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August 27, 2024 - The Shelby County Commissioners were informed of potential tax rates during their August 7, 2024 meeting by the Tax Assessor-Collector.
Debora Riley, Shelby County Tax Assessor-Collector, submitted calculated tax rates for the commissioners to consider. (Click here for - Shelby County 2024 Adopted)
“So it's that time of year we talk about these tax rates. I'm going to start with our 2023 tax year. We had adopted .5965. That was our tax rate for the 2023 year. Now your reports for my collections are going to be as of June 30th, but I'm going to give you the rate of where we're at on collections as of July 31st. I added that in. It's $12,436,432. This includes our current and our delinquent tax to the general fund and the special road and bridge fund. Our collection rate for the 2023 is at 99% if you include all that together,” said Riley.
Riley then gave the property tax rates as follows, “The no new revenue rate, that's a rate which is to impose the same amount of taxes as last year you compare the property taxes in both years,” said Riley. “Your no new revenue rate comes in .663022 and our voter approval rate comes in at .695652.”
Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, elaborated on some of the information Riley presented to the commissioners.
“Court, I'd like to just add a couple of things to what the tax assessor has mentioned. You just heard that the no new revenue rate is about seven cents more than what our current rate is, and the reason behind that is that our certified values this year have the largest decrease from the previous year in the 12 years that I've been looking at this,” said Porterfield. “The largest decrease in certified value in 12 years from one year to the next. So from 2024 certified values to this year's certified values, We had a decrease, I'll just round this off, of $171 million. That's the largest we've ever had from year to year in 12 years. So, obviously, to get the same revenue as last year, that tax rate will have to go up, just to maintain what we did last year.”
Porterfield explained that if the county wants to capture what is allowed by SB 22, 3.5%, then the tax rate will have to go past the number stated of the new revenue rate.
“The tax assessor had some information there for you. We are looking at a number right now that's another cent and a half to two cents more than that no new revenue rate to get up to that three and a half percent that we're allowed, so those are the things that we're pondering at this moment,” said Porterfield.
Judge Harbison stated they are at the maximum right now so there will be no change because of that, “Do I have a motion that we do not take any action because we're at the max on those?” Judge Harbison then asked again for a motion to retain local optional fees and Commissioner Stevie Smith complied. Commissioner Tom Bellmyer seconded the motion and it carried.
The commissioners opened bids from two companies for belly dump trailers and accepted a bid from Performance Truck totaling $197,986.32.
Commissioner Stevie Smith moved to accept the bid, and his motion was seconded by Commissioner Jimmy Lout. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:37am.
Agenda itemsa approved during the meeting include: 1. Weekly expenses. 2. Open and review bids for Belly Dump Trailers to be purchased through ARPA Funds. Possibly award bid if all requirements are met and acceptable bid is received. 3. Retain local optional fees, for the calendar year 2025. 4. Renew the yearly contract in the amount of $4,600 with Computer Information Concepts for the Tax Office. 5. Sheriff’s Department to request bids for four 2024 Ford F-150 trucks to be paid from SB 22 Grant Funds. 6. Adjourn.
Photo Constable Precinct 4.
August 27, 2024 - Texas Department of Public Safety has provided additional details on the August 21, 2024, truck fire.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Trooper Dustin Ramos, at 5:05pm DPS Troopers, Timpson Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), Tenaha VFD, and Constable Precinct 4 Taylor Fanguy were dispatched to a truck fire on U.S. Highway 59 between Timpson and Tenaha.
The truck was a 2020 Freightliner pulling a Great Dane box trailer, both owned by FedEx out of Pennsylvania and driven by Lonnie Flanagan, 65, of Weston Lakes, Texas. Just previous to the fire, the truck was northbound when Flanagan noticed the truck was smoking in the box area and he pulled over, after which, he identified the trailer was catching on fire and Flanagan separated the truck from the trailer.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and emergency crews were working on the roadway to clear the scene until 11:30pm.
No injuries were reported resulting from the incident.
August 21, 2024 - Emergency personnel are on scene at a truck-tractor fire on U.S. Highway 59 between Timpson and Tenaha. Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department firefighters are on scene since around 5pm, along with Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers and Taylor Fanguy, Constable Precinct 4.
The truck appears to have been hauling a FedEx trailer.
According to Constable Taylor Fanguy, US 59 in between Timpson and Tenaha close to County Road 4653 is the location of the fire, and the roadway is shut down for the 18-wheeler trailer on fire.
Texas DPS Troopers are investigating the incident and travelers are advised to use caution through this area.
August 27, 2024 – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and incorporated areas of Shelby County, Texas.
Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.
This is Shelby County’s first complete set of digital FIRMs. These maps serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.
FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.
Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. 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.
Storms impacted areas across Shelby County on July 8. A lot of damage was visible from the Sardis-Campti area to the James Community.
August 25, 2024 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing disaster assistance to those impacted by Hurricane Beryl, and the deadline is October 10, 2024.
FEMA representatives are in Shelby County working with local officials such as Luciana Barr, Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator, to help connect them with residents to get them the assistance they may need due to the impacts of Hurricane Beryl which brought tornadoes to Shelby County on July 8, 2024.
Gabriel Gonzalez, Public Information Officer for FEMA, says the agency is hopeful to have a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Shelby County soon; however, in the interim the closest facility location is in Nacogdoches County.
“The Nacogdoches DRC is 40 minutes away, so if somebody needs to really put in an application that would be the other way if they want to get a one-on-one [meeting],” said Gonzalez.
Emergency crews, and area residents responded to help clear the area of heavy debris across State Highway 7 and other roadways.
Gonzalez says the straight line wind and tornado damage coverage for the tornadoes and flooding that was in Shelby County between April 26 and June 5 was closed on August 15. He explained that if a constituent or survivor had a life event which prevented them from filing for this assistance, such as being in the hospital, or they were in the military and deployed, that person can write a letter and still get in for that assistance.
“For Hurricane Beryl, we’re open until October 10,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez confirms, Shelby County has also been approved for Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA). According to FEMA, DSA primarily focuses on addressing the needs of disaster survivors by collecting targeted information to support leadership and operational decision-making, providing accessible, in-person case-specific information and referrals, providing referrals to whole community partners, as needed, and identifying disability-inclusive public information needs so strategic messaging can be developed and disseminated.
According to information provided by Gonzalez homeowners and renters in Austin, Bowie, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Walker, Waller, and Wharton counties can apply for FEMA assistance for uninsured losses caused by Hurricane Beryl.
You can apply for assistance in one of the following ways:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
- Disaster Recovery Centers operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday, closed Sunday. Any DRC can help with both Hurricane Beryl and the April 26 – June 5 storms and flooding. To find a center location near you, go to fema.gov/drc. The best times to call are early morning or early evening.
FEMA Continues Assistance to Texans
FEMA specialists continue working in the 19 counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl to help people apply for assistance. As of August 19, they have visited more than 109,000 homes and have interacted with over 25,000 residents. FEMA has operated 33 Disaster Recovery Centers visited by more than 32,000 residents. More than 900 families with 18,000 members have stayed in hotels temporarily at FEMA expense because they could not return to their homes.
Timpson Volunteer Fire Department was a main location for emergency personnel to organize as the storm blew through the area on July 8. Commissioner Tom Bellmyer is seen (pictured above) coordinating with fire department and Texas DPS personnel.
Personal Property Assistance
FEMA assistance is limited to basic needs; however, aid may be available for personal property if you are uninsured or underinsured. Personal property includes appliances: clothing, home furnishings, tools required for work and school such as computers, and items required for eligible applicants with disabilities.
Many Forms of Assistance Available
Texans recovering from Hurricane Beryl may need FEMA assistance for basic home repairs, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses. A fact sheet providing details is available here: Many Forms of Assistance Available.
SBA Business Recovery Centers
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofit organizations, and businesses of any size. The SBA disaster loan program is designed to help survivors with their long-term recovery needs. Texans can apply for an SBA disaster loan online at SBA.gov/disaster or get additional information by calling 800-659-2955. SBA representatives are available to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the affected area. As of Aug. 19, SBA has approved $278.9 million in disaster loans for both disasters.
Additional Resources
- Crisis Counseling: Call the Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-985-5990; for Spanish, press "2").
- If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the Office of the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-621-0508. If you have knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report this information to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.
- Disaster Legal Assistance: Call the Texas State Bar Legal Hotline at 800-504-7030 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phones are answered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Apply online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling 800-939-6631 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 9, 2024, and should specify that they are related to Hurricane Beryl.
- For information on replacing documents: see Replacing Lost Documents.
- WIC Benefits: WIC Texas | Texas WIC or call 800-942-3678.
August 23, 2024 - (McCraw Retirement Letter) - This morning, in a letter to his more than 11,000 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers and employees, Director Steven C. McCraw announced that after leading the agency for 15 years, he plans to retire.
“There is no more important responsibility in government than ensuring the safety and security of our citizens,” McCraw wrote in the letter. “You, the men and women of the Texas Department of Public Safety, have upheld this responsibility with unmatched excellence. Serving as the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety has been the greatest honor of my life. I leave knowing that the future of this department is in the best possible hands—yours. Your continued efforts and commitment to excellence have made, and will continue to make, a profound difference in the lives of those around you.”
DPS has made notable changes under McCraw’s leadership, thanks to the tremendous support of Governor Greg Abbott, as well as the Texas Legislature and other state leaders. This includes the transition to a regional command structure – uniting DPS operations throughout the state, increasing pay for commissioned officers and obtaining state-of-the-art equipment to better serve the public and to protect officers. During his tenure, McCraw and DPS leadership also increased department hiring standards and implemented a mandatory fitness program for all commissioned officers.
His focus on recruiting has helped bring in top talent over the years. Under his leadership 3,300 Recruits completed the DPS Training Academy to join the ranks of the Texas Highway Patrol.
McCraw started his law enforcement career with DPS in 1977 as a Trooper in the Texas Highway Patrol and later as a DPS Narcotics Agent. In 1983, he became a Special Agent with the FBI and served in Dallas, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Tucson, San Antonio and Washington, DC.
His promotions included Supervisory Special Agent, Unit Chief of the Colombian/Mexican Organized Crime Unit, Assistant Special Agent in Charge in Tucson, Inspector-In-Charge of the Southeast Bomb Task Force, Inspector – Deputy Assistant Director, Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Office and Assistant Director of the Office of Intelligence for which he was tasked to establish after the attacks on 9/11. McCraw was also responsible for establishing the Foreign Terrorism Tracking Task Force under the Office of the Attorney General.
In 2004, McCraw retired from the FBI to become the Texas Homeland Security Director in the Office of the Governor where he served until his appointment as DPS Director in 2009.
McCraw will continue to serve as Director through the end of the year while the Public Safety Commission selects his replacement. Details on that process will be made available in the coming days.
August 21, 2024 - The Shelby County Commissioners were informed of a contract from a company to digitize voter registration records during there July 31, 2024 meeting.
Nancy Adams, Shelby County Elections Administrator, presented a contract to the commissioners from Vista Solutions to digitize voter registration records at an initial cost of $6,750 for installation, setup, and licensing. This also would have a $2,500 annual fee for subscription and licensing.
“Our records currently are paper records. When we get an application that comes in if somebody walks in and fills out a voter registration application, or we get to one through DPS, we have to fill that card and our card files are so tight we can't get any more in there,” said Adams. “If we forget to print something, which you know mistakes happen, that's not often at all but if we forget to print something then we don't have a record of that.”
Adams explained for the court she has what are called Chapter 19 funds that are provided by the Secretary of State, which are based on how many voters there are every other year. $3,000 Adams said she plans to pay out of the Chapter 19 funds and $3,750 out of her budget for next year.
Commissioner Bellmyer moved to enter into the contract with Vista Solutions, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Stevie Smith. The motion carried.
Josh Tipton, Constable Precinct 5, proposed to the commissioners the purchase of six handheld cellular based Rapid Radio handheld radios for the constables and one deputy constable.
Tipton spoke with the commissioners about testing out the radios to see where they will work. The total cost of the radios is $1,029.
A motion carried with Commissioner Tom Bellmyer moving to purchase the radios and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Roscoe McSwain.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Chad Hooper spoke with the court about new trucks for the Sheriff’s Department.
“So a couple of months ago, I believe we had on the agenda that we were looking for new Tahoes and truck, things of that nature. I believe the courts expressed their concern about why we didn't go to the buyboard and get bids due to the pricing and that you all possibly wanted some input from the sheriff elect. I reached out to Mr. Corbell I've been in conversation with the sheriff and I've got [Mr. Corbell] here today to talk about this.”
Hooper explained Corbell is more interested in Ford vehicles like the constables have been using, as he said there have been problems with Chevy Tahoe transmissions. Chief Hooper said they have had a lot of experience with that issue at the Sheriff’s Department with Tahoes they have.
White Ford F150 pickup trucks were what Chief Hooper said Corbell would be most interested in getting.
“I know we've got some money that we have to get spent out of the Senate bill [22]. We need exact dates on when that's up. Mine and Mr. Corbell’s understanding it's September. End of September, I hope. So we are at this time trying to get that money accounted for what we're gonna do with it where it's gonna go,” said Hooper.
Hooper said that vehicles are obviously going to take a large sum of those funds whether it be three or four vehicles, and they haven't really decided exactly how many they want.
“Of course, we'll get whatever the court will approve for them. We need at least three. We've got vehicles over there within excess of 200,000 miles. So if we keep those, get your checkbook out. Because 200,000 miles and you're using it as a pursuit vehicle, I don't think so, you're going to rebuild it. And we're talking about tie-rod ends, ball joints, U -joints, spring suspension, everything else, if you keep them. And it's not going to be worth doing it unless somebody in the county can use it just as basic transportation, something like that. But what we're talking about, because of white, white is a cooler color. It's high visibility, both in the daytime and night time, and that's just what it needs to be,” said Corbell.
The court continued discussion over the vehicles and emergency medical supplies for patrol units.
No action was taken on vehicles and it was said they would be put on the next agenda.
The commissioners discussed seeking requests for bids on a gas generator for the county courthouse to be purchased with American Rescue Plan Act funds. The generator size being considered was a 125KW gas generator.
A motion by Commissioner Bellmyer to seek bids received a second by Commissioner Roscoe McSwain and it carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:42am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Payroll. 3. Shelby County to sponsor a 2025/2026 Community Development Block Grant application through the Texas Department of Agriculture for Paxton Water Supply Corporation. 4. Purchase of six Walkie Talkies for 5 Constables and one Deputy Constable. 5. Contract with Vista Solutions to digitize voter registration records. 6. Request bids on a gas generator for the County Courthouse to be purchased with ARPA funds. 7. Adjourn at 10:42am.
August 18, 2024 - FM 2026 near CR 4299 was the location of a two-vehicle crash Wednesday, August 14, 2024, involving a passenger car and a pickup truck pulling a trailer.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Josh Gradberg, a 2016 Chrysler passenger car driven by Ginny Cruz-Gomez, 35, of Tenaha was pulling out of a driveway to a residence and was attempting to make a right turn onto FM 2026, as she did she made a wide right tun into oncoming traffic. At that time a Ford F350 driven by Jose Ruiz Acuna, 50, of Center and pulling a gooseneck trailer was headed eastbound. The Chrysler collided with the trailer on the driver’s side causing damage to both vehicles.
No injuries were reported resulting from the crash.
Citations were issued to Cruz-Gomez for drive on wrong side of road no passing zone, and no driver’s license.
The Chrysler was towed from the scene.
Center Fire Department personnel responded and diverted traffic at the scene until it was clear.
August 16, 2024 - (Photos Courtesy WSCVFD) - State Highway 7 West was the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Emergency responders with the West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department (WSCVFD) and Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the scene of the crash just after 7:30pm under a mile east of CR 1211 where they found a vehicle on its top in the roadway.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Josh Gradberg, a blue 2024 Hyundai Elantra driven by Fernando Garza, 31, of Center was eastbound on State Highway 7 west when the vehicle traveled off the road on the eastbound side for 75 to 100 yards before the vehicle flipped upside down.
Garza was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches for medical evaluation.
The crash remains under investigation, pending DWI investigation.
August 16, 2024 - Roy Cheatwood, Constable Precinct 3, reports he notified the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to dispatch the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department at 12:30pm, to 178 FM 2787 in reference to an unoccupied travel trailer which was on fire.
The fire department arrived and extinguished the blaze.
No injuries were reported from the flames.
September 11, 2024 - FEMA will be providing assistance for residents of Shelby County on Thursday, September 12 from 10am - 7pm; and Friday, September 13 from 8am - 5pm, at First Baptist Church Family Life Center, behind main building.
If you have had damage from the storm, Hurricane Beryl, and need help with filing for assistance or learning about all assistance that is available, FEMA will be set up at:
First Baptist Church of Center
117 Cora Street, Center, Texas
August 7, 2024 - Shelby County, as of August 2nd, was added as an eligible county for individuals to apply for FEMA individual assistance if damage occurred to their property in the July 8th, Beryl Storm. To determine your eligibility, you must apply.
If you had damage to your property from the Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding which occurred on April 26, 2024 - June 5, 2024 or from Hurricane Beryl from July 5, 2024 - July 9, 2024, there are three ways to apply.
3 Ways to Apply for Disaster Aid
- Online - Visit disasterassistance.gov online and select “Let’s Get Started.” The process will have you key in your zip code to check eligibility. If you live in Shelby County, the two above named storms will come up giving you the opportunity to fill out the form online.
- Call - 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- FEMA APP - Download the FEMA APP
Luciana Barr, Shelby County Emergency Coordinator, gives advice below for what you will need when applying for assistance. She warns that iSTAT is not the same as FEMA and if you reported your damage previously with iSTAT, you will have to report it again. FEMA has an application deadline for receiving Individual Assistance so don't wait.
What you will need?
- Photos of damage
- If already repaired, receipts
- If insured, a copy of insurance adjuster claim information
Barr also adds FEMA can help determine your eligibility by seeing damages you don’t see. As part of the process, FEMA teams will be doing door to door assessments. They will have on a uniform with the FEMA logo and an official badge.
Related Article: Gov. Abbott Approves Assistance for Shelby County Plus Four Additional Counties Following Hurricane Beryl
El condado de Shelby, a partir del 2 de agosto, fue agregado como condado elegible para que las personas soliciten asistencia individual de FEMA si ocurrieron daños a su propiedad durante la tormenta Beryl del 8 de julio. Para determinar su elegibilidad, debe presentar una solicitud.
Si sufrió daños en su propiedad a causa de las tormentas severas, vientos en línea recta, tornados e inundaciones que ocurrieron del 26 de abril de 2024 al 5 de junio de 2024 o del huracán Beryl del 5 de julio de 2024 al 9 de julio de 2024, existen tres formas de aplicar.
Tres formas de solicitar ayuda por desastre
- Internet: visite disasterassistance.gov/es en línea y seleccione “Empecemos.” El proceso le pedirá que ingrese su código postal para verificar la elegibilidad. Si vive en el condado de Shelby, aparecerán las dos tormentas mencionadas anteriormente y le darán la oportunidad de completar el formulario en línea.
- Llame al 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- APLICACIÓN FEMA - Descargue la APLICACIÓN FEMA
Luciana Barr, coordinadora de emergencias del condado de Shelby, brinda consejos a continuación sobre lo que necesitará al solicitar asistencia. Ella advierte que iSTAT no es lo mismo que FEMA y si reportó sus daños anteriormente a iSTAT, tendrá que reportarlo nuevamente. FEMA tiene una fecha límite para presentar solicitudes para recibir Asistencia Individual, así que no espere.
¿Que necesitarás?
- Fotos de daños
- Si ya fue reparado, recibos.
- Si está asegurado, una copia de la información del reclamo del ajustador de seguros.
Barr también agrega que FEMA puede ayudar a determinar su elegibilidad al ver daños que usted no ve. Como parte del proceso, los equipos de FEMA realizarán evaluaciones puerta a puerta. Llevarán uniformes con el logo de FEMA y una insignia oficial.
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