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February 29, 2024 - The Shelby County Commissioners revisited the quote for additional emergency lighting for the county courthouse that was not included in the original quote for lighting in the courthouse during their February 28, 2024 meeting, and Judge Allison Harbison provided some updated information for the court to consider. 

Judge Harbison reviewed her discussion with 4C Electric and $852.72 was subtracted from the previously paid amount for lights installed in the courthouse, after a 12-inch ceiling mount LED was delivered and didn’t appear to be well made.

That $852.72 was then applied to the new quote which reduced it to $11,075.26.

“The big difference is the emergency lighting is a lot more expensive than just regular LED lighting,” said Judge Harbison.

As of the meeting, the emergency lighting is nonfunctional and has been in need of replacement.

Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, asked if the question of last week’s meeting is being answered, “Why can we do a whole courthouse for $26,000 and now we're looking at a handful of lights for $11,000 and do these other fixtures warrant that type of increase in pay?”

Porterfield continued, “This proposal is 42% of what we did for the whole courthouse, three floors and do these extra cost and fixtures warrant that kind of increase? That's the question.” 

Judge Harbison stated that $8,000 of the quoted expense is fixtures alone, and she suggested the possibility of taking out a light at the entrance to the building that is $3,000. She clarified for Porterfield that some of the difference in cost with the emergency lighting is the battery backup that is part of the light, so it can stay on in the event the courthouse loses power.

Commissioner Tom Bellmyer questioned, “Would it warrant asking 4C to make us a copy of the data sheet for every one of these fixtures?” 

He described how valuable it can be in gaining an understanding when the technical information is available to understand the function of what they’re considering.

“I'm just trying to say if people want some clarity, the easiest way to do is get a copy of the data sheets on all the fixtures and have Scooter [Clark] come in and explain to us from a technical point of view,” said Commissioner Bellmyer.

Commissioner Bellmyer moved to table the decision on the quote and request that 4C give the data sheets for these fixtures, so that data sheets can be reviewed before the next meeting.

During the meeting, the RFP for the renovation and the second floor of the community room was opened and only one bid by Hagler Painting and Remodeling was received in the amount of $87,320.

“We've met several times with him, Tom [Bellmyer], and I have,” said Judge Harbison. “This is renovation of the community room of the second floor of the county courthouse.”

The project area is approximately 1680 square feet, includes new flooring, carpet in the offices, courtroom, new flooring, laminate in the kitchen and dining room, the wall between the courtroom and the offices, a large double door into the courtroom, wainscoting the courtroom, removal of wallpaper, painting walls, building three offices, replacing ceiling tile, kitchen demo, demo the bar, cabinets, ovens and cooktop.

Judge Harbison said they would be utilizing the cooktop that they already have and the county will get an oven at cost from one of the local appliance companies. 

Also included is moving the refrigerator to the back wall, installation of the stove, moving the vending machine to the kitchen area, new cabinets and countertops, because Judge Harbison says  it would be more cost effective to install new than to redo what is there. New wall between the conference area the kitchen area, move the door to the kitchen to the left side of the kitchen, all texture walls and put on two coats of paint.

Wainscoting for the courtroom, prime sanded, caulked and two coats of paint. Approximately five new stained doors, replace all the window trim with stained window trim. 

Judge Harbison asked Auditor Porterfield and Treasurer Blackwell how much money is in the LATCF and Porterfield stated it seems the only thing pending in LATCF fund would be the other two payments for the historical plan, which is $45,000, and he estimated there to be $150,000 at this point. 

Commissioner Bellmyer made a motion to accept the bid and move forward with a remodel of the second floor and Commissioner Roscoe McSwain seconded the motion, and it carried.

The commissioners approved the payment of the invoice for the Emergency Watershed Project, between the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and Shelby County.

It was confirmed with Porterfield the county has 30 days from the receipt of the invoice to make payment and the invoice was received on February 8.

Commissioner Stevie Smith confirmed with John Price, County Attorney, that the contract between the county and NRCS didn’t provide any recourse for the phone line damage which was discussed at the previous meeting held February 21. 

Without any remedy in the contract, Commissioner Smith didn’t feel there was any reason to hold off on paying the invoice. Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, learned they can’t wire the payment and a check will have to be mailed.

Commissioner Roscoe McSwain moved to go ahead and cut the check and Commissioner Smith seconded the motion, and it carried.

Judge Harbison commented the completed work is quite good and she hopes people get the opportunity to take a look now that it’s finished.

Repairs for the parking lot of the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office was approved by the commissioners and Donna Hughes, Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace, was present for the discussion.

“I spoke to Tom before we started about where that dead oak tree was at because that's what's really delayed us this last six or eight months,” said Judge Hughes. “I think it was gonna be done but that tree died so we had to get that out of the way. But where the lump is, where the tree was, it would be really nice if we could actually get a parking spot out of there as well.” 

Judge Hughes said it’s possible at times for there to be up to 15 cars in the lot, with a number of them facing the backside of the Shelby County Jail. She expressed her appreciation to the commissioners for looking at the parking lot.

“I've placed this on the agenda because we've had it under discussion amongst us for some time, and of course, Judge Hughes and I have talked about it. And really, my hope was that it would give us an opportunity to talk about it and actually come up and schedule when we want to do this work,” said Commissioner Bellmyer.

He explained that with the changing of seasons, he knows the commissioners will all be getting really busy in the next 60 to 90 days and he would hate for them to lose the opportunity again to come up with a game.

“It is by far the worst parking lot of all the county buildings so and it's the busiest JP office that we have and I just think that it gives us a chance to put together a game plan and talk about how we can do it together,” said Bellmyer.

The commissioners agreed there needs to be a good entrance to the parking lot and Judge Hughes agreed there is a large piece of concrete there that’s pretty rough. 

“Between us, I think we can share a little bit of equipment, and I guess for me is the labor and the equipment is one thing. We're going to, I assume, purchase some material to do the parking lot in,” said Bellmyer. “So that part of the discussion I want to have is, so if we had a game plan up and we had a window of time to do the work we would know how to buy the material to actually do the lay down for the parking lot and what material we're going to use.” 

A motion was by Commissioner Bellmyer to get together with other commissioners and make a plan and schedule with Judge Hughes, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Jimmy Lout and the motion carried.

The commissioners decided to renew an interlocal agreement with the Texas Department of Public Safety for the failure to appear program.

Judge Harbison explained that this is a program that's been in place and there have been some new changes in the 88th legislative session and they want a new contract.

John Price, County Attorney, stated the county has an existing interlocal agreement with DPS and this new contract incorporates some changes that this last legislature put in effect.

A motion by Commissioner Smith to approve the new interlocal agreement with DPS for the FTA program was seconded by Commissioner Lout, and the motion carried.

Joe Szewczyk, with TAC (Texas Association of Counties) Risk Control Consultant, discussed with the Commissioners’ Court about the services he can provide at no cost to the County.

“You get consultant services from myself. I do the safety stuff. Kenny Lemons is your law enforcement consultant. He's gonna work with the Sheriff's Office, Chief Deputy, whomever. He does training that gives him TCole hours. Hailey Beaver, she's our HR consultant. She also provides some hours, continuing education hours,” said Szewczyk.

He explained that most of what he does is safety related and there's no continuing education associated with it, but he focuses on things like claims reviews.

Some of what he does includes looking at claims that come from the county, what could be done to mitigate risk. Through training, and policies, Szewczyk says they provide various sample policies to the county.

Szewczyk elaborated extensively on the many things he can do to help the county, and let them know he is available.

Agenda items approved during the meeting include:

1. Pay weekly expenses.

2. Current Payroll.

3. Move forward with fixing the JP 1 parking lot.

4. Interlocal with the Department of Public Safety for the Failure to Appear Program.

5. Award the RFP for the renovation of the 2nd floor community room to Hagler Painting and Remodeling.

6. Pay the invoice for the Emergency Watershed Project, between the Natural Resources Conservation Services and Shelby County.

7. Record Racial Profiling Report for Shelby County Constable Pct 1.

8. Record Racial Profiling Report for Shelby County Constable Pct 2.

9. Record Racial Profiling Report for Shelby County Constable Pct 5.

10. Adjourn.

Agenda items tabled during the meeting include:

1. Commissioner Pct. 4, Tom Bellmyer to discuss the purchase and financing of a truck as authorized under Local Government Code 262.0225, subsection D and Local Government Code 262.0245.

2. Additional and emergency lighting for the County Courthouse that was not included in the original quote.

February 28, 2024 - Center Fire Department personnel were dispatched to a structure fire around 3:15pm on FM 138 Saturday, February 24, 2024.

As firefighters approached the scene of the fire, a plume of heavy smoke was visible from Center.

Located behind the home in the 2000 block of FM 138, and according to the Center Fire Department, when they arrived the structure which was a shop/garage was fully involved in the fire and the roof had already collapsed. Some additional portable buildings located near the building were also involved in the fire.

Within the building was a vehicle, tools, and a lot of other equipment. 

Although the structure and its contents were destroyed, firefighters were able to get the fire under control and prevent it spreading to the house located at the front of the property.

Once the fire was out, the firefighters returned to the station at 5pm.

February 27, 2024 - (Update: 3:37pm) The Sheriff's Office reports Yount has been found and is safe. Additional details have not been provided relating to where he was located.


The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Jerry Yount, 69, of Joaquin. Yount is described as a white male, 5’9, 225 pounds, with green eyes. Yount was last seen February 16, 2024 on Marshall Street in Joaquin.

Yount is believed to be driving a white 2018 Kia Forte, bearing Texas plate LBF 0411. It was reported to the SCSO that Yount suffers from dementia.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Yount is urged to contact the SCSO immediately at 936-598-5601.

February 27, 2024 - The following individuals failed to appear for a mandatory court appearance on Monday, February 26. Please contact the 123rd Judicial District Court no later than 12-noon on Friday, March 1, or a warrant will issue for your arrest:

  • Denise Garrett
  • Brandon K. Smith
  • Martell Benyard Moore
  • Joseph Leon Parker
  • Breanna Diane Fleenor

Erin Johnson
123rd Court Manager
903.693.0315
erin.johnson@co.panola.tx.us

February 27, 2024 - On February 24, 2024, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the East Lamar WSC public water system, 2100006, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of February 27, 2024.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Alison Rhone at 936-332-4439.


February 26, 2024 - Due to low water pressure, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the East Lamar WSC public water system to notify county road 1001, county road 1000, county road 1431 and Greenwood drive. to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Alison Rhone at 936-332-4439. 

February 22, 2024 - Tom Bellmyer, Commissioner Precinct 4, announces the road closure of CR 4059 from FM 1645 to CR 4020 for the purpose of removing a culvert and building a bridge at West Creek.  

The closure of CR 4059 is projected to be a minimum of three weeks beginning Monday, February 26, 2024.

Commissioner Bellmyer is reaching out to school officials and the United States Postal Service to inform them of the need to alter their traffic during the time of the road work.

February 26, 2024 - Over the week of February 18th through 24th the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department had 3 calls. Here’s a summary of the week’s events.

Friday at 12:12pm a call came in for a male involved in a ATV accident with a potential broken ankle. The JVFD med team responded to render aid before Allegiance EMS arrived to see to the patient. The ATV rider opted out of being transported by ambulance to a hospital. 

Later on Friday at 3:15pm the JVFD received a call to help DeSoto Fire District 1 with a structure fire on Gum Street. At the time, DFD1 had another working structure fire on Day Road and requested Joaquin’s assistance with the Gum Street fire. The JVFD responded with a truck and extra man power.

Saturday at 1:33pm a call came in for a grass fire near a home on FM 139. The page also stated that the flames were traveling to other nearby properties. The combined efforts of the JVFD, Huxley VFD, and DFD1 were able to get the fire contained.

With that, this edition of the report will come to a close. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department hopes everyone has a great and safe week ahead.

February 25, 2024 - A Shelby County Grand Jury handed down 20 indictments on Monday, January 8, 2024. The grand jury was impaneled for the January 2024 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.

In addition, a previously sealed indictment of October 5, 2023, from the grand jury impaneled for the July 2023 term of the 123rd Judicial District Court was unsealed following the arrest of the individual, Kendell Mardis, on January 24, 2024, on the charge of murder, first degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 27, 2023, Kendell Mardis intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Camo Morton by shooting Morton in the head. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Ralph Charles Breen was indicted for injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 23, 2023, Breen intentionally or knowingly caused bodily injury to a child 14 years of age or younger, by grabbing her around the neck. (273rd Judicial District Court)

Spencer Raysean Watts was indicted for obstruction or retaliation, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 7, 2023, Watts intentionally or knowingly threatened to harm (Center Police Officer) [Donna] Ruppert by an unlawful act, namely criminal homicide, in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of Officer Ruppert as a public servant, namely, a peace officer. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Spencer Raysean Watts was indicted for obstruction or retaliation, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 7, 2023, Watts intentionally or knowingly threatened to harm (Center Police Officer) [Luis] Acuna by an unlawful act, namely criminal homicide, in retaliation for or on account of the service or status of Officer Acuna as a public servant, namely, a peace officer. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Luis Alberto Escobedo was indicted for evading arrest in a motor vehicle, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on October 3, 2023, Escobedo intentionally fled from Constable Taylor Fanguy, a person Escobedo knew was a peace officer who was attempting lawfully to arrest or detain Escobedo. (273rd Judicial District Court)

Andria Charmaine Hubbard was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 1, 2023, Hubbard recklessly caused bodily injury to (Center Police Officer) Brandon Tyler by kicking him in the face, and Hubbard knew Tyler was a public servant lawfully discharging an official duty. Namely, trying to detain and arrest Hubbard. (273rd Judicial District Court)

Joseph Leon Parker was indicted for unlawful possession of firearm by felon, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on September 14, 2023, having previously been convicted of the felony offense of theft in 2017, Parker intentionally and knowingly possessed a firearm following the fifth anniversary of Parker's release from confinement, in a location other than Parker's residence. Namely, on a public road. (123rd Judicial District Court)

Andria Charmaine Hubbard was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on November 1, 2023, Hubbard recklessly caused bodily injury to (Center Police Officer) Brian Wright by kicking him in the leg. Hubbard allegedly knew Officer Wright was a public servant, namely a police officer with the Center Police Department, and that Officer Wright was lawfully discharging an official duty, namely in the process of detaining and arresting Hubbard. (273rd Judicial District Court) 

Johnny Ray Taylor was indicted for evading arrest in a motor vehicle, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on October 18, 2023, while using a vehicle Taylor fled from Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Ford and [Texas Department of Public Safety State] Trooper Dustin Ramos, persons Taylor knew were peace officers attempting to lawfully arrest or detain Taylor. (123rd Judicial District Court) 

(Some of the following content contained within indictments is of a sensitive nature and may not be suitable for younger viewers.)
Keith Joseph Arnaud was indicted for online solicitation of a minor, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on August 31, 2023, Arnaud being a person who 17 years of age or older and with the intent of committing the offense of indecency with a child, intentionally distributed over the internet or through a commercial online service sexually explicit material. Namely, a photograph of male genitals to a minor. (123rd Judicial District Court)

(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident):

  • Ricardo Laguna-Rodriguez, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=4G<200G (methamphetamine), second degree felony (October 11, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
  • Ricardo Laguna-Rodriguez, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (October 11, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
  • Buddy Lee Bradshaw, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (October 13, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
  • Denise Simone Garrett, possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2 (PG2) (methamphetamine), state jail felony (June 17, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
  • Tiffany Consuela Barnes, possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2 (PG2) (methamphetamine), state jail felony (November 9, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
  • Brandon K. Smith, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (July 17, 2022). (123rd Judicial District Court)
  • Frankie Lee Slaight, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=4G<200G (methamphetamine), second degree felony (November 12, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
  • Hollie Nichole Kulikowski, felony driving while intoxicated, third degree fellony (September 25, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
  • Donald Ray Harris, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (September 13, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
  • Jose Luis Mendoza-Baylon, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=4G<200G (methamphetamine), second degree felony (November 12, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
  • Martell Benyard Moore, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (October 6, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)

Indictments and Information are not a conviction, and are a matter of public record. All individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

February 21, 2024 - (9:27am) - Timpson ISD was the location of a potential threat by a student on the morning of Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

According to a Timpson ISD social media post, “For the purpose of transparency, Timpson ISD is announcing that school officials were informed of a student who had made potential threats this morning. TISD worked with local law enforcement to ensure that all of our campuses were safe. Timpson ISD would like to thank local law enforcement and school officials who work to make sure that our schools are safe.”

(Update): Shelby County Constables joined together and addressed the concern once it was brought to their attention. Josh Tipton, Constable Precinct 5, states he received a phone call around 8:30pm Tuesday, February 20, from a concerned parent in the Timpson ISD school district regarding their child's conversation with another student about a third student. 

Once Constable Tipton read the contents of the messages shared with him by parents, it was determined further investigation was necessary to determine the credibility of the allegations.

Assistance was requested by Constable Tipton in that of Constable Taylor Fanguy, Constable Roy Cheatwood, and Constable Jamie Hagler. Together, the constables interviewed the parents and student from whom the messages were first reported, and after that the constables then spoke with the parents and another student that had text information on the same conversations which included threatening comments of harm. Additional information relating to the suspect student’s recent behavior and activity was also learned.

After the constables had spoken with the previously mentioned parties, they returned to the Precinct 5 Constable office and debriefed one another on the information which had been learned up to that point at 1am.

Constable Tipton says District Attorney Karren Price and County Attorney John Price were notified and updated throughout the investigation during Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. 

The constables were at Timpson ISD staged at the middle school by approximately 6:30am Wednesday morning awaiting the arrival of the student. At that time Superintendent Mid Johnson was staged at the High School, while Timpson ISD Police Chief Harold Rapsilver was in the vicinity of the elementary school and event center. According to Constable Tipton, Middle School Principal Chris Nickleberry identified the student to constables when the student arrived.

“Constables made contact with the student as they were exiting the vehicle, and escorted the student to an isolated area, separating the student and their backpack,” said Constable Tipton. “At which time, the school police chief was notified and superintendent of the school was notified.”

No weapon was found and the student was then turned over to Timpson ISD after deemed safe. Juvenile Probation was contacted and took custody of the student.

“A big thank you to the students, see something, say something,” said Constable Tipton. “The constables of this county are committed to the safety of our children and our schools.”

Constable Tipton said this was a group effort of county and school officials working together for the safety of the community at all hours.

He thanked the constables, Justices of the Peace Donna Hughes and Tracy Broadway, school officials Mid Johnson, Chris Nickleberry, Chief Harold Rapsilver, and Juvenile Probation.

“It was a big group effort, late, late at night. We’re talking about 1, 2 o’clock in the morning, county elected officials up in the middle of the night all pulling together for the good of our kids,” said Constable Tipton.

Constable Tipton encouraged vigilance in the community and by the students in being aware of even the smallest of concerns.

“No matter how small they think it is, they still need to tell their parents and their parents can make that decision to at least call us and make us aware,” said Constable Tipton.

He encouraged parents to please let their children understand how serious things kids say must be taken. 

February 23, 2024 - The Shelby County Commissioners agreed on a plan to close a road for repairs, and also discussed during their Wednesday, February 21, 2024, meeting a desire for constables to turn in racial profiling reports.

Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, explained details of some items included in the weekly expenses relating to Paxton Water Supply and funds meant for law enforcement.

“We took care of a couple more bills for the Jackson Well, the Paxton Water Supply, so that just leaves the fence and we will be completed with that project,” said Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer. “Every year the law enforcement gets LEOs grant money and it all comes direct deposit to the general fund account. So, I always write a check back to the Sheriff's Department to put in their education fund so they can track it separately.”

County Judge Allison Harbison confirmed the vehicle for Constable Taylor Fanguy has been purchased.

“The time frame is so long to get it outfitted. We just went ahead and purchased the vehicle, and then whenever the parts, everything to outfit it comes in to Cab Fleet, they're going to ship it to us and Del [Birdwell]’s going to install,” said Blackwell.

Commissioner Stevie Smith moved to pay the weekly expenses, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Bellmyer, and the motion carried.

The commissioners discussed a road closure on County Road 4059 from FM 1645 to County Road 4020 for the purpose of removing a culvert and building a bridge. Commissioner Bellmyer addressed the court and expects the project to take a minimum of two weeks.

“12, 13 years ago from what I understand, there used to be a bridge there and the oil field came in about that time and added some oil field locations beyond this and they tore the bridge out and put this culvert in and like all of the large diameter culverts that are galvanized, it's rusted away and the bottom's collapsing in it and it's... it's got a lot of truck traffic over right now,” said Commissioner Bellmyer.

Commissioner Bellmyer shared he didn't really want to change the culvert and it's not been on his current schedule, but after the rains that Shelby County had the last couple of weeks it's deteriorated quickly. 

According to Bellmyer, Sanders Creek Bridge Construction will be able to mobilize week after next, and the commissioner and his crew will take next week starting February 26 and actually perform the demolition and pre work

Commissioner Bellmyer said he would be informing the United State Postal Service mail delivery and Timpson ISD for any adjustments they may need to make for student transport.

Commissioner Bellmyer moved to make the community aware of the fact that they’re going to close that road between those two locations as aforementioned and will keep the community and the court addressed of the delay if there is one, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Jimmy Lout and it carried.

Bellmyer then presented his interest in the purchase of a truck, referencing Local Government Code 262.0225, subsection D and Local Government Code 262.0245.

Referencing previous approval from the court to purchase a truck, Bellmyer stated he and Treasurer Blackwell utilized the buyboard, found a vehicle he wanted to buy, and it resulted in a possible truck that wasn’t even the kind he wanted with a nine-month delivery time.

“I went to the four local dealerships in Shelby County. The two GM dealerships, the GMC and the Chevrolet dealership, both declined to submit a quote on the truck because neither one of them can sell that truck. It's a 4500 series or with Ford it’s a 450 series,” said Bellmyer. 

Commissioner Bellmyer said he did get two quotes from the local Ford dealership, and one quote from the local Dodge dealership.

“The reason that I cited this out of the local government codes. It's pretty clear from the code that if you have done your due diligence and get no responses back then we can go sort of the route that I've gone that we can go to a sole source,” said Commissioner Bellmyer. 

He related that the Ford dealership bid the truck he requested, and also had a truck on their lot that was a 2023 550 model. Bellmyer understood the 550 to be a savings over the 450 model.

“I think the ARPA funds is somewhat difficult to deal with because I don't know that they really identify this process that I'm proposing, even though the state of Texas does,” said Bellmyer. “So, instead of using ARPA funds what I'm going to ask the court is that I just go out and borrow the money and buy the truck myself.”

Blackwell described some of the complicated sounding process involving all of the necessary paperwork and did say there was a meeting set with the GrantWorks agent in the coming week, but that he could do what he wants to do.

Bellmyer referenced that there have been other projects that it seemed fell by the wayside, like Huber Water Well, and then that the truck isn’t in one piece as after buying the chassis then he would need to buy the bed for the truck.

“I don't have a problem personally with the precinct just going to buy a truck because then I can buy a truck and I can get the bed that I want done,” said Bellmyer. “I can do some things and then figure out how much money I've spent and then I'll go out and borrow the money and take it out on one of my accounts.”

Discussion continued on what options are available for purchasing the truck and a motion was made by Commissioner Bellmyer to table the discussion and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Stevie, and the motion carried.

The commissioners were presented with a racial profiling report for the Constable Precinct 4 office and that turned into a discussion over whether or not all constables in the county should be turning the same report in to the county.

Commissioner Bellmyer started off the discussion with his inquiry, “I have just a question. I know last week we got a racial profiling report from the [Sheriff’s Office] and I know in the past that Constable from precinct four has done, and I know with some history about Tenaha, is that the only constable that's required to do racial profiling reports?”

Judge Harbison remarked that was a good question, and Bellmyer stated he didn't recall that he’s seen others from law enforcement.

District Attorney Karren Price happened to be in the courtroom and Judge Harbison asked for her opinion relating to Bellmyer’s question about racial profiling reports.

“They're all supposed to,” said Price.

Bellmyer further stated, “As a member of the court, I'd like to see a racial profile and report from our other constables within the next 30 days, if that's a request that could be made.”

Price stated her racial profiling report is filed with the Attorney General's office, and it is on file.

“I don't know about that, that’s a county attorney question I’m afraid, but yeah, they’re all supposed to file one,” said Price.

John Price, County Attorney, concurred with DA Price’s statement.

Ruth Gonzales, Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy, followed up with additional information about racial profiling reports.

“I just want to say by state requirements, all departments, law enforcement departments are supposed to file before March 1st, I believe,” said Gonzales. “These guys (constables) only have, they can file exempt, and they can present that to y'all, which that's what I'm aware of that they file exempt and they just say they don't work traffic and that's all they have to do.”

Judge Harbison said they still need to file that exempt report and she and CA Price would reach out to the constables.

Commissioner Bellmyer moved to approve the Constable Precinct 4 racial profiling report, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Roscoe McSwain, and the motion carried.

The commissioners discussed the emergency lighting for the county courthouse that was not included in the original quote for lighting in the courthouse, which was recently replaced.

“This was evidently left off of 4C, but the the lighting in the stairwells is out and I think those are supposed to be replaced every couple of years,” said Judge Harbison. “I didn't realize that they were all totally out until the electricity was out here while back, and it is dark.”

Judge Harbison said there were plans to add new lights to the foyer of the courthouse; however, the new lighting has already improved that area greatly.

According to Judge Harbison, the quote that’s been provided for the emergency lighting is $11,928.

Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, had a question relating to pricing, “This is a question from curiosity, this quote is 52% of the original quote, which was $23,000. The original quote of $23,000 replaced 224 fixtures, which is an average of about $120. This is only 17 fixtures for 52% of that same amount, which is almost a little over $700 a fixture. Do we know why?”

Judge Harbison agreed that she was very surprised by the cost when she received the quote on the previous week. She recommended tabling the item for more information.

A motion by Commissioner McSwain to table the issue was seconded by Commissioner Jimmy Lout, and the motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned.

Agenda items approved during the meeting include:
1. Pay weekly expenses.

2. Closure of CR 4059 for repairs starting Monday Feb 26, 2024.

3. Record Racial Profiling Report for Shelby County Constable. Pct 4.

4. Adjourn

Agenda items tabled during the meeting include:
1. Commissioner Pct 4 to discuss the purchase of a truck, referencing Local Government Code 262.0225, subsection D and Local Government Code 262.0245.

2. Discuss and possibly approve additional and emergency lighting for the County Courthouse that was not included in the original quote.

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