Aug 25, 2026 Regular Meeting

[1. Call to Order]

[00:00:07]

"GOOD MORNING. I HAVE 10:00 A.M., IF EVERYONE COULD STAND FOR THE INVOCATION AND THE PLEDGES.

>> HEAVENLY FATHER WE COME TO YOU WITH GRACE AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS WHICH YOU BESTOW UPON OUR COUNTY STATE AND NATION. WE ASK FOR YOUR CONTINUED BLESSING AND PROTECTION FROM THOSE IN WEST TEXAS WEST OF FORT WORTH THAT ARE DEALING WITH FIRES.

ALSO JUST PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY IMPACTED BY THE TRAIN DERA DERAILMENT. WE JUST ASK FOR CONTINUED BLESSINGS UPON THEM. WE ARE GRACIOUS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR US AND ASK FOR YOUR CONTINUED GUIDANCE AS WE GO ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNTY.

>> AMEN. >> 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. >> THAT BRINGS US TO

[4. Announcements]

>> GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME DO THE ANNOUNCEMENTS. I WANTED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEXT TWO MEETINGS. OUR FIRST WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER FIRST, A WEEK FROM TODAY.

IT WILL BE IN VAN ALSTYNE AT THE AMERICAN LEGION STARTING AT 7:00. OUR SPEAKER IS ANDREW MCVEY.

HE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT -- HE'S THE PRESIDENT FOR THE TEXANS FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. HE'LL BE TALKING ABOUT PROPERTY TAXES. A LOT OF US OWN PROPERTY, AND I'M SURE THIS IS OF INTEREST AS OUR TAXES SEEM TO KEEP GOING UP ALL THE TIME ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.

SO HE'S GOING TO COME TALK TO US ABOUT THAT ON SEPTEMBER FIRST, 7:00 IN VAN ALSTYNE. I HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT OUT FOR THAT. OUR SECOND ONE IS ON SEPTEMBER 11TH. WE ARE JOINING WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO RECOGNIZE -- DEPUTIZED D.J.

DANIEL. HE WILL BE HONORED.

HE'S THE YOUNG MAN PRESIDENT TRUMP HONORED WITH CREDENTIALS FOR THE SECRET SERVICE BACK IN MARCH 2025, I BELIEVE IT WAS. THAT ONE WILL BE 8:00 ON SEPTEMBER 11TH, FRIDAY MORNING. COME AND JOIN US AS WE RECOGNIZE D.J. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MORNING? MR. CROW.

>> THERE LIKE, GREAT, WHAT DO WE DO NOW.

A COUPLE THINGS. A REMINDER, AUGUST 27TH, THIS THURSDAY, WE ARE HAVING A NETWORK WIDE OUTAGE TO DO SOME MUCH NEEDED SECURITY MAINTENANCE ON ONE OF OUR DATA STORAGE ARRAYS. WE'VE SENT OUT PLENTY OF NOTICES, HOPEFULLY EVERYONE GOT THEM.

WE'VE GOT A LOT OF QUESTIONS BACK AND I'VE ANSWERED THOSE.

PUBLIC NOTICE WAS PUT ON THE WEBSITE.

YOU CAN'T MISS IT. ESTIMATED EIGHT HOURS, BUT IF WE GET DONE SOONER WE WILL PUT OUT A NOTICE THAT WE ARE BACK

ONLINE. >> SO WHEN I CALL YOU THURSDAY AND ASK IF THE EMAILS ARE DOWN THE ANSWER IS GOING TO BE YES.

>> YES. >> YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU'RE

STARTING? >> THE PLAN IS TO START AT 8:00 AM. SO SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 8:00 AND 9:00. WE'VE ESTIMATED BEING DOWN UNTIL 5:00, BUT IF WE DO GET THAT UP SOONER WE WILL SEND OUT A NOTICE AND THE EMAIL WILL AUTOMATICALLY COME BACK UP.

SO SHOULD BE GOOD TO GO. SECOND THING, WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON, THIS IS MORE OF AN INFORMATIVE FOR YOU GUYS AND THE EMPLOYEES. WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH CYBERSECURITY, OBVIOUSLY THE BIG WORD NOWADAYS.

OUR ATTACK IN FEBRUARY 2019 WHICH CAME THROUGH A LOOPHOLE FROM A VENDOR REALLY OPENED OUR EYES.

WE PUT A LOT OF TIME, EFFORT AND MONEY INTO REVAMPING THAT.

LAST YEAR, OR IN THE CURRENT YEAR BUDGET, END OF 25, FIRST PART OF 26 WE PARTNERED WITH A COMPANY TO DO OUR FIRST EVER EXTERNAL PENETRATION TEST. WE PAID THE GOOD GUYS TO BE THE BAD GUYS, JUST TO SEE WHAT WE HAD GOING ON.

WE KNEW WE WERE PRETTY SECURE. THE RULE IS EMPLOYEES OUR THE WORST NIGHTMARE, BECAUSE THEY DO THINGS WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT.

[00:05:02]

FIVE OF THOSE WE KNEW ABOUT BECAUSE IT WAS MAJOR OUR DURING -- DURING OUR MAJOR UPGRADES AND WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF WORKING THOSE. ONE OF THOSE WAS A ROAD DEVICE ON THE NETWORK THAT WE WEREN'T AWARE OF THAT WAS SURRENDERED IMMEDIATELY, TOOK CARE OF THAT. AND THE OTHER ONE, WE WORKED WITH OUR SOFTWARE PARTNER TO GET THAT REMEDIED WITHIN 60 DAYS.

SO NEEDLESS TO SAY, ALL THOSE VULNERABILITIES HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND OUR EXTERNAL TEST WAS DONE, WE CAME BACK WITH 100% SECURITY ON THE EXTERNAL SIDE. SO JUST TO LET YOU KNOW, I KNOW YOU HEAR CYBERSECURITY AND WE ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS.

WE DON'T DO THOSE JUST TO MAKE PEOPLE MAD.

WE DO THEM BECAUSE THAT'S OUR JOB.

SO THERE YOU GO. >> THANK YOU.

>> I'M GOING TO CALL YOU THURSDAY MORNING.

TELL YOU MY EMAIL IS DOWN. >> JUST TELL HIM IT'S BEEN

[5. Public Comments]

HACKED. >> ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS? HEARING NONE, LET'S SEE. PUBLIC COMMENTS.

CITIZENS MAY REQUEST TO SPEAK ON ITEMS LISTED ON THE AGENDA.

A REQUEST TO SPEAK CARD SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE CLERK BEFORE COMMISSIONERS COURT CONVENES.

CITIZEN COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO 3 MINUTES.

I HAVE MR. DAVID APPLEWOOD WANTING TO SPEAK ON PROPERTY TAX. DO YOU WANT TO WAIT UNTIL WE GET TO THAT ITEM OR DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK NOW? OKAY. AND IF YOU WOULD SAY YOUR NAME

AND ADDRESS. >> 278-8902, AND THAT'S SHERMAN.

OR TOMMY, OR HAL. YOU DECIDE.

THIS IS JUST A GENERAL COMMENT, NOT ACCUSATORY BY ANY MEANS.

THIS IS JUST A PASSIONATE CITIZEN ABOUT THE COUNTY.

WHEN WE LEFT IN 2020, OUR FAMILY, OUR PROPERTY TAX BURDEN WAS CLOSE TO $30,000 A YEAR FOR 1.6 ACRES.

WE WERE IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF MCKINNEY.

GRAYSON COUNTY HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO AVOID MISTAKES MADE DURING COLLIN COUNTY'S RAPID GROWTH YEARS AND COLLIN COUNTY COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WAS OFTEN ENCOURAGED WHILE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ACCELERATED.

OVER TIME, A GROWING SHARE OF THE TAX BURDEN FELL ON THE HOMEOWNERS, CONTRIBUTING TO A SUBSTANTIAL ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX COST WHICH OPENED THE DOOR FOR A LOT OF UNSECURED FOREIGN DEBT LIKE INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND CHINESE FAMILY TRANSFERABLE DEBT BECOMING THE PRIMARY BUYER OF THOSE RESIDENTIAL HOMES.

IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ALONE, MORE THAN HALF THE HOMES WERE OWNED BY ONE CHINESE INVESTMENT FIRM. SO THOSE HOMES WERE EMPTY.

THAT WAS SOLELY BASED ON THE PROPERTY TAX BURDEN IN THAT AREA. TODAY GRAYSON COUNTY FACES A DIFFERENT BUT EQUALLY IMPORTANT CHALLENGE.

HIGHER INTEREST RATES, AFFORDABILITY PRESSURES, ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, AND REDUCED HOUSING DEMAND ARE MAKING IT HARDER FOR FAMILIES TO BUY LAND, BUILD HOMES, AND INVEST IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. RATHER THAN ASSUMING INCREASING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXES WILL FUND FUTURE GROWTH, OR SEEKING COMMUNITY DISPLACEMENT PROJECTS LIKE GREEN ENERGY OR DATA CENTERS, COUNTY LEADERS SHOULD DEVELOP A DELIBERATE 5-10-YEAR ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY CENTERED ON RESIDENTS, LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES, AGRICULTURE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT. THE FM 902 CORRIDOR WHERE WE LIVE AND WORK PROVIDES A COMPELLING EXAMPLE.

WE NOW HAVE MORE THAN 100 NEW JOBS ALONG THAT SMALL STRETCH.

THAT'S A SMALL RURAL CORRIDOR. WE HAVE OVER 100 NEW JOBS ON THAT CORRIDOR NOT BECAUSE OF MAJOR GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES BUT BECAUSE ENTREPRENEUR SAW OPPORTUNITIES AND INVESTED.

THOSE BUSINESSES CREATED JOBS, GENERATED LOCAL SPENDING, ENCOURAGED ADDITIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND STRENGTHENED RESIDENTS CONNECTION TO THEIR COMMUNITY.

THE CENTRAL QUESTION FOR THE COUNTY LEADERSHIP SHOULD THEREFORE BE, HOW DO WE INCENTIVIZE FAMILIES, ENTREPRENEURS TO LIVE HERE, SEND THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL HERE, BUILD THEIR DREAM HOMES HERE, PRESERVE AND REINVEST IN AGRICULTURE HERITAGE, START BUSINESSES HERE COME A HIGHER LOCALLY, AND SPEND MONEY LOCALLY. OVER 5-10 YEARS, THOUSANDS OF HOMEOWNERS AND LOCALLY ROOTED BUSINESSES CONTINUOUSLY INVESTING AND SPENDING COULD PRODUCE ECONOMIC BENEFIT WELL BEYOND JUST PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS ALONE.

BEFORE OFFERING SUBSTANTIAL INCENTIVES OR RELYING INCREASINGLY ON... THE COUNTY SHOULD EVALUATE THE CONTRIBUTION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL GROWTH.

THE MESSAGE ULTIMATELY BECOMES, DON'T SIMPLY ASK HOW MUCH PROPERTY TAX A NEW DEVELOPMENT WOULD GENERATE, ASK WHAT KIND OF

[00:10:03]

FROM NOW. >> THANK YOU.

[6. Act on Minutes]

>> ALL RIGHT. THAT BRINGS US TO ITEM SIX, ACT ON MINUTES OF AUGUST 11TH, 2026. MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES FOR

AUGUST 11TH, 2026. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MAR, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER

[7. Consent Agenda]

>> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ARTHUR, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER

[8. Act on Bills]

8.2, AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF $7,000,493 -- $7,493,260.32 TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT LP PASS THROUGH TO STATE COMPTROLLER FOR UNCOMPENSATED CARE D15 FINAL PAYMENT.

8.3, AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF $946,187.80 TO CIDCO FOR JULY 2026 SERVICES COMPLETED ON THE JAIL EXPANSION PROJECT.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WRIGHT, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER

[9.1 Presentation from Air Evac and PHI Services regarding the county employee air ambulance program.]

I'M ASSUMING YOU'RE JUST HERE TO GIVE US AN OVERVIEW, BECAUSE

WE'VE GOT SIGN UP COMING, RIGHT? >> YES.

>> THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO COME IN TODAY AND BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA. WE DON'T WANT TO TAKE UP MUCH OF YOUR TIME. I'M THE SENIOR LEAD FIELD SALES MANAGER FOR PAG CARES. THIS IS TAMMY LEWIS.

>> I'M TAMMY LEWIS. >> WE'RE OBVIOUSLY SEPARATE ENTITIES, SEPARATE AIR AMBULANCE NETWORKS BUT WE STAY HERE IN SOLIDARITY BECAUSE WE APPRECIATE YOU ALLOWING US TO OFFER OUR SERVICES TO YOUR EMPLOYEES. WE ENJOY BEING ABLE TO HELP PROTECT THOSE EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES VIA THIS PROGRAM COAST TO COAST FOR BOTH OF OUR ORGANIZATIONS.

AND ESSENTIALLY FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, I JUST WANT TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT IF THERE'S ANYTHING EVER THAT WE CAN DO, I'M SURE TAMMY WOULD ECHO THIS, THAT WE ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ATTEND YOUR ENROLLMENT EVENTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT, HELP ALLEVIATE SOME OF THAT STRESS THAT MAY COME FROM HAVING TO CAPTURE DATA AND DO ALL THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.

WE ARE BUILT TO SERVE IN THOSE CAPACITIES AND TAKE CARE OF THAT STUFF FOR YOU. SO FOR WHOEVER ENDS UP HAVING TO BE THE ONE TO FINALIZE AND PUT THOSE THINGS IN THE FORM THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO NEARLY AS MUCH WHEN IT COMES TO THOSE THINGS.

FROM A FEE PERSPECTIVE THAT'S ALL I WILL SAY.

>> ON THE PAPERWORK I GIVE YOU GUYS, IT'S GOT YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS YEAR, SO THAT'S YOUR CURRENT RATE.

I'VE ALSO PUT IN THERE A FORM THAT WILL TELL YOU WHAT THE RATES ARE, BUT IT ALSO GIVES YOU THE RATES FOR FLYING YOU HOME.

THAT'S SOMETHING YOU GUYS DON'T EVEN OFFER TO YOUR EMPLOYEES.

THAT'S IF SOMEONE IS 172.6 MILES AWAY FROM HOME, WE CAN TRANSPORT THEM BACK TO PRETTY CLOSE TO THEIR HOME ADDRESS.

WHERE AT LEAST A HOSPITAL THAT'S CLOSER.

IF THEY'RE IN TENNESSEE ON VACATION WE'LL TRANSPORT THEM BACK OR IF THEY PASS AWAY YOU GET THE REMAINS BACK.

WE ALSO HAVE FLY YOU HOME INTERNATIONAL WHICH DOES THE SAME THING OVERSEAS. OR IF THEY PASS AWAY IT WILL GIVE THE REMAINS BACK. IT ALSO LETS YOU KNOW THAT WE ALSO HAVE, I KNOW YOU GUYS DO ONE DEDUCTION.

NO INTEREST OR ANYTHING, WE CAN OFFER THEM A THREE MONTH DEDUCTION, AND IT GIVES YOUR EMPLOYEES SIX INSTALLMENTS.

IT MAKES IT A LITTLE EASIER ON THE EMPLOYEES AND THAT'S WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR. ALSO TO LET THEM KNOW THAT WE CAN COME IN, WORK THOSE ENROLLMENTS, TAKE THAT WORK OFF HR WHERE ALL THAT PERSON HAVE TO DO IS DO THE DEDUCTION.

WE ARE HERE TO DO THAT. SO JUST TO KIND OF LET YOU KNOW.

[00:15:01]

STATES. >> I DON'T REMEMBER WHEN OUR

OPEN ENROLLMENT DATE IS, BUT -- >> I THINK IT CLOSES THIS WEEK?

TOMORROW? >> OKAY.

SO THIS YEAR WE REALLY DON'T HAVE TIME TO WORK.

BUT NEXT YEAR WE WOULD LOVE TO COME IN.

>> ABSOLUTELY. AND GET YOUR EMPLOYEES COVERED.

THIS COVERS THEM AND ANYONE IN THEIR HOUSEHOLD.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ANYTHING TO ADD?

>> DOES ANYBODY HAVE QUESTIONS? >> YOU SAID EVEN IF ELDERLY PARENTS MOVE BACK IN WITH YOU LATER ON --

>> ABSOLUTELY. IT IS PER HOUSEHOLD.

IF YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR FAMILY OR PARENTS MOVE INTO YOUR HOME, THAT'S CONSIDERED LIVING IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD.

IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN AWAY AT COLLEGE THEY ARE STILL CONSIDERED LEAVING IN THAT HOUSEHOLD.

A LOT OF TIMES YOUR EMPLOYEES MAY HAVE THE INSURANCE THROUGH THE COUNTY, BUT SOMEONE IN THE HOME MAY NOT.

WHAT THIS MEMBERSHIP DOES IS IT'S GOING TO WAIVE THEIR DEDUCTIBLE, THEIR CO-PAY, EVEN IF THEY'RE FLOWN AND IT'S DEEMED NOT AN EMERGENCY, WHICH HAPPENS PROBABLY 50% OF THE TIME.

IT'S WRITTEN OFF 100%. SO IT IS VERY WELL WORTH IT.

AND WHAT PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE, WE ARE FLYING MORE AND MORE.

AIR EVAC SITS RIGHT HERE IN GRAYSON COUNTY.

WE HAVE THREE HELICOPTERS THAT SERVICE THIS AREA.

SO THERE'S LOTS OF THINGS WE DO. EVEN, THE COMMISSIONERS, IF YOU WANTED TO SAY YOUR WORKERS THAT ARE OUT ON THE STREETS AND OUT ON THE HIGHWAYS, IF YOU WANTED TO DO LANDINGS ON CLASS FOR THEM WE CAN COME IN AND DO THAT FOR FREE.

IF YOU NEED STOP THE BLEED CLASSES WE CAN COME IN AND DO THAT, IT'S FREE. YOUR SCHOOLS HAVE A STOP THE BLEED KIT IN THEIR VEHICLES. THAT WAS PROVIDED BY AIRMID.

THERE'S LOTS OF THINGS THAT YOU MIGHT NOT EVEN BE AWARE OF.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP IN ANY WAY THAT WE CAN.

>> THANK YOU. I DIDN'T MEAN TO PUT YOU ON THE

SPOT. >> YEAH, YOU DID.

[LAUGHS] >> SO YOU KNOW MY STORY, I WON'T GO OVER THAT. I DID THAT LAST YEAR.

YOU KNOW HOW PASSIONATE I AM ABOUT THIS.

I'VE TALKED TO BOTH OF THESE FINE INDIVIDUALS LAST WEEK.

I'M PROBABLY THEIR BIGGEST ADVOCATE HERE IN THIS COUNTY.

BUT I KNOW I'VE TALKED TO PEOPLE, TALKED TO COMMISSIONERS, EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE USED THEIR SERVICES AS OF RECENT.

I TALKED TO AN EMPLOYEE LAST WEEK.

SHE'S PROBABLY IN HER LATE 20S NOW.

SHE WASN'T AN EMPLOYEE HERE THEN, BUT SHE WAS ACTUALLY FLOWN AS A NICU BABY WHEN SHE WAS BORN.

HER PARENTS SUFFERED THAT $80,000 BILL.

THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY, SO THEY TOOK IT AS DEBT BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T AFFORD TO PAY THE BILL.

WHAT I'VE TOLD THESE GUYS IS IT'S ALL ABOUT EDUCATION.

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW IS YOU DON'T KNOW, BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW.

THESE GUYS COMING IN WANTING TO PRESENT THEIR STUFF AND GIVE THEM THAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, TO ME THAT'S WHAT

IT'S ALL ABOUT. >> THANK YOU.

>> I'VE HAD QUITE A FEW EMPLOYEES REACH OUT ASKING QUESTIONS. SO I KNOW THEY'RE INTERESTED.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION ON THIS? OKAY.

[9.2 Discus and take action on the approval of the Grayson County Sheriff's Office applying for a grant for a canine protective vest through Vested Interest at no cost to the county.]

>> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR A GRANT.

THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY MR. STEPHENS AS NO COST TO THE COUNTY. THIS ORGANIZATION IS COMPLETELY FUNDED BY DONATIONS. SO THIS WILL HELP PROTECT A

ROUGHLY $20,000 INVESTMENT. >> OKAY.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WRIGHT, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ART ARTHUR. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.

[9.3 Consider and take action on Resolution 2026-036 to donate a surplus county vehicle to Texoma Community Center.]

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> 9.3, CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON RESOLUTION 2026-036 TO DONATE A SURPLUS COUNTY VEHICLE TO TEXOMA COMMUNITY CENTER.

>> GOOD MORNING. THE GRAYSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS ASKED THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO SURPLUS ONE OF OUR USED TRANSPORT VANS TO BE USED AS PART OF THE CO-RESPONDER PROGRAM THAT'S BEEN SET UP FOR GRAYSON COUNTY.

THIS VEHICLE WAS USED BY OUR TRANSPORT DIVISION.

IT HAS A LITTLE BIT OF MILES ON IT, BUT WE THOUGHT THIS WAS AN

[00:20:02]

HOSPITAL. >> MOTION TO APPROVE THE

RESOLUTION. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MAR, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WRIGHT.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED MOTION CARRIES.

[9.4 Discuss and take action to approve the Order of Election for the November 3, 2026 General Election.]

ELECTION. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. BEFORE YOU I HAVE THE ORDER OF ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER THIRD, 2026.

ONCE THIS IS APPROVED, I WILL POST IT ON THE WEBSITE.

>> THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE CORRECTIONS.

LOOKS GREAT. I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MARR, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ART ARTHUR.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED?

[9.5 Hold a public hearing on the proposed Grayson County fiscal 2027 budget.]

MOTION CARRIES. >> THANK YOU.

>> 9.5, HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED GRAYSON COUNTY FISCAL 2027 BUDGET. I ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO GO INTO

PUBLIC HEARING. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WRIGHT, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HARDENBURG.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. WE ARE IN PUBLIC HEARING, STARTING AT 10:21. IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK ON THE BUDGET NOW IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY. IF YOU WOULD COME UP AND

INTRODUCE YOURSELF. >> GOOD MORNING.

HOW'S EVERYBODY DOING? >> GOOD.

>> WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER PUBLIC HEARING, THIS IS JUST FOR THE

BUDGET. >> MY NAME IS MARSHALL BELL.

I LIVE IN VAN AUSTIN. JUST LIKE Y'ALL ARE IN YOUR BUDGET SEASON, SO ARE ALL THE OTHER CITIES IN THE COUNTY.

I DIDN'T ACTUALLY GO TO THE LAST ONE WITH VAN ALSTYNE BUT I DID WATCH IT ONLINE. SO I THOUGHT THERE WAS SOMETHING IMPORTANT THAT CAME UP WITH THE CONVERSATION DURING THE HEARING, WHICH WAS I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT VAN ALSTYNE SUPPLIES TO PARTS OF THE COUNTY. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE THAT CONTRACT WITH OTHER CITIES TO. BUT MAYOR JIM MENTIONED THAT BECAUSE WE ARE IN SUCH A SIGNIFICANT BUDGET DEFICIT, THERE'S GOING TO BE MAJOR CUTBACKS ACROSS THE BOARD.

SO I WASN'T SURE IF YOU HAD THAT CONVERSATION WITH THE MAYOR ABOUT MAYBE US HAVING TO CHARGE YOU MORE.

IF THAT HASN'T BEEN A CONVERSATION Y'ALL HAVE HAD, THAT MIGHT AFFECT YOUR BUDGET FOR THIS NEXT FISCAL YEAR.

>> WE ALREADY COMPLETED THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH ALL THE CITIES

AND THE VOLUNTEERS. >> OKAY.

IT WAS LAST WEEK SO I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER YOU GUYS DO AND HAD IN YOUR BUDGET IS REFLECTIVE -- YOU DON'T WANT ANY SURPRISE COSTS COMING OUT.

I DON'T ENVY YOU GUYS, I REALLY DON'T.

IT IS SUCH A BALANCING ACT. THE TAX SHEETS THAT YOU GUYS HAVE TO INPUT AND MANAGE AND READ ALL THE TIME, I DON'T EVEN THINK EINSTEIN COULD UNDERSTAND IT.

>> WE DON'T HAVE EINSTEIN, WE HAVE SUZANNE.

>> BLESSINGS TO YOU DURING BUDGET SEASON.

>> THANK YOU. >> ANYONE ELSE WISHING TO SPEAK ON THIS TOPIC? GOING ONCE, TWICE.

ALL RIGHT. CLOSING THE PUBLIC HEARING AT

[9.6 Discuss and take action to adopt the Grayson County fiscal 2027 budget.]

>> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ART ARTHUR, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WRIGHT. ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED?

[9.7 Discuss and take action to approve the property tax increase reflected in the budget. This budge twill raise more revenue from property taxes than last year's budget by an amount of $3,491,908 or 5.26%. Of the total property tax amount, $2,788,489 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.]

[00:25:07]

I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION. >> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HARDENBURG, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ART ARTHUR.

ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.

[9.8 Hold a public hearing on the proposed Grayson County 2026-27 tax rate of $.3051 per $100 of valuation.]

I ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO GO INTO PUBLIC HEARING FOR DISCUSSION OF

THE TAX RATE. >> MOVE, SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WRIGHT, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MARR. ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED. WE ARE IN PUBLIC HEARING AT 10:26. DOES ANYONE WISH TO SPEAK ON THE PROPOSED TAX RATE? COME ON UP.

>> I'M JUST TRYING TO EDUCATE MYSELF, IF YOU GUYS CAN HELP ME WITH THAT. I FOLLOW CITY POLITICS PRETTY CLOSELY, SO I KIND OF UNDERSTAND THE TAX RATE.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE COUNTY, DOES ANYBODY IN THE CITY LIMITS PAY TO THE COUNTY TO, OR IS IT STRICTLY THE UNINCORPORATED

AREAS? >> THE PORTION OF YOUR PROPERTY TAX THAT GOES TO THE COUNTY IS PAID FOR WHETHER YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OR THE COUNTY. BECAUSE THE COUNTY PROVIDES SERVICES TO EVERYONE IN THE COUNTY, WHETHER YOU LIVE IN A CITY OR NOT. ALL YOUR COURTS, JAIL, HEALTH DEPARTMENT, ANIMAL CONTROL, ELECTIONS.

>> 80% OF OUR BUDGET, BASICALLY. AND MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE, WE ARE FUNDING 26 FREE STANDING ENTITIES FROM THE PARKS OFFICE THAT HANDLES EVERYTHING YOU DO IN BETWEEN TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE JAIL. AND MOSTLY THE RESIDENTS DO RELY

ON COUNTY ROADS. >> SO YOUR TAX RATE DOES AFFECT PEOPLE WITHIN CITY LIMITS ALSO. IS THIS THE -- SORRY.

NO NEW REVENUE RATE? >> WE ARE WELL BELOW THE NO NEW

REVENUE RATE. >> 6%.

I TRIED TO GET US TO THE RIGHT,. >> THANK YOU FOR NOT AGREEING

WITH JUDGE DAWSEY. >> THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE IS ESTABLISHED BY THE STATE, AND IT'S ACTUALLY WHAT IT SAYS YOU SHOULD BE TAXING TO MAINTAIN SERVICES.

>> I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT IN FAIRNESS, WE ARE TAXED TO DEATH.

IN VAN ALSTYNE, I'VE BEEN TRYING TO FOLLOW AND EDUCATE MYSELF ON THAT, AND IF THEY RAISE IT A PENNY, THIS IS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF MY COUNCIL PERSON. IF YOU RAISE IT A PENNY, FOR A HOUSE THAT'S $500,000, WE'RE LOOKING AT ANOTHER $500.

THAT'S NOT NOTHING TO FAMILIES THAT ARE SCRAPING BY RIGHT NOW.

SO I APPRECIATE YOU TO NOT RAISE OUR TAXES THIS YEAR.

>> IT'S A BALANCING ACT, LIKE YOU SAID.

>> ALL RIGHT. IF YOU WOULD INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

>> BRIAN WILSON. A LOT OF DISCUSSION HAS BEEN GOING ON ON THE TAX RATE. I KNOW YOU GUYS ARE DEALING WITH THIS, AND THERE'S A LOT OF PUSHBACK.

YOU'VE GOT THE MOST DIFFICULT JOB.

BUT I LOOK AT SERVICES THE COUNTY OFFERS, A LOT OF MUCH NEEDED SERVICES THAT CITIZENS MAY OR MAY NOT UNDERSTAND ARE GETTING CUT DRASTICALLY. ONE OF THOSE BEING EMERGENCY SERVICES IS GETTING CUT. VAN ALSTYNE FOR SEVERAL YEARS, AND I'VE TALKED TO HIM SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT IT, THEY'RE GOING TO CUT RURAL EMERGENCY SERVICES. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, YOU'LL GET YOUR TAX BREAK BECAUSE YOUR PROPERTY WILL GO TO NEAR ZERO.

THEN YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO SELL IT, AND YOU'LL PROBABLY ALSO GET A CALL IF YOU'VE GOT A MORTGAGE ON THAT TO UP YOUR PRINCIPAL PAYMENT BECAUSE YOU'VE GOT TO BE A CERTAIN AMOUNT.

THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE YOU BE WITHIN THAT 80%.

SO YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY OFF YOUR LOAN OR PUT A BIG CHECK FORWARD AND IT'S GOING TO BE A LOT MORE THAN $500.

WHICH IS WHAT A 1 CENT RAISE IN THE TAX RATE, NOT EVEN GETTING US TO NO NEW TAXES. I DON'T WANT TO PAY MORE PROPERTY TAXES BUT I ALSO DON'T WANT TO LOSE VITAL SERVICES SUCH AS EMERGENCY SERVICES, FIRE AND AMBULANCE, SUCH AS POLICING, WHICH IS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. NOT THE JAIL.

THE JAIL IS GETTING ITS INCREASE BECAUSE YOU'VE GOT TO FUND THAT.

THERE'S OTHER DEPARTMENTS THAT WE ARE LOSING TRACK AND LOSING

[00:30:01]

THE DAS OFFICE NEEDS MORE PEOPLE.

THE JAIL DOES NEED MORE SPACE. WE'VE REMEDIED THAT THROUGH THE NEW BILLING. ARE WE GOING TO BE ABLE TO OPERATE? THAT'S TO BE SEEN.

DO WE HAVE THE BUDGET TO OPERATE A LARGE COUNTY JAIL WITH 20-40% INCREASE IN COSTS? THE JAIL IS THE LARGEST BUDGET IN THIS COUNTY FOLLOWED BY THE SHERIFF, FOLLOWED BY I THINK THE DAS OFFICE, OR ROADS. AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO EMERGENCY SERVICES. IN ESSENCE, WE'VE CUT EMERGENCY SERVICES OVER THE LAST SIX OR SEVEN YEARS PROBABLY FOUR OF THOSE YEARS BY NOT INCREASING. YOU GUYS HAVE DONE A TREMENDOUS JOB. I'M NOT SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT THAT. BUT I THINK THE CITIZENS NEED TO UNDERSTAND AND PRIORITIZE WHAT WE NEED FROM OUR COUNTY RURAL SERVICES. WHEN THEY CHANGED THE LAW AND WOULDN'T ALLOW CITIES TO ANNEX ANY MORE, THE COUNTY WENT FROM A COUNTY RURAL AREA SHRINKING TO A COUNTY THAT MADE IT OPERATE MORE LIKE A CITY THAN A COUNTY IN THE PAST.

HOMES ARE BEING BUILT, YOU'RE GETTING MORE COMMERCIAL OUT THERE, AND WILDFIRES IN TEXAS ARE GOING TO BE PRETTY SOON IN GRAYSON COUNTY. WE'RE GOING TO HAVE RESOURCES TO... WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE GETTING INTO AND WE AS CITIZENS NEED TO BE TALKING ABOUT AN INCREASE IN TAX RATE IS GOING TO COST A LOT MORE.

LEAVING THE TAX RATE THE SAME IS GOING TO COST US A LOT MORE IN THE FUTURE. I DON'T THINK WE REALIZE OR APPRECIATE WHAT SERVICES YOU GUYS OFFER AND HOW VALID THEY ARE. I'VE TOYED WITH THE IDEA OF, SHOULD THERE BE A MORATORIUM ON ANY BUILDING IN THE COUNTY UNTIL WE RESOLVE THESE ISSUES? SHOULD THERE BE NO NEW HOUSES BUILT IN THE COUNTY UNTIL WE GET EMERGENCY SERVICES RIGHT AND WE CONVINCE THE COUNTY AND THAT WAS REJECTED.

THAT REJECTION WAS A SHAME, BECAUSE I DON'T THINK PEOPLE REALIZE WHAT'S AT STAKE HERE, AND THERE'S A LOT AT STAKE.

YOU CAN'T SHRINK THE RURAL AREA ANY MORE.

THEREFORE THE BUDGET ISN'T GROWING.

YOU'VE GOT TO OPERATE MORE LIKE A CITY.

AND THE CITY SPENDS MORE ON EMERGENCY SERVICES THAN ON ROADS. IT'S A LOT.

AND WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT AS CITIZENS.

OUR TAX RATES MAY GO UP, BUT AT LEAST WE MAY GET THE SERVICES WE NEED. IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT OUT THERE AND THEY PULL THOSE SERVICES IN THE RURAL AREA, THERE WON'T BE AN AMBULANCE OR FIRE TRUCK COMING TO GET YOU OFF THAT ROAD. AND THAT INCLUDES PEOPLE IN THE CITY. IF YOU'RE ON A RURAL ROAD AND THERE'S NO EMERGENCY SERVICES ON THAT ROAD AND YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR YOUR FAMILY HAS AN ACCIDENT, YOU MAY DIE ON THAT ROAD BECAUSE NO ONE WILL COME GET YOU.

THE SHERIFF WILL, THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WILL BECAUSE THEY'RE OBLIGATED TO GO TO THOSE RURAL AREAS.

BUT THERE IS NO CITY PROVIDING THESE SERVICES THAT MUST GO TO THOSE AREAS. IT'S ONLY BY CONTRACT.

AND THAT CONTRACT IN VAN ALSTYNE WAS LIMITED THREE YEARS AGO.

IT'S GETTING LIMITED MORE. WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND, THE SUPPORT GOING UP TO THE NEW TAX RATE IF NOTHING ELSE, THAT WAS ACTUALLY SEVERAL YEARS AGO IN THIS PODIUM.

A TAX INCREASE WILL GIVE US THE CUSHION TO START BUILDING THE FUTURE, BECAUSE THAT FUTURE IS GOING TO COME WITH HIGHER COSTS.

WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT AS GRAYSON COUNTY, WE'VE GOT TO BUILD THIS COUNTY. THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE, A LOT OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES THAT MAY NOT BE GETTING THE PAYCHECKS THEY TRULY DESERVE BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO PAY PEOPLE PROPERLY AND GET THE RESOURCES WE NEED IN THIS COUNTY TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.

COUNTY GOVERNMENT MATTERS MORE NOW THAN COLLIN COUNTY, BECAUSE THE CITIES WERE GOBBLING UP LAND AND TAXING THE HELL OUT OF PEOPLE. WE CAN'T DO THAT.

WE CAN'T LET THEM GOBBLE UP LAND SO THEY CAN PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES. THAT'S ALL, THANK YOU.

1 CENT, HALF CENT TAX INCREASE, I THINK Y'ALL OUGHT TO CONSIDER IT. BUT THIS IS THE FUTURE.

THIS IS NOW. WE'VE GOT TO GET THIS FUTURE

GOING. >> THANK YOU.

GO AHEAD. >> I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING HE SAID. BUT I HAVE ALSO SEEN SOME THINGS WITHIN MY OWN CITY GOVERNMENT AND OTHER CITY GOVERNMENTS LOCALLY IN GRAYSON COUNTY WHERE WE NEED TO STOP GIVING TAX BREAKS AND WAIVING DEVELOPMENT FEES TO THESE BIG CORPORATIONS THAT'S BASICALLY JUST CORPORATE WELFARE, AND ALL THE THINGS THAT THEY ARE NOT DOING FALLS BACK ON THE TAXPAYERS TO PAY FOR.

IF WE CAN STOP GIVING THE MILK AWAY FOR FREE, AS MY MOM WOULD SAY, I DON'T THINK WE WOULD BE IN SUCH A PREDICAMENT AS WE ARE NOW WITH BUDGETS HAVING TO BE SLASHED AND PEOPLE BEING CUT AND

[00:35:02]

DAVID APPEL SAID. >> COMMISSIONER ARTHUR.

>> BRYAN AND I HAVE HAD THIS DISCUSSION MANY TIMES.

I THINK HONESTLY, MRS. BELL AND I HAVE HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD DISCUSSION. THE ONE THING THAT'S A CONSTANT IS PEOPLE COMPARE THE 55000 RURAL PEOPLE OF GRAYSON COUNTY, SPREAD OUT OVER 800 SQUARE MILES, WITH THE CITY.

WE HAVE PROPERTY TAX. WE'RE NOT IN THE AMBULANCE BUSINESS, AND I DON'T SEE THAT THE COUNTY COULD EVER BE IN THE AMBULANCE BUSINESS. DEFINITELY NOT FIRE.

WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FUND ADEQUATE AVAILABILITY TO THE RURAL COUNTY, BECAUSE YOU'VE GOT TO REMEMBER, THOSE ARE NOT FREE SERVICES. JUST BECAUSE WE ARE SPENDING $3 MILLION, WE'VE HIT THE CEILING.

I DON'T LIKE IT, BUT WE DON'T HAVE CITY SALES TAX.

WE ATTEMPTED TO GET A COUNTY SALES TAX IN THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY AT 60/40. THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, THAT IS PRESENTED BY THE GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT.

THAT'S NOT SOMETHING THE COMMISSIONERS COURTS DO.

THAT'S A PROPERTY TAX FUNDING MECHANISM THAT ALSO HAS THE ABILITY TO COLLECT A BIT OF SALES TAX.

AS WE MOVE FORWARD, THE CITIES HAVE TREMENDOUS RANGE OF REVENUE. WE HAVE OUR LITTLE BITTY .051.

BRYAN IS CORRECT IN SOME WAYS. THAT PENNY DOESN'T SOLVE A PROBLEM WE HAVE. THIS IS NOT A LITTLE PROBLEM.

AS THE COUNTY GROWS, IT WAS NOT A PROPERTY TAX, CONSUMPTION TAX.

AND AS THE COUNTY GROWS IT WOULD FUND FIRE AND AMBULANCE, BUT WE'VE BEEN DOWN THAT PATH AND THE VERY RESIDENTS THAT ARE WANTING THE SERVICE DO NOT WANT TO RAISE PROPERTY TAX.

I'M ONE OF THOSE. I'VE HAD A BUSINESS FOR 40 YEARS COLLECTING 6.25% SALES TAX. YOU KNOW HOW MUCH OF THAT COMES BACK TO FIRE OR AMBULANCE OR A SHERIFF OR POLICE DEPARTMENT? I HAVE NEVER CONTRIBUTED A PENNY IN MY BUSINESS, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE PUT ASTRONOMICAL AMOUNTS OF MONEY IN.

BUT IN THIS COUNTY I PAY VERY MINOR PROPERTY TAX.

SCHOOL IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE COUNTY, THEY ARE GETTING 70-75% OF THAT. SO MAKING SURE WE UNDERSTAND.

I APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT, BUT DON'T COMPARE THE COUNTY IN THE 800 SQUARE MILES. 10-12, PROBABLY.

49 SQUARE MILES. SO THE BUDGET IS NOT TOO FAR AWAY FROM THE COUNTIES. AND IT'S 49 SQUARE MILES FOR OURS. 900 AND SOMETHING SQUARE MILES.

IT'S A DIFFERENT ANIMAL. >> WE ATTEMPTED TO PASS THE SALES TAX INITIATIVE. 6000 PEOPLE SHOWED UP TO VOTE AND 4000 OF THOSE SAID NO. WE UNDERSTAND, WE CAN PROVIDE WITH THE TAX RATE THAT WE SET AND IF EINSTEIN SAYS, WE'RE NOT DOING IT, THEN THEY AREN'T DOING IT.

I HAVEN'T HEARD THAT FROM THE MAYOR.

>> WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THEM MORE.

>> THAT'S WHY I'M BRINGING IT UP.

>> OKAY. AND RIGHT NOW THERE'S A FIRE BURNING JUST 150 MILES WEST OF US.

IT'S CONSUMED 50,000 ACRES IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS.

AND -- DOES -- IS THERE ANY ESDS? THEY HAVE ESDS, THEY HAVE PAID FIREFIGHTERS WHERE MOST OF OURS ARE IN THE RURAL AREA ALL VOLUNTEERS.

>> THIS IS ALSO PUTTING A STRAIN ON THE SMALLER CITIES.

[00:40:07]

>> TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT ARE IN OUR FOURTH YEAR, WE HAVE NOT MADE ANY DEALS WITH ANY DEVELOPERS.

TO MY KNOWLEDGE IT IS ACTUALLY MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE TODAY TO DO A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT BECAUSE WE BROUGHT OUR FEES UP

TO 2023, AND WE'VE CONTINUED. >> AND THIS COURT HAS MADE NO AGREEMENTS FOR TAX ABATEMENTS OR ANYBODY ELSE.

ANY TAX ABATEMENTS WERE GIVEN BEFORE THIS COURT, AND THIS COURT HAS NO INTENTION TO OFFER TO ANYBODY.

IF YOU WANT A NEW BUSINESS HERE, THAT'S GREAT, BUT YOU'RE GOING

TO PAY YOUR FAIR SHARE. >> GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.

>> KUDOS TO YOU FOR TAKING THE INITIATIVE AND WANTING TO KNOW HOW IT WORKS AND HOW IT UNDERSTANDS.

A LOT OF THE FEEDBACK THAT WE GET UNFORTUNATELY COMES FROM CONSTITUENTS THAT DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES THAT WE RAN AND THE TOOLS WE HAVE IN OUR TOOLBOX.

SO KUDOS TO YOU FOR ASKING THOSE QUESTIONS.

DO YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE, I WOULD LOVE TO SIT DOWN AND ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS TO THE BEST THAT I KNOW.

I THINK IT GOES BACK TO WHERE WE WERE LAST NOVEMBER WHEN THE SALES TAX INITIATIVE FAILED MISERABLY.

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A PROPERTY TAX RELIEF.

IT WOULD HAVE FUNDED FIRE AND EMS, IT WOULD HAVE HELPED OUR ROAD AND BRIDGE. NOT NECESSARILY IN OUR INDIVIDUAL PRECINCTS, BUT FUTURE PROJECTS, WHO KNOWS.

AND THE BUDGET WHICH WOULD HAVE HELPED EVERYTHING ELSE.

NOW WE STILL SIT AT THE 28TH LOWEST OUT OF 254 COUNTIES.

>> THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER MARR.

>> WE TALKED ABOUT EMERGENCY SERVICE.

I WANT TO COMMEND MR. WILSON AND MR. APPEL IN SUPPORT OF OUR SHARED COUNTY ASSISTANCE DISTRICT.

I DON'T WANT THAT TO GO UNNOTICED.

THEY UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR EMERGENCY SERVICES OUT THERE. SO THANK YOU GENTLEMEN FOR THAT.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE A NOTE, WITH THEIR PROPOSED TAX RATE AT 0.3051, WHICH IS THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW IT WILL STAY AT THAT, IF WE WENT UP TO THE NO NEW REVENUE OF 3.22 AND SOME CHANGE, THAT WOULD INCREASE $4 MILLION INTO THE BUDGET.

THAT WOULD HAVE COVERED THAT. THE REASON WE ARE ABLE TO HAVE A DEFICIT BUDGET PASSING IS EMPLOYMENT RETENTION.

WE HAVE A LOT OF VACANCIES. WE HAVE TO GO AHEAD AND BUDGET AS IF WE ARE FULLY STAFFED. WE'VE BEEN WORKING DILIGENTLY THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS TRYING TO RAISE THE COST OF LIVING PAYOUT BECAUSE WE ARE HAVING AN ISSUE WITH EMPLOYEES GOING TO COLLIN COUNTY. THE BUDGET MAY NOT LOOK GREAT.

BUT UNDERSTAND THAT'S KIND OF UNREALIZED BECAUSE OF THE PLANNING OF EMPLOYEES, MOST WE GET -- ONCE WE GET TO THEM IN THE YEAR IT'S GOING TO BE THE SURPLUS BUDGET.

SO THERE'S -- BY THE STATES RIGHTS, WE ARE BELOW THEIR CONSERVATIVE TAX RATE ESTIMATE. I DON'T BELIEVE MOST OF US WANT TO RAISE TAXES. WE ARE ALL SUFFERING THE SAME

THING ON PROPERTY TAXES. >> ALL RIGHT.

ANY FURTHER COMMENTS, DISCUSSIONS? IT WILL. MAINLY IT'S AFFECTING THE SCHOOLS. IT HASN'T BEEN IMPOSED TO AFFECT THE COUNTY TAX. BUT IT DOES IMPACT THE SCHOOL

TAXES. >> I'D LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THAT IF YOU DON'T MIND. WITH THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS, I KNOW THERE'S ALSO THE PHRASE ON THE SENIOR CITIZENS, I THINK GOVERNOR PATRICK IS WANTING TO LOWER THAT TO 55.

I'M GOING TO TRY TO GET HIM TO LOWER IT DOWN TO 42 PERSONALLY.

BUT IF YOU DON'T REALIZE, THAT PUTS THE CAP, I UNDERSTAND THE SENIOR CITIZENS NOT GOING TO BE PAID MORE.

BUT THAT SHIFTS THE BURDEN DOWN TO THE YOUNGER FOLKS THAT ARE OWNING LAND AND PAYING TAXES BECAUSE OF THAT.

AND OBVIOUSLY IF YOU HAVE RENTAL PROPERTIES, COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES THAT DOESN'T AFFECT THAT ISSUE.

[00:45:05]

>> AND THE FREEZE ON TAXES IMPACTS THE COUNTY TAXES, BUT CURRENTLY I THINK, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, WE HAVE ABOUT $7 MILLION THAT'S FROZEN, PEOPLE THAT ARE 65 WHEN IT COMES TO COUNTY TAXES NOW. EVERYTHING THAT COMMISSIONER MARR AND THE GOVERNOR IS TALKING ABOUT IMPACTS YOUR SCHOOL TAXES.

WE HAVE NO SAY OR CONTROL, WE PAY THE SAME TAXES EVERYBODY ELSE PAYS AND SCHOOL TAXES ARE GOING UP.

BUT ALSO WE HAVE INCREASED STUDENT POPULATIONS IN THE SCHOOLS. I THINK EVERY DISTRICT JUST ABOUT IN THE COUNTY IS ADDING SCHOOLS.

I KNOW THE MAJOR ONES, DENISON, SHERMAN, VAN ALSTYNE.

>> I'LL THROW A QUICK ONE IN HERE.

THAT SCHOOL TAX IS BEING TRANSFERRED OFF THE PROPERTY TAX. NO ONE CAN LOWER THE COST OF EDUCATING A STUDENT IN TEXAS RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE WITH THE STATE MANDATES AND THE THINGS IMPOSED ON THESE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, BELIEVE ME, THEY'RE NOT ABLE TO TAKE THAT.

THAT HOLE IS BEING FILLED IN BY STATE MONIES, AND WHERE IS THAT

DOLLAR COMING FROM. >> THE STATE MANDATES $28 MILLION OUT OF OUR ENTIRE BUDGET, 28 MILLION, GOES TO PAY FOR THINGS THAT AUSTIN SAYS WE HAVE TO PAY FOR.

>> EVERY TIME AUSTIN PASSES A NEW THING BUT DOESN'T FUND IT, THAT'S EFFECTIVELY A TAX RATE INCREASE FOR EACH CITIZEN BECAUSE NOW LESS OF YOUR MONEY IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF THE THINGS THEY DIDN'T TAKE CARE OF. SO JUST REMEMBER THAT, ANY TIME YOU INCREASE THE REQUIREMENT BUT THEY DO NOT FUND THAT, THAT'S EFFECTIVELY A TAX INCREASE TO YOU AS WELL.

>> ALL RIGHT, ANY OTHER DISCUSSION OR COMMENTS? GOOD PUBLIC HEARING. WE'RE GOING TO END THE PUBLIC

[9.9 Discuss and take action to adopt the 2026-27 Grayson County (M&O) Maintenance & Operations tax rate of $.285957 per $100 of valuation. THIS TAX RATE WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR'S TAX RATE.]

TAX RATE. >> MOVED TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ART ARTHUR, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HARDENBURG.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED?

[9.10 Discuss and take action to adopt the 2026-27 Grayson County debt rate of $.019143 per $100 of valuation.]

EVALUATION. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MARR,

[9.11 Discuss and take action to adopt the 2026-27 Grayson County total tax rate of $.3051 per $100 of valuation.]

9.11, DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION TO ADOPT THE 2026-27 GRAYSON COUNTY TAX RATE OF 0.3051 PER $100 VALUATION.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WRIGHT, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HARDENBURG. ALL IN FAVOR?

[9.12 Discuss and take action to approve the 2026-27 Tax Rate Resolution for Grayson County.]

9.12, DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION TO APPROVE THE 2026-27 TAX RATE

RESOLUTION FOR GRAYSON COUNTY. >> MOTION TO APPROVE THE

TAX RATE RESOLUTION. >> SECOND.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MARR, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ARTHUR.

ALL IN FAVOR ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.

[10. Commissioners Court Comments]

STARTING WITH COMMISSIONER MARR. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

AS MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES, ABOUT THE WILDFIRES, PLEASE BE CAREFUL. WE DON'T WANT TO HAVE LARGE WILDFIRES GOING. COMING UP NEXT MONDAY, AUGUST 31ST, THERE'S GOING TO BE A GUNNER TOWN HALL.

ME AND COMMISSIONER RYDER CO-HOSTING THIS TOWN HALL.

JUST KIND OF TO GIVE YOU SOME UPDATES ON WHAT'S GOING ON FROM THE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE. WE'LL ALSO HAVE THE SUPERINTENDENT DOCTOR BRENNAN ENOS TO TALK ABOUT THE SCHOOLS, AND WE HAVE THE NEWLY HIRED CITY MANAGER FOR THE CITY OF GUNNER WILL BE THERE AS WELL. THIS IS GOING TO BE 6-8:00, AT THE OLD ELEMENTARY JUST ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN.

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30. WE LIKE TO KEEP THINGS PRETTY

[00:50:03]

THAT WILL BE COMING UP MONDAY, AUGUST 31ST.

SUSAT, THANK YOU FOR GETTING THIS BUDGET DONE AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE PUBLIC THAT CAME OUT TO MAKE COMMENTS.

MR. WILSON, THANK YOU FOR BEING AT OUR WORKSHOPS DURING THE

BUDGET. >> COMMISSIONER WRIGHT.

>> THAT WAS MY LINE. THANK YOU.

LAST WEEK I UPDATED YOU GUYS ALL ON THE TRAIN DERAILMENT ON 377 SOUTH OF WHITESBORO. AT THAT TIME, OR RIGHT AFTER COMMISSIONERS COURT, THAT ONE VICTIM DID PASS AWAY.

SO THERE'S CONTINUED CLEANUP. THERE WILL BE FOR A WHILE.

THE SOUTHBOUND LANE OF 377 WILL BE PERIODICALLY CLOSED SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO DO RECOVERY EFFORTS OVER THERE.

SO PLEASE USE CAUTION. AGAIN, THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU THAT PLAYED A ROLE IN THIS BUDGET.

I KNOW THIS IS A PROCESS THAT STARTED MONTHS AGO.

IT'S TAXING, IT'S NOT EASY. TO THE COMMUNITY, THANK YOU ALL FOR HAVING A DESIRE TO BE EDUCATED AND WANT TO KNOW THE PROCESS. THAT WARMS MY HEART, I LOVE IT.

I DID MENTION THAT THERE WAS ONE INDIVIDUAL THAT CAME.

I'LL SPEAK FOR MYSELF, CALL ME. I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION ACROSS THE DESK OR ON THE PHONE.

JUST NOT ON THE BOOK OF FACES. >> I'VE GOT NOTHING ABOUT

CAMERAS TODAY. >> CAN WE MAKE IT CLEAR, DOES GRAYSON COUNTY HAVE ANY FLOCK CAMERAS? GRAYSON COUNTY ITSELF. WE DO HAVE A COUPLE?

OKAY. >> COMMISSIONER ARTHUR.

>> THE TIRE DUMPING IN PRECINCT TWO WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM.

WE HAD TO GET 250 OUT OF THE CREEK.

THAT WAS A TIP ON A LICENSE PLATE, BUT I'VE ALSO UNDERSTOOD THERE WAS A... AND YOU'VE GOT TO GO TO PARIS TO DUMP THAT. WE HAVE TO SOME KIND OF GUARDRAILS, BUT I SEE SOME BENEFIT.

ESPECIALLY LOOKING FOR MY DAD WITH DEMENTIA.

ANYWAY, I WANT TO THANK MR. WILSON, MR. APPLE, MR. BELL.

THIS IS WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

I'M REALLY GETTING CONCERNED WITH THE INFORMATION I SEE GOING TO FACEBOOK. WHETHER IT INVOLVES FLOCK CAMERA, DATA CENTER, TAX RATE, FIRE AND AMBULANCE.

I SEE MORE THINGS THAT I MUST DISAGREE WITH PERSONALLY AND AS ELECTED BECAUSE THAT'S NOT WHAT'S GOING ON RIGHT NOW.

I JUST APPRECIATE IT. YOU ARE THE BOOTS ON THE GROUND, AND NOW YOU'VE GOT TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS, I HOPE HE KEEPS DOING WHAT HE'S BEEN DOING FOR YEARS. THAT'S WHAT MOVES THIS COUNTY FORWARD IN THE FUTURE. THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT, WE CAN'T KNOW EVERY PROBLEM UNTIL IT'S BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION.

THE IDEAS ARE GREAT, WE JUST NEED A LOT MORE OF THEM.

AND I APPRECIATE YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR COMING, FOR YOUR INPUT.

WE GREATLY APPRECIATE THAT. I WAKE UP EVERY MORNING, I LOOK AT THE TEN DAY FORECAST AND I LOOK AT LAKE ELEVATION.

LAKE IS DROPPING ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH EVERY DAY, SO WE ARE ONE DAY CLOSER TO GETTING CULVERTS PUT IN THE CREEK. I KNOW YOU'RE PROBABLY TIRED OF THAT, BUT I KNOW THERE ARE SOME INDIVIDUALS THAT'LL BE READY FOR THAT AS WELL. WE ARE HOPING WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS WE'LL BE ABLE TO GET THAT FINISHED.

ANOTHER THING, IF YOU BUY A PIECE OF PROPERTY, IT'S PROBABLY NOT GOING TO BE CHIP SEALED THAT SAME YEAR.

OR ANY. I'M PRETTY EASYGOING BUT WE'VE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE BOUGHT SOME PROPERTY WITHIN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO THAT HAD POTHOLES, AND THEY HAVE DEMANDED THEIR POTHOLES ARE FIXED IMMEDIATELY.

WE ARE OUT HERE DOING THE BEST WE POSSIBLY CAN WITH THE BUDGET WE HAVE, THE MANPOWER. WE'VE GOT GUYS OUTSIDE WORKING TODAY. 110 DEGREES.

SO WE ARE TRYING THE BEST WE POSSIBLY CAN, BE PATIENT WITH US. IT MIGHT NOT BE TOMORROW OR NEXT

WEEK BUT WE WILL GET THERE. >> I WAS SURE THEY PAID ENOUGH

[00:55:05]

EVEN THOUGH THEY MIGHT HAVE ONLY PAID ABOUT $20 THAT YEAR.

>> AND KEEP THE PEOPLE OF WEST TEXAS IN YOUR PRAYERS AS WELL. 50,000 ACRES IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS. THEY WERE SAYING IT WAS BURNING AT 2000 ACRES AN HOUR. AND A LOT OF THOSE ARE VOLUNTEER

FIREFIGHTERS. >> I'M GOING TO ECHO THE COMMENTS. THANKS FOR THOSE THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE BUDGET PROCESS.

THANKS TO SUZETTE AND HER TEAM FOR CRUNCHING ALL THE NUMBERS, BALANCING THE IDEAS WE COME UP WITH.

THANKS TO COMMISSIONER HARDENBURG.

EVERY YEAR, I GUESS I MAKE A COMMISSIONER SIT IN THE BUDGET PROCESS WITH ME SO THEY FULLY UNDERSTAND IT AND CAN COMMUNICATE AND SEE THEIR PERSPECTIVE INSTEAD OF JUST MYSELF TRYING TO MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS.

I THINK IT'S EDUCATIONAL, AND NOT ONE PERSON HAS THE RIGHT IDEA EVERY TIME. SO IT'S A TEAM EFFORT.

I APPRECIATE THE TEAM WE HAVE. WE MAY NOT ALWAYS AGREE BUT WE ALWAYS REALIZE THE OTHER PERSON'S PERSPECTIVE.

BUT ALSO THANKS TO ALL THE COUNTY STAFF, ALL THE EMPLOYEES.

WE DID PASS A 5% COLA, SO YOU WILL SEE A 5% INCREASE.

WE WERE ABLE TO HOLD OFF ON AN INCREASE OF 17% FOR OUR MEDICAL INSURANCE. SO THIS YEAR THERE IS NO HIDDEN TAKE AWAY. SO YOU'LL ACTUALLY RECOGNIZE A 5% INCREASE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR TO TRY AND GET OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEES AT LEAST EQUAL TO SOME OF THE CITY STAFF EMPLOYEES AND JUST MAKE HEADWAY TO TRY TO GET IT TO WHERE ITS AVERAGE. MAYBE NOT EQUAL BUT GETTING INTO

THAT DIRECTION. >> THANK YOU SUZANNE AS WELL.

I FORGOT TO THANK HER. >> WITH THE END OF THIS WE ARE DONE WITH THE BUDGET, SO I'M GOING TO TAKE A VACATION NEXT MONTH. AND THEN GET BACK IN OCTOBER, START LOOKING AT THE BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR.

THAT'S A PRIMARY FUNCTION. WITH THAT, EVERYBODY HAVE A GOOD WEEK AND THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING.

WE ARE

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.