Commissioners Court - Regular Meeting

Well, good morning, everyone. I'd like to welcome you all to our Tuesday, September the 22nd, 2026 meeting of the Denton County Commissioner's Court. We're glad to have you all in attendance. Before Commissioner Mitchell leads us in our invocation, I would like for us to observe a moment of silence. This morning I'd like to recognize the service of Dan Trammell, a former Denton County judge elected at age 29 to serve from 1975 to 1978. Judge Trammell served here in a period that resulted in the expansion of the Flo Memorial Hospital and the construction of the Joseph A. Carroll Courts Building. He served as an assistant district attorney in 1972 in Denton County where he practiced law for more than 30 years, and Judge Tramble passed away on September the 16th after an illness, and I'd like for us to remember his wife, Donna, and their family in our prayers as a Denton County family. We'll have a moment of silence, and then Commissioner Mitchell will lead us in an invocation. All right, if you'll please stand.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourself. Not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others. I honor Judge Trumbull this morning. Lord, as we begin this meeting, may we be mindful of our duty to serve others. Lord, we're grateful for the trust placed in us by our communities. We're gathered here today for gratitude for the opportunity to serve you. Thank you, Lord, for last night's lying down and earlier this morning arising. Lord, we thank you for looking beyond all of our faults and seeing our needs. We give you glory and honor and praises this morning. You're worthy to be praised, Lord. We lift you up and magnify your name, Lord. Thank you for our first responders, Lord. Every employee here at Denton County, every citizen in Denton County, every citizen in this nation, Lord Jesus, build us up where we're torn down, Lord. Strengthen us where we're weak, Lord. Lord, we're going through perilous times, Lord, but we're not worried, Lord, because our hope is in Jesus Christ, Lord. I pray for wisdom for this Commissioner's Court, Lord. every leader, Lord. Please, as we address the challenges and the opportunities, Lord, guide our decisions, Lord. Lord, let us do what's right in your eyesight, Lord. Give us your will, Lord, not our will. Let your will be done, Lord. Help us, Lord, to seek the common good, to listen with understanding. to lead with courage and humility, Lord. Lord, I pray for clarity of thought and steadiness of purpose. Give us courage to do what is right even when the choices are difficult, Lord. You know what we need and how we need it, Lord. Help us to see beyond today's challenges, Lord, and look to the long-term challenges future, Lord Jesus, in your name, Lord. Lord, we thank you for being a good God. Thank you for loving us, for saving us. Please continue to bless this county, Lord Jesus. Bless this nation, Lord. Let our discussion, Lord, take place today that strengthen our communities, Lord, rather than divide our communities, Lord. We ask if we be on one accord, Lord, according to your will, Lord. Not my will, let your will be done, Lord. Lord, when we get tired, Lord, we ask that you restore our strength, Lord. Teach us to cherish each person's, Lord, opinion, Lord, knowing that diverse opinions build a stronger county, Lord, build a stronger nation, Lord, in the name of Jesus, Lord. We thank you for all you do, Lord. Thank you for being good, loving, and kind, Lord, for looking beyond our faults and our needs, Lord. Thank you for this commissioner's court, Lord. We ask if you bless each and every person in this room, Lord. Bless their families, Lord. Lead and guide them, Lord. Let them do your will, Lord. Let our conversation be with goodness worthy of your hearing, Lord. Strengthen us, Lord, for the work that you have called us to do. Lord, when we see mountains beyond our ability, remind us, Lord, that mighty mountains will become as level ground. Remind us, Lord, that your prophet Zechariah said, not by might, not by power, but my spirit, saith the Lord. So we don't have to worry about those mountains, Lord. We just pray to the one that made the mountains, Lord. You, God, is who made those mountains, Lord, as you made us, Lord. We give you the glory, Lord. We give you the honor, Lord. We give you the praises, Lord. Remind us, Lord, about small beginnings, Lord. Remind us, Lord Jesus, that you can part any sea, Lord Jesus. Remind us, Lord, that you can do anything but fail, Lord Jesus, as we gather here today, Lord. We ask that we act with humility, compassion, Lord, remembering that leadership is a sacred trust. Let this meeting be productive, Lord Jesus, respectful and fruitful, Lord, reflecting the values that make Denton County a great place to live, work, and play. Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to pray before your people in the name of Jesus. Lord, I pray for the Trammell family, Lord. Lift them up, Lord. Build them up where they're torn down right now, Lord. Strengthen them where they're weak. All those, Lord, that are bereaved, Lord, in the name of Jesus. Thank you, Lord. Amen. Amen.

All right. And then our pledges will be led by our Eagle Scout, Corbin Allred. He'll lead us in both pledges.

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 Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

Thank you, Corbin. Thank you, Commissioner, and thank you, Corbin, for that as well. We have no one registered to speak under Item 1, and so we'll go ahead and proceed over to Item 3A. And, Corbin, if you'll come down, please, sir. We're excited to have you with us today. You look awful sharp in your uniform. Item 3A is approval of a proclamation recognizing Corbin Montgomery Allred for his achievement of Eagle Scout in any appropriate action. Well, we're very proud of you and glad that you're here. And I said, have you been to the building before, to the courthouse? And he had been up here for one of his merit badge sessions. And so I'm glad to have you back. So this is a court proclamation recognizing Corbin Montgomery Allred for his achievement of Eagle Scout. It reads, the mission of Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the scout oath and scout law. And scouts achieve their ranking by fulfilling the requirements in areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Whereas Corbin has been actively involved in scouting, for 12 years, beginning as a Cub Scout and continuing through to his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 60 from the Frontier Trails District of the Longhorn Council on July 30, 2026. And as for Corbin's Eagle Scout project, he partnered with Ray Roberts Lake State Park the Aldebois unit and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to enhance the park's public activity trail by designing and installing three new interactive educational activities along with informational signage for those activities and six additional activities that the park was already developing. Whereas in addition to earning the Eagle, Corbin is proud to have achieved the Triple Crown of National High Adventure I participated in high adventure programs at Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, and the Northern Tier National High Adventure Base. And whereas the scout law has 12 points, each a goal for every scout. A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. And Corbin has not only exemplified each of these points, but has also demonstrated great leadership, discipline, and service to others. And now, therefore, it be resolved that Denton County Commissioner's Court does hereby recognize and congratulate Corbin Montgomery Allred for earning the high honor of Eagle Scout and thank him for his service to our community. We extend our best wishes for his continued success in all his future endeavors. Done in open court, that's the 22nd day of September 2026 upon a motion by the chair We have a second by Commissioner Falconer. Well, Corbin, I'm very proud of you. And it's a lot to have accomplished all that you already have at your young age. And I appreciate your willingness to serve our community and our county with your Eagle project. It sounds like that is something that will be there and serve as a. a wonderful amenity to the state park out there. So thank you for doing that and making that public improvement for the public's accessibility. Tell me, what was your favorite thing about Boy Scouts?

Well, uh, I quickly realized when I was in boy Scouts, how much I put the microphone over there to just a little bit to you.

There you go.

Uh, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed being outdoors, um, being able to experience what the United States has to offer for our state parks, national parks. Um, and it quickly realized that I wanted to build a career out of it. So getting to experience that has been a true blessing for me.

That's great, that's great. Members, do y'all have any comments you'd like to add?

Thank you, thank you.

Commissioner Mitchell.

I just want to congratulate you, Corbin, and as I was looking at the 12 points, I would like for all of us leaders, especially us elected officials, to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, Friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Can you imagine that if all of us practiced those 12 points? What a wonderful world this would be if we all did that. I want to thank you for your service, and I will congratulate you on being an Eagle Scout.

Thank you so much.

Thank you. I put it heavy on y'all, didn't I?

I like it.

Well, congratulations, and I want to congratulate your parents as well. I firmly believe no eagle does it all on their own if it wasn't for an act of involved parents, maybe inspiring them to be in scouts and continuing on as scouts when they may not want to continue. There's times when the people scouts aren't as interested in it. It kind of speaks in valleys, but I want to thank you all for for being involved as well. So do you have any other comments that you'd like to tell us about any future plans you have?

I don't believe so. Thank you.

All right. Very good. Very good. All right. We have a motion and a second. All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Let's give him a big hand.

Taking a circle.

All right. Next, let's go to item 3B. We have lots of guests with us today, and I appreciate them being here. 3B is approval of a proclamation recognizing September the 20th through the 26th. 2026 is National Cert Week, and any appropriate action? Good morning. Good morning.

Good morning. Judge, commissioners, I just want to thank you in helping us recognize our CERT volunteers. While we would like to give them recognition all year, we're very thankful that FEMA has this week together so we can bring them back to the court. While they're no stranger to the court, they've been very valuable to our community. I mean, the most recognizable one would be during COVID, during our mass vaccination hub. You know, that's the largest one in the United States, and we couldn't have done that without their assistance. But I really do appreciate you all in the court not only supporting us constantly but backing it up with the budget to help get the items we need to keep them keep the program running. And then also for Jody actually setting up the CERT program back when he ran the department. So I'm gonna pass it over to Lauren, but I do want to express my gratitude for CERT. We can't do our jobs without them. They help us increase our span of control whenever and actually scale up in disasters. So when we had the Sanger tornado, Back in 2024, water main breaks, we hand out water for water distribution sites. And then they're the backbone whenever we have our exercises and that extra care and touch to the community. They're there greeting every person. So they're the true epitome of neighbors helping neighbors and spreading that message of preparedness in everything they do. But I do want to hand it over to Lauren to speak. She is their fierce leader. She's done a great job stepping up on Brenda's behalf. I know Brenda will be very proud of Lauren and her leadership. We've had many people step up too in Brenda's passing. We couldn't be more grateful for Robert. He really has gone above and beyond to make this mission. you know, to, to help us out in the community. So we're, we're very thankful and we have our heavy hitters here too. You know, we have, you know, Brett, uh, he's constantly helping us out, getting recognition to helping out, not just Denton County, but, um, all of the north central Texas cog region and helping out with exercise and moulage. So, but I won't speak too much. I'll hand the floor to Lauren and if you're going to say anything. Hello judge and commissioners.

I'll just echo what Sam said. So, um, I am so incredibly proud of everyone standing behind me. And there are so many more that are not here today. As you know, and Sam mentioned, Brenda led this program for 20 years and she did pass away in January. And I cannot tell you, the people behind me are really the reason this program continues to be what it is. They truly are what it means for neighbors to be helping neighbors, for first responders. They are the first responders before first responders arrive. The people behind me are the force multipliers for our department and for the county. They are at every public education event. every active shooter drill for the fire department and the police departments. They're at every rehab call and we just would not be able to do what we do without them. I do want to say in the spring we did hold our largest basic CERT training with 52 people. We have another one coming up in the fall and we had 71 but now we're having additional organizations reach out to us to add 10 more. It's going to be our largest class on record, and we're so excited about that. We want to make sure that we continue to retain our volunteers, but most importantly, just train Denton County to be the most prepared county in Texas. And again, that can't happen without these individuals behind me. So I'm so thankful for all of them, and we're so thankful for your support. So thank you.

Absolutely. I want to publicly thank Robert for sharing Brenda with us all those years. So as a full-time volunteer and then as a member of the family. So it's good to have you back with us today. So I'll read this proclamation here. We'll have some additional comments. This is a court proclamation recognizing September the 20th through the 26th as National Cert Week. Whereas community emergency response teams, CERT volunteers play a vital role in strengthening community preparedness and resilience by receiving specialized training to assist their families, neighbors, communities, and professional responders before, during, and after emergencies and disasters. Whereas the National CERT Week observed September the 20th through the 26th, 2026, during National Preparedness Month, recognizes the dedication, in service of CERT volunteers across the nation and celebrates this year's theme, Carry the Torch 40 Years and Beyond, honoring four decades of community preparedness while encouraging continued volunteer service and resilience for generations to come. And whereas the Denton County Community Emergency Response Team is in partnership with the Denton County Office of Emergency Management and public safety agencies throughout the county provides trained volunteers who freely contribute their time, knowledge, and skills to help prepare residents for emergencies and support the county during exercises, community events, and emergency and disaster operations. And resident county CERT volunteers exemplify the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors and serve as force multipliers for professional responders and emergency management personnel, strengthening community resilience and helping ensure critical resources can be focused where they are most needed. Whereas the dedication and professionalism of the Denton County CERT volunteers have been recognized regionally, including through the 2026 North Central Texas Council of Government's Emergency Preparedness Planning Council Regional Excellence Awards. And whereas the continued commitment of Denton County CERT volunteers strengthen the county's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies, and supports Denton County's mission to be the most prepared county in the state of Texas. I wonder where I've heard that. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Denton County Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes September 20-26, 2026, as National Community Emergency Response Team CERT Week in Denton County and expresses its sincere appreciation to the members of the Denton County Community Emergency Response Team for their dedication, volunteer service, and commitment to protecting and strengthening the communities within Denton County. The Denton County Commission's Court further recognizes and encourages all residents to recognize the contributions of CERT volunteers and to take an active role in preparing themselves, their families, their neighborhoods, and their communities for emergencies and disasters. Done in open court this 22nd day of September, 2026, upon a motion by the chair. Second. Second by Commissioner Mitchell. Well, I would just like to add to the comments today that we have a wonderful staff and team here. Absolutely. in our emergency management department. But we couldn't do what we do. We do a great job of planning and training and executing. But we really couldn't have the mission of what we do that we really are called to fulfill if it wasn't for our volunteers. And so I just want to thank you all. And these are people who, as any good volunteer, they report to duty when needed. And many times that is not within business hours. Sometimes it's late at night. And they might have their own issues at their own property or their house that they're dealing with, but they choose to, with high wind and tree limbs down and all the different variety of things that can happen. So lots of different ways emergency management is mobilized. And I would tell you that they come out at whatever the time, day or night, or whatever the weather is, to help their fellow citizens and fellow friends and neighbors. Tell the goodness of your heart. There's a lot to be said for people doing something out of the goodness of their heart. So I just want to thank you. I know that I sleep better knowing that we have a dynamic, well-trained, well-executed team of CERT volunteers. I just want to thank you all for being here. Jody, would you like to add any comments since you were instrumental in this all those many years ago?

Thank you, Judge, for the opportunity. And thank you, Sam and Lauren, for bringing this resolution. It really gives an attribute to the program and the longevity of the program. There's a lot of programs that this county starts, but this one is one that has a lot of longevity to it. And a lot of the same people that started back in 2005, 2006, when we took this, a little history of CERT was started in the city of Highland Village. And the city of Highland Village had the first CERT program in the county. probably one of the few first in the state. And, uh, we were, we, we, I had a broker to meeting with the city of Highland village and we came together and said, Hey, we want to take what you've started and replicate it. And they said, Hey, why don't you take the one we've got and make it County wide? Because we have so many great volunteers and we have so little for them to do in the smaller town of Highland village and they want to be bigger. So that's how, that's a little history of the, of the cert program and how the County took it over. And again, thank you for the opportunity.

You bet. Absolutely.

Members, do you have anything to add?

I just want to thank you all. I want to remember, and Brenda, thanking her for leading this group, and Lauren stepping in, Sam, everybody that has stepped in. You know, this county and no county could run without its volunteers. We can't hire enough people to do the job that needs to be done in the counties. And so you volunteers are very valuable. people, employees, I call you employees, because you step up and you make Denton County better. And I want to thank you for all that you do. When everybody's running away from disasters, you are stepping in. And I thank you for stepping in for Denton County. Keep up the good work, and believe it when they say it, this is the best CERT team best disaster team in the world because that's what i think so it's got to be true of course let's say the lord so thank you again appreciate all you do and you know let us know where we can help out because sometimes you may need a little help we thank you congratulations right yes sir thank you um well if you want to help out why don't you go ahead and join there miss mitchell

they'd be happy to have you on, on standby anytime they can do it.

I can do all things.

Well, I can tell you, I can do some of those things, but, uh, um, yeah, those early morning, uh, two, three in the morning, morning when they're, when you're needed, it's not an easy wake up call. So, uh, I do have to say that we do have an amazing, uh, emergency management team, obviously, you know, we're called to all over the state to do things. So that's a, that's a huge, uh, feather in the cap of Denton County. And it's because yourself and your leadership and what's done, but that's also why you have a big following with the CERT team as well. They want to be involved and want to be included in an operation that's handled and appropriately run. Nobody would want to be involved in a halfway decent, halfway run organization because it doesn't bring a point of bright light, and you guys do the opposite of that. You do a fabulous job. That's why you're recognized. That's why everybody calls on Denton County, and I really appreciate it. you know, the disasters that happened in Sanger was was the area I'm responsible for. And I got nothing but a lot of very positive feedback from the way Denton County handled things. So thank you so much, guys.

I echo all those comments. You know, I always say the emergency response folks are, I'm always impressed with the fact that you're working when others aren't even paying attention, right, as far as preparing for things that we don't like to think about, but that are realities. And if we didn't have that foresight and the planning that you all do, we'd be in a world of hurt when those things happen. And so that's not, we just in this culture today are very much about what's happening today and every day and not thinking about future and not thinking about events that we don't like to think about. But you guys are doing exactly that. So thank you.

Commissioner Evanson, did you want to, did you have anything to add or are you okay?

I'm okay, but I think it's wonderful what they do and I applaud them.

Perfect. Good. Thank you. Yes, I want to, Sam, I want to thank you for your leadership. Mark, thank you for your leadership as well. Lauren, you're doing great with the program. I know it was in good hands. And so you're taking it just to new heights. And that's exactly what we're called to do when we do that. I'll tell you, when we went through COVID, Jody had this conversation many times about, you know, that you have to plan for in the event that, the principals that are involved in leading an emergency response effort, if they have their own impacts and their own life that they're having to respond to. And so it was very good to know that we had, in the event that something was to happen, some of the principals that were involved in executing our emergency response efforts then, that we had a wonderful team of volunteers that could also step in and help. So that is part of your contingency planning, is that when your principals are involved, impacted personally and not just professionally. So I want to thank you all. So we have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you all.

Excellent.

She withdrew her volunteer application. She withdrew her application.

All right. Next, let's do item 3C, which is approval of a resolution recognizing Garish Brothers Motor Company as a Denton County heritage business. All right. This is from our Office of History and Culture.

Good morning. Good morning. We've got some wonderful guests with us today. Absolutely. To recognize Garish Brothers Motor Company. This is part of our heritage business program for Denton County, where we recognize businesses that were established in Denton County that had been in operation for 50 years or longer. And I think they have a big anniversary this year, right? Yes. Yes, so I'll let them tell you a little bit about their business.

All right. Good morning, Mayor. Good morning. Great to see you all. You know, we started January 3rd, 1966 and beautiful downtown Roanoke and I was born a month later, so that means that our business is 60, I'm 60, my dad's 90, so we try to get even years on that. Nice. He always liked to tell the story that when he opened in January 3rd, 1966, they had coffee and donuts set up and not a single person showed up on that day, but the next day the bays were full. All right.

And have stayed that way.

Very much so. And it's all due to our customers. We've had wonderful customers over the year, and I remember... ron's uh william's dad ryan's dad and when ryan was not so tall uh coming in and having their cars repaired and um over the years we served so many customers throughout denton county not just in rono but trophy club and surrounding areas and it's been a true blessing to be able to be a part of our community and serve in every way possible well that is great well i am proud to

call myself a Garrison Brothers customer as well.

I can make an introduction real quick. Yes, please do. This is my dad, Carl. Our older brother, Gary, and my younger brother, Keith. Obviously, we're now taking over the range and doing the business.

We're Number one, thank you for doing, start off with a thank you. Thank you for doing business in the county. And thank you for doing such a good job in the county and being able to repair people's vehicles. And that helps, you know, with their connectivity and having reliable transportation, as we know, is so important to individuals. And I'm glad to have a good, honest mechanic in the county. And I definitely put y'all in that category. So, This is a resolution recognized in Denton County Heritage Business and the Denton County Commissioner's Court, Denton County, Texas, during a regular session on the 22nd day of September 2026, considered the following resolution. It was the Office of History and Culture wishes to recognize businesses that have been in operation for over 50 years with the title of a Denton County Heritage Business. And whereas January the 3rd, 1966, Brothers Carl and Dorman Garrish established Garris Brothers Motor Company Limited in Roanoke, Texas, operating a three-bay metal shop with the help of their older brother, Edmund. Whereas in 1973, the Garris family expanded by opening Roanoke Auto Supply, bringing an auto parts operation alongside the repair business, which helped establish the shop as a reliable, locally-owned cornerstone for Roanoke motorists. Two years later, Dorman sold his interest to Carl and was under Carl's leadership, The business continued to grow while maintaining its identity as a family-run operation serving the community. In 2000, he formed a partnership with his three sons, continuing the family legacy. And whereas over the decades, Garish Brothers Motor Company has become one of the oldest continually operating businesses in Roanoke, serving generations of families from the city and surrounding communities, celebrating 60 years in operation in 2026. And now, therefore, it be resolved that the Denton County Commissioner's Court does hereby recognize Garish Brothers Motor Company Limited as a Denton County heritage business for its continued dedication and service to Denton County. Done in open court, this is the 22nd day of September, 2026, upon a motion made by... Move to approve. I'll move. Motion by Commissioner Edmondson, seconded by the Chair, Any other discussion?

Go ahead, folks.

You guys go first. Diane, would you like to speak first? It's in your precinct.

Well, I have to tell you, when I first met Mayor Gershage, I was going through the Leadership Metroport class and we were touring all the communities that were in this area. And I thought, well, that'd be good because I was running for commissioner. And I have never had such a delightful time in my life to listen to him tell all the stories and the inside baseball jokes, et cetera. So Scooter, you've done a great job. It's always been fun to work with you. And thank you so much for being a good, honest mechanic. I know a lot of people who don't believe there is such a thing, but your family proves that it is. Thank you so much and congratulations.

Very good. Ryan, did you want to?

Sure. Obviously, the families go way back. My family moved to Trophy Club in 1977. And obviously you guys were up and up and running and a small business and there was nothing in Roanoke to speak of. And we spent a lot of time, Dairy Queen was about it and obviously yourselves. And so I know we utilize your services quite a bit over the years and even then when we had our businesses there as well. um, which we moved there in 85. So not near as long as you guys, but, uh, been there a while. And, and, uh, at the end of the day, you know, it, it, your name is obviously pivotal in the city of Roanoke. You guys have been there forever. I remember in elementary school, it was called the rocks Brock building was a school. We went to that, the elementary school and across the street is where your, your family's organization is. And, As that place developed, you guys developed. You got bigger and then I went back there in middle school for fifth grade and it was still a rock. Now it's been torn down and something totally different and same thing with you guys. You guys have continued to increase your footprint there and you've got a nice operation and It just shows how long you've been in town and obviously being an honest organization. That's why you've survived as long as you have. And so congratulations, Mr. Garish. You know, that's an amazing feat. And to be in business as long as you guys have, it's really neat to be able to start something and pass it on to your kids. And so congratulations. And this is a wonderful example of a phenomenal family that has put a lot of effort and energy into the community. And this is one of the best ways we can say thank you is this, and obviously visiting your store and letting you guys take care of our vehicles or any of our automotive needs. So thank you guys. Congratulations.

Well, I just echo those. Wow, what a wonderful legacy. That is just absolutely incredible. I love the fact that you did it all by 30s like that too. That's very organized. But it is just incredible to see it just doesn't happen that much anymore to have family legacies like that, and it's continuing. And it's just, I know also the whole thing about the trust with a mechanic. That is such an important feature, and you all have embraced that, and that's why you've been successful, and congratulations.

I just want to add to those congratulations to Gersh. Thank you. Mayor and everyone. Thank you for being here. You know, my car stopped on me on Saturday. I, I drove it to the bank. I came back, I got out, I went in the house and I came back and it wouldn't steal it. Uh, the first thing I thought, well, Fred, why aren't you here? Because I didn't have to worry about that. It's so important that we have somebody that's going to take good care of you. I was ready to go back to the dealership because I couldn't think of anyone that was going to take care of my car right then. I called my son. He worked on it. And finally, I called Ray Bowen in Louisville, in Flower Mound. Well, it's in Louisville. to help me. I didn't think about calling Roanoke. I couldn't have gotten it to Roanoke anyway. But I just want to thank you and just want to tell you it's nice to be able to trust someone to take care of your car. I don't let everyone take care of my car. So I appreciate the fact that you've done business in Denton County for 60 years. That says something. Not many people are able to stay that long in business. and provide quality service, because if you don't provide quality service, you're not going to last. So we know that you're doing something right, and we appreciate everything that you do. Congratulations.

Perfect. Very good. All right. Do you have anything else to add? All right. We have a motion and a second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you all so much, and congratulations.

so you can use it in your business. I don't know if you want to use your photo or...

Thank you.

One, two, and three. One more time. One, two, and three.

Please.

I could talk all day about this, but I'm not going to. I'm holding this because my blood sugar is a little bit high. Well, it's gone down now, so maybe it won't beep. You know, I'm going to skip a whole lot of it, but the way I look at my customers is, without them, I would have nothing. And we tried to make them all feel like family. And I think they all kind of felt the same way about us. And I always tried to treat the other fellow better than I would like to be treated. And in doing that, if you do good work, take good care of everybody, do it honest, There's two or three things happen. Number one is you kind of, you know, you grow a love for your customers and your family. And you don't have to spend a lot of money on advertisement. They do it for you. I've spent very, very little on advertisement. It's all word of mouth. If anybody's got anything bad to say about me, I wish they'd tell me where I could get it corrected. Anyway, that's the way I treated all my customers. And when I went home at night, I could lay in bed. I didn't have that knot in my stomach right here that kills a lot of people that they think is indigestion. That's nerves. If you mistreat somebody, if you cheat somebody, if you're ugly to somebody, One thing about it you've got to remember, everybody that faces you when they come in with their vehicle is not only their vehicle, but they've also got other storms in their life that they're challenging. So not everybody has got a smile on their face when they come, but your fellow man is like a reflector. You kind of get from them what you give to them. It reflects back to you. And so I tried to run my business that way. And I never have that knot in my chest. The only thing I did do is every night when I'd go home, I'd pick every job that I did that day. I'd go over every bolt, nut and screw in my head to make sure that I had everything tight and in good shape. And if I had any doubt, I'd call a customer the next morning and go check it, which I didn't do that very much. If you wonder why my head is bowed, you know, when I first started in business, I wasn't this humble. But you know, when you're a mechanic back in our day, you was either bending over a hood looking at something, or you was under a car on a creeper holding your head up trying to do your work. So I guess God kind of molded me that way. But anyway, then as time come on, I became a little more humble, a little more humble, a little more humble. And, of course, it kind of fits me now, I guess. It seems like I'm bowing all the time, which there's nothing wrong with that. But there's two or three things you can leave out of your life, and you'll have a lot better life. And that's, some people may not like what I say, alcohol, tobacco, liquor and dishonesty. And if you'll leave all that out of your life and treat everybody like you would like to be treated or better, you'll never have that feeling in here and it'll give you about 20 more years of life. I could almost tell by some of my customers when they come in which ones would live the longest. You know, the ones that come in, every now and then they come in with a bad deal, you know, and they do have a frown on their face. Everyone that comes in, every time they come in, they look like they're mad at the world. They're living in misery. And life's too short to live in misery, even though it lasts a long time sometimes. But I feel like I've bought myself a few extra years by doing that, so I just thought I'd kind of let everybody know kind of how I operate and how I operated and how I did my business. So thank you very much. Thank all of my customers. I love them all. I love people that aren't my customers. I love everybody, I just don't like some of them's ways. So let's leave it at that. We thank you so much for this award.

Yes, wonderful words of wisdom. Absolutely.

All right.

I'm going to go through our public hearings. First of all, let's go to item 4A, which is a public hearing to discuss the one, the approval. of the Denton County Clerk's Records Archive Plan and two, approval of the fund plan for the continued collection of the $10 preservation and restoration fee by the county clerk in any appropriate action. Do we have a motion to open a public hearing?

Move to open.

We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. We are in a public hearing. All right. Good morning, Mrs. Luke. Good to see you. Julie, what's going on?

Good morning. That's a hard act to follow. I teared up a little bit.

I did too.

Yeah. As you know, the local government code requires us to preserve the county records, those historical records, and this hearing is to continue to collect the $10 fee in order to fund that project. If you look in the backup material, our primary focus this year is going to be my records, the real property records, Years past, we've looked at departments around us and handled their preservation efforts, but this year we're refocusing on the county clerk's office. Okay, looks good.

Okay, is there anyone, does anyone have any questions for our county clerk? All right, thank you. Thank you, Ms. Luca. All right, is there anyone else in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the related action? Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to?

Move to close.

All right. Hearing that, we have a motion to close the public hearing by Commissioner Williams. Second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Move to approve.

We have a motion for approval of the items by Commissioner Williams. Second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, Julie, for doing a great job as always. Next is item 4B, which is a Public hearing on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 for the consideration of approval, approval with conditions or disapproval of the special use permit LRR07260003 in the Lake Ray Roberts Planning and Zoning District. This is located in Commissioner Precinct 1. We have a motion by Commissioner Williams to open a public hearing. Second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye.

Aye. Any opposed?

Motion carries unanimously. We are in a public hearing. Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the special use permit? Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the special use permit LRR07260003? Hearing none, do we have a motion to close the public hearing? We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Do we have a motion? Move to approve, sir. We have a motion to approve the SUP by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 4C. This is a public hearing on Tuesday, September the 22nd, 2026 for the consideration of approval. Approval with conditions or disapproval of the special use permit LRR 07260004. and the Lake Ray Roberts Planning and Zoning District located in Commissioner Precinct. I wonder if a motion to open a public hearing.

Move to open.

Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. We are in a public hearing. Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the special use permit LRR07260004? Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to Hearing none, do I have a motion to close the public hearing? Move to close. Second. A motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner, did you make a second? Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you.

Move to approve. I second.

We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion?

All in favor say aye. Real quick, I apologize, Judge. I just want to make it clear that on 4B and C, The PNZ unanimously approved this.

Perfect. Thank you for putting that on the record.

Yes, sir. Thank you.

All right. We have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, Judge. Yep, you bet. Absolutely. Let's see here. We're going to take a five-minute recess, and then we will reconvene to do our public hearing at 10 o'clock. We're going to take a five-minute recess. 09, and we are reconvening from our recess. Let's go to item 7B, which is a public hearing on the proposed tax rate of $0.183394 per $100 valuation for the tax year 2026, which increased total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll in the preceding year by 1.936988 above the no new revenue tax rate. Do we have a motion to open a public hearing?

Move to open.

We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. We are in a public hearing. Alejandro, welcome. Thank you for being here.

Yes, thank you. Good morning, Judge and Commissioners. I just have a brief presentation today regarding our two required public hearings. Um, and as I do every year, I'd like to start off with just a reminder, uh, that the Denson central appraisal district, uh, is a separate entity from the commissioner's court. Um, and I still continue to provide this reminder every year, uh, because I still hear people mention how, uh, the county's, uh, raising values on taxable properties, uh, which is not correct. Of course, the Denson central appraisal district is responsible for determining values of taxable property. and the Commissioner's Court is responsible for setting a tax rate. So two separate entities with two separate responsibilities, and that's the way it's established by the state. Before Commissioner's Court can vote to adopt a tax rate, there are certain requirements that we do have to follow per the tax code and the local government code. So all of these requirements have been met. We have published the required notices in the Denton Record Chronicle. We've also made our notices available on our Denton County website. And we've also ran the public notice for the tax rate on a local free access cable through the required timeframe as well. So you can see here a comparison between the FY2026 adopted budget and the FY2027 proposed budget. So the FY2027 proposed budget is 495.1 million. That is a $42.9 million difference from the FY2026 adopted budget. And as you all know, the budget, it's made up of several different funds. But of course, the largest fund is the general fund, which does make up 61% of the proposed budget. And on the bottom left, you'll see there that the debt service fund in orange makes up 17%. That's the portion that is needed to pay our principal and interest payments and our uh, debt service fund. Uh, and then the gray portion is basically all other funds aside from general and debt service. So road and bridge, um, public health, clinical, uh, juvenile probation, that's all of our other funds make up 22% of the proposed budget. Uh, and then this is a breakdown of the two components which make up our proposed tax rate of 0.183394. So the portion in blue is what is needed to pay for basically everything in the budget aside from the debt service fund. The debt service fund is paid for by that debt rate in orange there. And then this pie chart is intended to illustrate basically where tax dollars are going. So you'll see an amount there, 343 million. That's how much we're anticipating to collecting tax revenue based off our total taxable values. So for example, public safety, 24% of that 343 million is going towards public safety. 4% of that amount is going to juvenile probation. 21% is going towards paying off that debt service that I mentioned and so forth. And all of those percentages total up to 100% of that 343 million. And this slide shows something similar to that, but we're kind of looking at an illustration for what an individual would be paying in taxes if they had a taxable home value, the same as our average taxable home value here in Denson County. which is $507,914. So with the proposed tax rate of 0.183394, that individual would be paying a total of $931 in taxes. And this, of course, is assuming no exemption since we do offer a homestead exemption and an over 65 exemption. So this is just assuming no exemptions. On the right-hand side in that pie chart, you'll see that $931 broken down into different categories. So for example, $222 of that is going to public safety, $89 is going to general administration and so forth. And all of those totals do total to the $931. So it's just kind of intended to show a residence where their tax dollars are going. And then this is a comparison between the current 2026 adopted tax rate and the FY2027 proposed tax rate. So you can see here that the proposed tax rate, which is 0.183394, is 1.9% above the no new revenue rate. It is 4% below the voter approval rate. And again, the voter approval rate is the maximum rate you can go to without going to an election. and it is 1.3 percent below the current FY2026 adopted tax rate, since we are lowering the rate from 2026. And then here you'll see a 10-year history of the tax rate. So under 2026, which is the tax year 2026, you'll see the proposed tax rate of 0.183394, And as you can see here, the county has continuously lowered the tax rate. So it is the lowest still that it has been in decades. Our proposed budget is currently available on our website and has been filed. And if the court votes to adopt the budget, then we'll also be making it available on our website today. We also have prior year adopted budgets on our website and a lot of statistical information related to the budget process. So we do encourage residents to go out and take a look at those budgets and that information and see how your tax dollars are being spent. That does conclude the brief presentation that I had for you today.

Perfect. Thank you. Question. Thank you very much. Did you, what would you say commissioner? Oh, they may want to state it.

Can I ask a question to judge?

Yes, please.

Um, I just want to make it extremely clear because this can get confusing and some of the things that may be said shortly after this could get confusing as well. So if you don't want to go back three slides, one more. Okay. So I want to make it very clear to everybody. You see what it is in 2026 tax rate and what the proposed tax rate for 2027 is. And that is a decrease, correct?

That's correct. Commissioner.

Okay. I just want to make sure that everybody's extremely clear on that, that we are decreasing.

The tax rate is lowered.

Is that that we good? Okay. That's all I want to make sure. Yes, sir. Thank you. Appreciate it.

Perfect.

Thank you, judge.

Absolutely. Absolutely. Members. Do I have any other questions or comments as it relates? All right, we do have one individual. Ms. Cynthia, is it Jimerson? Did you want to speak or did you not want to speak? Did you want to speak? Did you? Okay, are you okay not to?

Come on up.

Yeah, come on up.

Everybody can hear, please.

Thank you for being here this morning, and if you'll introduce yourself for the record, and we'll be happy to provide any clarification you may have. Good morning.

Good morning to the judges and everybody here.

I don't know how this all works, but our commissioners.

My name is Cynthia Jemerson. a homeowner and resident of Denton. I love Denton, but I was looking at the slide and trying to keep up and pay attention. And of course, you know, I get a notification like, hey, you know, talking about the taxes and one thing that went up in my head, like, man, I don't want my taxes to go up. So I was looking at the slide, and then you made clarification like, hey, well, there won't be an increase. But then also I looked at the slide where he said it was a $931 value, but that was going to be added. That will be added.

No, that's the average tax for your county taxes. Everybody's different, but that's the average homeowner household value, and that's how much, it's $930.

So that's what I was here for, just to put it out there, and I'm sure, I mean, my goodness, I would have to wait to get 65 to get a break on the homestead, and I'm not a veteran, you know, and I was just like, no more increases for, and that's just what I was interested in, but he did a really great presentation of making that clarification, so Just on the record, that's what I was here for.

Well, I think it's important to look at your property value and look at that, what your appraisal district notification says to your particular property, if the valuation increased or decreased. Okay, I think that's the starting point. And then you would calculate that new value against this newer lower rate. We have a lower rate. Okay, so we were able to continue to lower the rate and still provide for some increase in county services because of the great new properties that the county is continuing to benefit from. So there's a variety of new projects and new construction that's happening. And that hits the tax roll that allows us to increase some of the services that correspond and go along with those additional residents and businesses. So it is the statutorily required language that we have to post and that we have to read into the record quite frankly is very misleading to the public and so we need to so i'm glad commissioner williams made a point to clarify that the tax rate is being decreased right yes for the lowest in 40 years commissioner edmondson go right ahead thank you can you hear me judge yes ma'am thank you

Okay. I would like to point out for Cindy and also for others who are watching, while we are lowering our tax rate again, and we've lowered it every year since I've been a commissioner, we look over at Collin County. They're raising their tax rate for the first time in a long time. Tarrant County is likely to have to do the same thing. Dallas County is already very, very high. Denton County is so... well-run we spend your tax dollars very very wisely and i think it's really important to recognize how hard we work as a group to make sure that we keep your taxes as low as possible while still filling your potholes providing the sheriff's deputies etc perfect thank you is there any other individuals of the public who would like to to speak okay mr wiley and then we'll hear from the court at the end

Thank you, Judge.

What's that?

I said thank you.

Good morning. If you'll please state your name for the record.

I am David Wiley. I'm at 712 Charlene Drive in Argyle, Texas, and I am a candidate to succeed Commissioner Edmondson in the November election, and if the citizens have their will, and I am on the court in the coming year, this budget will affect me directly in my ability to provide services for the county. A few weeks ago, I attended your session where The budget committee put forward their work, which represented a number of cuts in spending and tightening of the belt and allowed us to keep to a point where we didn't have to raise the rates. And as Commissioner Edmondson brought up, communities all around the city, school boards, and other counties are having to raise their rates because of lowering property values due to contest at the appraisal districts. And y'all found a way to work with the numbers that you had in front of you and to present a budget that was as fiscally responsible as possible and still provide the services. You had to say no to some things, and that happens. But Denton County's best days are in front of us, and it's due to your leadership that we're going to have a budget like this that will allow us to deliver those services. And I thank you very much for the work you do. and for not just going crazy on spending. Thank you very much.

Perfect. Thank you, David. All right. Is there anyone else in attendance wishing to speak during this public hearing? Is there anyone else in attendance wishing to speak? All right. Hearing none, do we have a motion to close the public hearing? Move to close. We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. So let's go to, so we have our public hearing. All right. We've done that. Next, let's go to 7C, which is the public hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 Denton County budget. We'll reopen this. That was about the tax rate. Let's go on to the budget one. We have a motion to open the public hearing. So moved. We have a motion by Commissioner Falconer, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak? related to the 2026-2027 Denton County budget. Is there anyone wishing to speak as related to the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Denton County budget? Hearing none, do we have a motion to close the public hearing? We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. All right. And then let's go to item 7D, which is approve the adoption of the fiscal year 2026-2027 Denton County budget in the amount of $495,100,302 to include an amendment to the proposed budget as outlined in Exhibit A.

Move to approve.

We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Well, I want to make some comments after we do the tax rate here. All right. Next, let's go to item 7E, which is approval that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.183394, which is effectively a 1.936988% increase in the tax rate. This tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 0.917088% and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $1.32. The adoption of the tax rate on $100 of taxable value for Denton County for tax year 2026 includes 0.145584 for the purpose of maintenance and operations expenditures and 0.037810 for the payment of principal and interest to pay debt service for the total county tax rate of 0.183394.

I move that the property tax be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of .0183394, which is effectively a 1.936988% increase in the tax rate. This tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by .917088% and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $1.32. The adoption of the tax rate on 100 of taxable value for the Denton County for tax year 2026 includes 0.145584 for the purposes of maintenance and operation expenditures and 0.037810 for the payment principal and interest to pay debt services for a total county tax rate of 0.183394.

We have a motion by Commissioner Williams. Do we have a second? Second. Second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Well, as we conclude our budget process, I would like to start out with giving our Denton County Budget Office a big hand. Thank you. If y'all please stand, let's give them a, if you're from the Denton County Budget Office, let's give them a Alejandro. So I want to thank y'all for leading a thoughtful and diligent process with the property taxpayer in mind. And it starts with the commissioner's court and our value system and what we hold to be important. And one of those principles is maintaining a low tax rate. And so I appreciate y'all's recommendations that y'all made to the commissioner's court, working with the other officials and department heads and having a budget that obviously addresses the needs of a growing county, but balances those needs with the fiscal responsibility to make sure that we're not overtaxing our residents and our property taxpayers, our commercial tax base as well. So I just want to say thank you. on behalf of the court and thank you on behalf of the taxpayers for the great and diligent work that you all have done for another year. I'd also like to thank the elected officials across the county. We have over 40 different elected officials that are strong and vocal advocates for their particular areas of responsibility. And thank you for being as peaceful as you can and as we have a spirit of partnership as we work together. You know, I look at other counties, even in north central Texas, that the commissioner's court and the other department heads and elected officials may not work so as harmoniously as we do. And I want to say thank you for your spirit of partnership and understanding that there's only five people that vote on this tax rate and that are truly accountable to that. And it's the people present on this dais. And so I want to thank our elected officials. Our department heads, again, similar comments. Thank you for being a strong and vocal advocate for your areas of responsibility and wanting to grow and improve and increase the response and the best practices within your department. We also have to realize that we have to balance that. with the fiscal component with that as well. So I want to thank all of our department heads across the county. And finally, I'd like to thank the Commissioner's Court for once a year delivering a budget that is responsible, that is proactive in many regards. We are choosing to lead in the areas of public safety and fire prevention, and we are addressing the needs that many times were created by the acts of the Texas legislature. And so we are having to be working new and different avenues of service here in our County. And because of decisions not made by this body, but by others. And so how do we balance the needs of that growing County? And again, maintaining a stable tax rate and being able to deliver a decrease in our tax rate. The attractiveness of Denton County speaks for itself as people expand their businesses and the residential rooftops across the county. And so that increase in our tax base has allowed us to continue to address the needs of a growing county in new and different ways. And so We are a growing and vibrant county, and I appreciate all those individuals who are part of that process. So, again, thank you to the commissioner's court. Does anyone else would like to make any comments?

I just want to ditto what you said.

All right. Go ahead, Commissioner.

Thank you. Thank you, Judge. Well, I agree with everything you just said. And if I may, Alejandro did a great job of presenting the budget, but I just want to make a couple of points and reiterate that one of the number one questions we, by the way, thank you to the folks who come to the public hearing. I always invite people to come because we're setting the tax rate for all the residents. And I'm glad that Cynthia and David were able to come and speak. One of the things I always, uh, because of the way it's the, the Denton central appraisal district, not, not Denton county. We are not setting appraisals, um, and, and property tax rates that is happening at the appraisal district, which is an independent entity. Um, and then, uh, I also have people say, why is your budget going up? And I want to remind you that we're at one of the fastest growing counties in the country. So our budget, just like if you have a growing family or a growing business, your budget is going to go up. The grocery bill gets bigger. It gets bigger. And I'm proud of the fact that, but as we do that, we are actually becoming more efficient. And I think you see that, for example, with our number of employees. We are one of the most efficient by number of employees compared to the per capita. I think that's an important thing is that our budget does grow, but that's because we are growing as a county about 90 people a day. And then as you heard, the wording is very confusing, but our tax rate actually is lower, is getting lower. And I also want to remind people that your county portion, because I pay all those taxes too, is that we're the smallest by far portion of that but we still take that very very carefully and and take so much consideration on that we are looking out for taxpayers everywhere we can and i'm proud to be part of a team five of us here as well as the entire team in denton county who I believe always have that as one of our principles. And so I'm very happy that we can continue to look for ways to be efficient and effective in how we operate and give that money back to our taxpayers. So thank you so much. Good.

Commissioner Edmondson, did you want to speak?

No, everybody said all I would say. Thank you for coming to speak on this issue, and those of you who still have questions, contact us directly. We'd be happy to check.

Perfect.

Good. Thank you. Judge, I've got one thing. Yes, Judge covered everything as far as all the thank yous, and I can't agree more. um unfortunately uh miss cynthia has already left i just i think that she may be confusing denton county with the city of denton denton county lowered the tax rate the city of denton increased the tax rate so hopefully she shows up at their uh and they have sales tax yeah so hopefully she shows up at their um their uh meeting and expresses her concerns as well because that's definitely where she needs to be having those conversations but I do appreciate her coming here and asking the question so we could verify and clarify for her the situation. So that's it, Judge. Thank you so much.

Perfect. Good. All right. So we have no other action related to that. So we're good. Thank you. All right. Let's go back to the top of the agenda, to Item 2, which is our consent agenda. There is no order maker appointments for 2A, so any action would be related to 2B or 2C. Do we have a motion to approve that as presented?

So moved.

with a motion by Commissioner Falconer, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Sounds like the ice cream truck has arrived.

I didn't hear it.

The consent agenda today consists of item 2B, which is approval of the payroll, and item 2C, which is approval of the August 2026, road superintendent report presented for recording purposes only. Next, let's go down to item 5A, approval of the bill report. Payments from CSCD, community corrections, TAIP, sheriff's training, sheriff's forfeiture, VIT interest, and DA forfeiture funds are presented for recording purposes only. Mr. May.

Thank you, Judge. Excuse me. I have no changes today. Recommend approval as presented.

Perfect. Do we have a motion for approval as presented? So. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, Mr. May. We're going to pull item 6A. Let's go to 6B, approval of the purchase of computers and related computer equipment for Denton County's fiscal year 2027 hardware refresh project from Dell Marketing LP in the amount of $121,733 through the Texas Department of Information Resources DIR Cooperative Contract DIRCPO5792. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next item 6C, approval of purchase of Syntegix Crisis Alert Software Platform from Petrosis Solutions Incorporated in the amount of $253,053. TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES DIR COOPERATIVE CONTRACT DIRCPO 5297. CHAIR, ARE YOU READY FOR APPROVAL?

I HAVE A SECOND.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER FALCONER. ANY DISCUSSION? I DO HAVE A QUESTION FOR SAMANTHA. DOES THIS REALIZE OUR DISCOUNT THAT WE HAD NEGOTIATED WITH THEM? IS THIS THE EXACT SAME PLATFORM? YES, IT DOES. All right, so we have a motion and a second. Any other comments? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 60, approve the renewal of RFP 242829, vending services to Canteen, and any appropriate action. Move to approve. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 6E, approval to declare a mobile home located at Briarwood as salvage to be demolished and removed. Motion by Commissioner Williams. Second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 7A, a report for miscellaneous equipment and software services presented for recording purposes only. Next, let's proceed over. We've already done 7E. Hold on just a second. I missed a page. No, we already did that. Let's just go to item 7F, approval of the proposed Denton County five-year capital improvement program for fiscal year 2026 as recommended by the Capital Improvement Committee. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell. The chair will second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 7G, approval of budget request 2026449 for the sheriff's office year end to transfer $291,559 from various line items within the sheriff's budget to perform necessary account reconciliations across law enforcement facility and county jail. These adjustments will optimize remaining fund allocations through the end of September to close out the fiscal year accurately in any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 7H, approval of budget member request 2026451, for Sheriff's Office to transfer $21,332 from various line items within the Sheriff's budget to cover a shortage in the line items and allocate additional funding for capital equipment and vehicles for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Move to approve.

Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 7i, approval of budget amendment request 2026455 for public health clinical to transfer $19,708 from interpreters to various line items to allocate funding for anticipated expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. Motion by Commissioner Faulkner, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 7J, approval of budget. Member request 2026456 for Sheriff's Office to transfer within Justice Management Division $34,500 from interpreters vehicle equipment, technology equipment, administrative equipment to inmate transport expenses to cover a shortage in the line item and allocate additional funding for the remainder of the fiscal year in any appropriate action.

Move to approve.

Second. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 8A, report from human resource regarding hiring actions of elected officials. Good morning. Julie. Hello.

Thank you. We have one new hire in the county clerk's office, one promotion and two new hires in the district attorney's office, four new hires in the sheriff's, all detention officers ones. We have one promotion in the sheriff's and we have one promotion in the Texas assessor collector's office.

Perfect. Good. Thank you. Next is item nine, a approval of the business associate agreement between BAA between Denton County and VividCup Tech for consulting services related to the configuration and implementation of Salesforce-based software solution that requires access to protected health information, PHI, and any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 10A, consideration of the approval with conditions or disapproval of the Clear Creek Meadows final plot. This is lots 1 through 44, block 1, and HOA lots 45X, block 1. This is 54.20 acres located in Commissioner Precinct 1. Move to approve. Second. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 12A, approval of the 2026-2027 interlocal agreements between Denton County and Argyle Police Department. The Aubrey ISD Police Department, the North Lake Police Department, and the City of Sanger Fire and Police Departments for the use of the Denton County Radio Communications System.

Move to approve.

Second. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 12B, approval of the 2026-2027 interlocal agreement between Denton County and the Argyle Police Department. Aubrey ISD Police Department, the North Lake Police Department, Ponder Volunteer Fire Department, the City of Sanger Fire and Police Departments for Shared Governance Communications and Dispatch Services System. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 12C, approve the renewal of the subscriber agreement between Denton County Sheriff's Office and West Publishing Corporation, a Thompson Reuters Business for clear ProFlex database access for a term of 36 months and the addendum to order form Q11936094 for a term of 36 months. Motion by Commissioner Falconer, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 13A, approval of the new FirstNet wireless service for Constable Precinct 5 in the amount of $40.99 per month. This is $491.99. dollars and 88 cents a year and any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 13B. Approve the mutual aid interlocal agreement between Denton County and the City of Louisville for Denton County's use of the Frederick P. Herring Parks and Recreation Center during emergencies and disasters and any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. All right. Next is item 13C, approval of the addition of the construction project steering committees for the new fire station and administrative building. And we do need to assign some people to this proposed committee.

Judge?

Yes, ma'am.

I know we need to have two people from the court on this committee, and I'd like to nominate yourself and Commissioner Faulkner, who is an architect. And also, I'd like to have as an advisor to this committee Mr. Terrence Jobe, who was very instrumental in getting that land at Tabor Ranch donated for the fire station.

Okay. Is that a motion?

Yes, it is.

We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. Second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. I'm going to pull item 13D. We'll discuss that at a future time. Next is 14A, approval of scheduling a public hearing for October the 13th, 2026 at 9 a.m. to consider and take formal action on the approval of the amended and restate interlocal cooperation agreements for traffic regulation in special districts for the Lakes Fresh Water Supply District of Denton County, located in Denton County, Commissioner Precinct 1.

Move to approve. Second.

Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 14B, the reappointment of Joseph A. Gonzalez as Denton County Road Superintendent and fix bond payable to the Denton County judge in the amount of $3,000 in accordance with the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 252, Subchapter C, which shall become effective on October 1, 2026. Well, I guess we can do this again. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Edmondson. Any discussion with Jody? Thank you for all that you do. I appreciate that.

Congratulations, Joseph. All right.

Joseph. We have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. All right. Did I get everything? Bianca, for now, let's go ahead and go to members. Let's go to item 17, which is our community updates. Let's start with Commissioner Precinct 1.

Thank you, Judge. Just two things today. Pilot Point Oktoberfest is this Saturday, September 26th. It's going to run from 12. 12 to 6 p.m. at the Pilot Point Square. This is a family-friendly event with Dash Hound Races, Pretzel Baking Contest, Stein Hoses Contest, and much more. They do keg tapping at noon. So everybody come out and enjoy. And then the following weekend, Saturday, October 3rd, is the Aubrey Peanut Festival. That's a huge event as well. Please come out and support your local cities. That's all I've got.

Perfect. Commissioner Falconer.

Thank you, Judge. I want to start off with a congratulations to Denton ISD Cheek Middle School Band. The Cheek Middle School Honors Band was recognized at the 2026 Mark of Excellence by the foundation, recognized as the 2026 Mark of Excellence by the Foundation for Music Education, which is the national winner. There were over 525 entries from 40 states. So congratulations to DSD, Cheek Middle School Band. And then a few events happening here in Carrollton. We have the SNAP and other benefits application help at the Heber and Josie Library on the 23rd from one to four. Um, Carrollton culture fest will be on the 26th from five to nine. That'll be at the Trinity mills, um, Esplanade. And, uh, then Artemis three NASA ambassador, um, is, uh, it's the local Texan North Texan. Less Murray, uh, is going to learn about Artemis three mission. Um, and that's on the 27th from two to three. at the Josie Ranch Library. And then in Little Elm, Clean and Green is going to be at the Public Works Center on September 26th from 8 to noon. So you can drop off your appliances, household waste, all those kind of things that you can't just leave in your trash can. So that's a very great opportunity. And then Farmer's Market at the Lawn and Yoga. So Bobby, Yoga in Little Elm on Main Street.

You going with me?

absolutely I'll do some yoga with you it'll be at the lawn 26 9 to 1 and then the yoga is actually 10 to 11 so we have to be there at 10. that's late enough I can okay good and then the colony has cinnamon nights and that's bargy and that is at the Grand Scape theater in Grand Scape and that'll be on the 25th from 6 30 to 9. that's all I have perfect thank you commissioner Mitchell

We have Movie in the Park on September 25th in Flower Mound, Wicked for Good, Heritage Park. We have a truck rodeo also in Flower Mound on the 24th, 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Flower Mound Public Library. We have a doggy dive on September 26th at 1200 Giroux Road at the Keck in Flower Mound, 8.30 to 11.30 a.m. In Lake Dallas, we have a pediatric first aid class September the 22nd. That's today, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We have Prepare Together, also in Lake Dallas. That's September the 26th, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In the community room, Lake Dallas City Hall. In Louisville, we have Louisville Western Days starting on Friday, the 25th and 26th, Old Town, Louisville. We also have a vision screening in Louisville on the 28th at 10 to 12. We have a butterfly walk also at Layla on Jones Street on September 26th, 9.30 to 11.30. In Hickory Creek, we're having the 11th annual... first responders on tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock. You're welcome to join. Be a lot of prayer and a lot of honoring the police and fire and our first responders. That's all I have.

Perfect. Commissioner Edmondson.

Hi, in Ponder, they're going to have the Denton County Cowboy Church Fall Festival, which will be a lot of fun. The entire family can come. They're going to have mutton busting, calf scramble, petting zoo, and all kinds of good family-friendly things to do. And in Roanoke, as we heard from our heritage business today, they're going to have the Evenings on Oak Street Concert Series, and that's going to be on the 24th from 630 to 8. And then Roanoke is also going to have the local market house on Oak Street. Now Denton is going to be creepy all month. It's officially Halloween for the whole month in Denton. And if you want to see exactly what's going on work, please check their website. But let's all remember, Denton will be ghosting us for the next 30 days.

Perfect. And I just want to make a note that we'll have no commissioner's court on Tuesday, October the 6th. There'll be no commissioner's court. And CCA is having their 18th annual Hopeful Hearts 5K on Saturday, September the 26th. And so you can check that out online. And it begins at 8 a.m. in Old Town Louisville. That'd be great. And the last day to register to vote is Monday, October the 5th. I want to remind everybody about that so you can be sure to register at a variety of locations so you can check online about that for further details. Let's go to item 15A. This is Texas Government Code 551072, deliberation regarding real property Closing and deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. Deliberation in open media would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with the third person. And it is 1052, and we're in executive session. It is 1151 and we have reconvened from executive session. There will be no action today on item 15A. No action on 15A. I would like to remind the public that we will not have any commissioners court on October 6th. No commissioners court October 6th. Thank you so much. Hearing no other action before the court, we are adjourned.