The Dickens County Commission convened in its regular monthly session Monday, March 10, at 9 a.m. and approved digitally submitted reports from the sheriff’s office, the justice of the peace, the county treasurer, and Dickens County 4-H as presented. Judge Kevin Brendle noted that County Extension Agent Amanda Spiva was still away at spring livestock events.
TxDOT staffers were on hand to report on some issues regarding road material. The judge also thanked the TxDOT district employees for recently helping repair a major water line leak in Spur.
Coordinator Matt Hindman: reported that Dickens County would be adapting Garza County EMS procedures; these had been previously approved, and current work represents an update, he said. Hindman noted that he appreciated the use of county equipment in fighting a recent grass fire in the northern part of the county, which was brought under control also with the help of the Texas Forest Service.
Newcountystaffmember; courthouse maintenance.
Judge Brendle then introduced Spur resident Gregory Hardin as the new staff member in charge of custodial and maintenance, replacing Debbie Shaw, who retired last month.
“We’ve grown some since then” when Debbie was hired 30 years ago and focused on courthouse maintenance, Brendle said, noting rising costs of independent contractors to make repairs. Hardin had already handed a number of requests for emergency maintenance and had assisted in installing and removing holiday decorations on the courthouse and other seasonal matters. Hardin began his official duties last Monday.
The judge said that the old DPS/Extension office had now been repurposed as the records room and that bathrooms are now in working order.
County road conditions.
Commissioners reported briefly on road conditions in the precincts, with Chris Horn summing up general comments of all: “They’re in as good condition as they can be; the little moisture we’ve had will enable blading to be done.”
Mike Smith noted “a lot of reports about trees down; the blading doesn’t last long; we sure need some moisture.” Smith also noted the need for new tires on his precinct’s maintainer.
Equipment maintenance.
Purchases were discussed and approved for two new windows for the Caterpillar loader to replace thoseshotout($1,600each).
The consent agenda was approved unanimously.
There was no one present to request public comment.
Annualfinancialaudit.
On the action agenda, the first item was presentation of the 2024 audit report by Bolinger, Sears. The auditors praised the work of treasurer Brandi Abbott and offered a clean, unmodified opinion on financial statements; their letter stated no issues that they are aware of.
Auditors noted that the correctional facility capital assets had been backed out of financial statements so that that item would no longer show up although it had continued on the books ever since revenues ceased coming in. A $6 million net effect has been added back to that position.
Auditors also remarked on the county’s $7.8 million investments in various institutions —“this is a very good situation to be in,” they said.
There were additions of $1.5 million on capital assets: trucks, ambulance (via ARPA), motor grader, CAT small-wheel loader; pickups. Also, numerous equipment items had been added this year, using $225,000 in SB22 funds that came in during 2024.
Judge Brendle praised the county’s fiscal health on account of “a good budget, indicative of good investments, good decisions.”
Courthouse addition repairs.
The cost to undertake interior foundation stabilization of the courthouse addition was awaiting a final estimate, as figures were still being submitted. Commissioners unanimously approved deferral.
Resolution authorizing county attorney to apply for Victim Assistance Coordinator Grant.
County Attorney Aaron Clements explained that this work involves domestic violence and similar matters; Darlene Young was currently assisting in clearing up backlog of cases.
Clements explained that there was sufficient money from the SB22 grant to hire a part-timer to do digitization of old records and similar work; adding similar part-time tasks required for the Sheriff’s Office Crimes advocate could combine to make one full-time position. The combined pool of $49,500 per year would be sufficient to hire a full-time individual, Clements said, with a fully funded position that would have no impact on regular county budget.
His request at present was for authorization to pursue the 2026 grant, for which application would need to be made by March 14, 2025; authorization to create the position would come later. Clements also clarified that this was “a year-to-year decision; once you get a grant, it’s intended for two years but technically authorized annually.” The postion could also assist with other related administrative tasks.
Clements said that the county had required services of an advocate for victims of violent crimes 4 times, not counting felony cases via the sheriff’s office.
Commissioners approved the request unanimously.
Cancellation of HVAC contract.
Following some difficulty and delays with the current contractor, Judge Brendle proposed that the contract be canceled, with in-house staff able to cover needs at present. A motion to cancel the contract carried unanimously.
As a matter of discussion, attorney Clements laid the groundwork for the county’s option to extend an additional property tax exemption to individuals age 65 or over, or disabled; and additionally, another general homestead exemption of $20,000 per year.
“With development that’s going on up north [in the county] and the relatively minor number of homes being put on the tax rolls,” Clements said, “the county is generally in a good position to do ths.” Clements noted that the 528 total homesteads currently on the Dickens County tax rolls, 326 (more than half) would qualified for theses exemptions, which could encourage new home development, especially within the Spur and Dickens municipalities whose utility systems would stand to benefit.
Such a resolution would need to be passed by June 30, Clements said.
Commissioners debated aspects of the idea, with Judge Brendle concluding it was “something to think about, food for thought.”
County Appraisal District budget. The 2025-26
Dickens CAD budget was presented. A motion to approve it carried unanimously.
Rural Ambulance Service.
Judge Brendle noted that many counties have been in discussion about how to deal with “a lack of really good ambulance service.” Dickens County has two new ambulances, but the service is strictly volunteer; some counties with a hospital district can carve out some funding, but Dickens has nothing in this regard.
Brendle said that 236 counties responded to a survey of needs, and legislative action is currently under consideration, cosponsored by Sen. Charles Perry (SB 1377) and Rep. Ken King (HB 3000). A motion to join in support of these bills carried unanimously.
County bridge reports.
Judge Brendle selected local bridges from the TxDOT report for maintenance priority. Comissioners discussed road maintenance questions, and issues with debris haul-off and dumpsters (the judge has been asking for certificate from TCEQ but hasn’t received the document or any response).
Rules of procedure for commissioners court. A documenttothiseffectwas sharedforsignaturebycurrent commissioners.
Court adjourned for lunch at noon.
