Shelby County Today

April 9, 2025 - The Shelby County Commissioners recognized a proclamation declaring Texas Soil and Water Stewardship week for the week of April 27 – May 4, 2025, and approved the purchase of two trucks through Center Motor Company during their meeting held April 9, 2025.

The commissioners considered the purchase of two new vehicles for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department of in substitution of two vehicles previously approved for purchase by the Commissioners’ Court on September 4, 2024 from San Augustine Motor Company.

According to the county, San Augustine Motor Company was unable to deliver the vehicles, and said vehicles are now to be purchased from Center Motor Company in Center under the provisions of Section 262.024 of the Texas Local Government Code necessary to preserve and protect the public health and safety of the residents of Shelby County, Texas.

“I sent them a letter two weeks ago giving them until Friday to deliver those last two, and they were unable to deliver them,” said County Judge Allison Harbison

Judge Harbison shared that John Price, County Attorney, said the action was the direction to go on that subject and Price agreed, stating that the commissioners had already previously taken action issue and termination on the existing agreement with San Augustine Motor Company.

“I understand from the Sheriff two have been delivered, but the other two will not be able to be delivered,” said Price. “It has been since September of last year (2024) or so. I’m just recommending for the commission’s consideration that approval of these two new vehicles being from Center Motor Company under the provisions of Local Government Code 262.024, which gives you discretionary authority to make that decision.”

Commissioner Roscoe McSwain moved to get out of the contract with San Augustine Motor Company and move forward with Center Motor Company. the motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom Bellmyer and it carried.

Judge Harbison presented a proclamation declaring Texas Soil and Water Stewardship week for the week of April 27 – May 4, 2025.

Judge Harbison read aloud for the commissioners the following information: Since 1955, the Soil and Water Stewardship, has been an important initiative aimed at educating the public and engaging communities in conservation efforts. With over 100,000 people participating individually, this program has become one of the largest natural resource awareness events in the country. The 2025 theme, ‘Home is Where The Habitat Is,’ highlights the crucial role of both natural and managed habitats in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health, protecting and restoring these habitats is key to long-term health of our soil, water, and wildlife, ultimately benefiting our communities and our environments. 

Commissioner Stevie Smith moved to adopt the proclamation and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Bellmyer. The motion carried.

The Commissioners approved the racial profiling report of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and were presented with full exemption paperwork from the Constable offices of Precinct 1 and 2, because they do not work traffic, and the commissioners subsequently approved those exemptions.

During the Commissioners’ Court reports portion of the meeting Commissioner Bellmyer commented the bridge project on CR 4778 was completed on Tuesday, April 9 at 12-noon and the project went very well.

Commissioner McSwain stated Precinct 1 and Precinct 2 crews have moved the pug mill in and serviced and cleaned the old one and are in the process of seeing how they’re going to sell it.

During the meeting Judge Harbison announced to everyone that it was John Price’s birthday and she expressed how much she and the commissioners appreciate him.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:48am.

Officers reports for the month of March as presented by Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer:
Fees for the month of March 2025
Officers reports for the month of January 2024 as presented by Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer:
Debora Riley, Tax Assessor Collector - Property: $487,727.76; Motor Vehicle: $137,072.46; Total: $624,800.23
Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk - $42,794.40
Lori Oliver, District Clerk - $9,817.82
Donna Hughes, JP1 - $32,830.40
Marla Denby, JP2 - $836.20
Melba Rodgers, JP3 - $4,816.20
Dee Dee Green, JP4 - $3,823.20
Tracy Broadway, JP5 - $8,002.50
Zack Warr, Constable 1 - $1,170
James, Hagler, Constable 2 - $180
Taylor Fanguy, Constable 4 - $90
Sheriff’s Fees - $2,985.20

Total interest earned on investments for January - March 2025 (first quarter) $205,490.43

April 7, 2025 – Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review in Shelby County, Texas. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community residents can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around March 19, 2025. 

Appeals and comments may be submitted through June 17, 2025, for:

• The cities of Center, Huxley, Joaquin, Tenaha and Timpson and the unincorporated areas of Shelby County

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map to be technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal
• The Base Level Engineering-to-FIRM Viewer at https://webapps.usgs.gov/fema/ble_firm

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

April 5, 2025 - Tornado Watch 122 is in effect until 7pm CDT April 5, 2025 for the following locations.

Texas counties included are: Angelina, Nacogdoches, Panola, Sabine, San Augustine and Shelby.

April 4, 2025 - The National Weather Service has extended Tornado Watch 113 to include the following areas until 9pm CDT this evening.

In Louisiana this watch includes 1 parish, in northwest Louisiana: De Soto

In Texas this watch includes 7 counties:

In Northeast Texas: Angelina, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, San Augustine, and Shelby.

This includes the cities of Carthage, Center, Henderson, Jacksonville, Logansport, Lufkin, Mansfield, Nacogdoches, Rusk, San Augustine, and Stonewall.