORT BEND VERSUS CERVANTES EVERGREEN. I'M HOPING -- OKAY.
I MOVE THAT AGENDA ITEM 46 A 7 BRIDGETTE SMITH LAWSON COUNTY OF FORT BEND TO ACCEPT ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY LANDOWNERS, IPPOLITOS AND MARTINEZ OFFER DATED JULY 21ST, 2620, TO SELL TO THE COUNTY ALL OF THE LANDOWNERS OWNERSHIP AND PARCEL 9 OF STREET 12 OF THE EVERGREEN SIDE ROADS PROJECT 0225 X TO RESOLVE AND SETTLE CONDEMNATION SUIT FOR THE TOTAL SUM OF $6,000.
I FURTHER MOVE THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY BE AUTHORIZED TO EXCHANGE A SETTLEMENT FUND SET FORTH FOR APPROPRIATE DEED AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS FOR FEE SIMPLE TITLE AND EXECUTE AND DELIVER ANY AND ALL ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS TO EFFECTUATE THE PURCHASE AND SAID DOCUMENTS AT NO COST AND FINALLY THAT MOBILITY BONDS BE DESIGNATED AS FUNDING SOURCE.
>> SECOND. >> I HAVE MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? MOTION CARRIES 3-0.
AT THIS TIME, THE FORT BEND IS IN RECESS.
>> JUDGE WE HAVE ONE MORE ITEM. B.
I'M SO SORRY. READ B AND GO THROUGH CLOSED
B SECTION 551.074, PERSONNEL MATTERS.
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES. >> OKAY.
AT THIS TIME THE FORT BEND GENERAL COUNTY IS IN CLOSED SESSION. WE TURN OUR SESSION TO THE DRAIN AGE DISTRICT MEETING. NOW IS 3:28 MEETING.
I CALL TO ORDER THE DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
TODAY IS THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2026.
CONSIDER OF APPROVAL OF MINUTES. >> MOVE APPROVAL.
>> I HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?
ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND. >> AGENDA ITEM 3.
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>> MOVE APPROVAL OF THREE. >> SECOND.
I DO HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL RAISE YOUR HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.
AGENDA ITEM 4. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF FOUR
>> I HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
>> APPROVAL OF 5 AS PRESENTED. >> SECOND.
>> I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, RAISE YOUR HAND. MOTION PASSES 3-0.
AGENDA ITEM 6. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF 6.
>> SECOND. >> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOURSELF YOUR HAND.
>> SEVEN, MOVE APPROVAL OF SEVEN.
>> I HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND. PASSES 3-0.
AGENDA ITEM 8. >> MOVE EIGHT AS PRESENTED.
>> SECOND. I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND.
AND DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, RAISE YOUR HAND.
MOTION PASSES 3-0. AGENDA ITEM 9.
>> YES, I HAVE A MOTION I WILL READ.
THE PROPERTY TAX RATE BE INCREASED BY THE ADOPTION OF TAX RATE OF .00443, FOR DRAINAGE DISTRICT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATING FUND AND .00557 FOR THE DRAINAGE INTEREST AND SINKING FUND FOR TOTAL OF .01 WHICH IS EFFECTIVELY A 4.07 %
INCREASE IN THE TAX RATE. >> SECOND.
>> I DO HAVE A MOTION -- IT'S A RECORD VOTE.
IT'S OKAY. OLGA PLEASE PROCEED.
>> COMMISSIONER MORALES. >> YES.
>> MOTION PASSES. >> THANK YOU.
AGENDA ITEM 10. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF 10 AS
I DO HAVE MOTION AND SECOND ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR RAISE YOUR HAND. PASSES 3-0.
DO I HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. >> ALL RIGHT.
AT THIS TIME THE FORT BEND COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEETING ADJOURNED. WE GO TO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR BOARD DIRECTORS OF MEETING. I CALL TO ORDER THE FORT BEND COUNTY 23. TUESDAY IS THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2026. AGENDA ITEM 2.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
>> SECOND. >> I HAVE MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, RAISE YOUR HAND.
ITEM 3. >> MOVE APPROVAL OF 3 AS
I HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
>> ONE ABSTAIN SO MOTION PASSES 2-0.
ONE ABSTAIN. LET'S GO TO ITEM NUMBER, DO I HAVE I HAVE MOTION TO ADJOURN. MOVE TO ADJOURN.
>> NOW I CALL THE MEETING TO ADJOURN.
LET'S GO TO RECESS. COMMISSIONER COURT GENERAL
SESSION REMAIN IN RECESS. >> NOW WE WILL NOW RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.
IT IS 4:16 P.M. AND COMMISSIONERS COURT IS NOW RECONVENED. WE PROCEED WITH THE AGENDA ITEM 46. OLGA, PLEASE PROCEED.
>> 1-7 WAS ACTION PRIOR TO YOU RECESSING AND AGENDA ITEM 46 A, 8, 9 AND TEN WERE PULLED SO WE WILL MOVE TO 46 B.
SECTION 551, .074, PERSONNEL MATTERS, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN
RESOURCES. >> YES, I MOVE THAT FORT BEND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TERMINATE NICOLE LEDETTE AND APPOINT DANIELLE SUDUYA EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UNTIL ONE IS APPOINT BY COMMISSIONERS COURT OR FURTHER ORDER OF THE COURT. I FURTHER MOVE THAT COUNTY JUDGE DANIEL WONG BE AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT THE FORT BEND COUNTY ACTION FORUM AND ANY OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE TO APPROVE THIS MOTION.
CONSISTENT WITH THE FORT BEND COUNTY POLICIES AND APPLICABLE LAW. I FURTHER MOVE THAT THE HUMAN RESOURCES AUDITOR AND ALL APPROPRIATE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICIALS BE AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO MAKE ACTIONS
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EFFECTIVE >> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
MOTION PASSES 3-0. >> I HAVE A MOTION.
>> YES. I MOVE THAT THE FOLLOWING BE APPOINTED TO SEARCH COMMITTEE FOR HR DIRECTOR.
>> I HAVE A MOTION. ANY SECOND?
>> THANK YOU. >> MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND.
MOTION PASSES 3-0. >> DO I HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN? MEETING ADJOURNED.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.