Commissioners Court Briefs
Rural fire agreement extended to four years
Commissioners voted 5–0 to approve a four-year fire suppression and emergency service contract between Young County and the Young County Rural Fire Department, replacing the annual renewal process.
The fire chief said obtaining signatures for a new agreement each year sometimes required a last-minute scramble. A longer contract would reduce that recurring administrative work.
County Judge Win Graham said the agreement could still be amended by mutual consent if changes become necessary.
The contract begins in October 2026. The ending year stated during the meeting was inconsistent with the four-year term approved by commissioners.
Sheriff’s office retains access to older records Commissioners unanimously approved a contract for three read-only licenses allowing the Young County Sheriff’s Office to consult information in its previous records system as it transitions to a new system.
Judge Graham said officials had initially expected to transfer the old information into the replacement system and discontinue the earlier software.
During the discussion, officials explained that transferring the historical records could take months, cost a substantial amount and leave some information incomplete.
Maintaining read-only access will allow designated users to retrieve older information without relying on a full transfer into the new system.
The court approved the contract 5–0.
Court acknowledges two deputies
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the deputations of Young County Sheriff’s Deputies John Mark Evans III and Keaton Cook.
Judge Graham described the action as a delayed paperwork acknowledgment, saying the two deputies had been left out of an earlier submission.
He praised both men’s work and said he had been impressed by his experiences working with them.
The discussion also included recognition of their involvement in a large drug seizure, although the court did not provide details about the case.
November election notice approved
Commissioners approved the notice for the November election on a 5–0 vote, authorizing the document to be issued.
Judge Graham said the elections office needed the court’s approval to proceed with publishing the notice.
The action concerned the election notice rather than changes to individual races or candidates.
Utility crossings authorized Commissioners unanimously approved a Fort Belknap Water Supply Corporation application to cross a county road for a water connection.
Commissioner Alan Craig said he had inspected the location and saw no problem with the proposed work, which would provide a new meter for an existing customer who had moved into the area.
The court also approved another Oncor Electric utility- crossing application after a previous extension expired. Commissioner Jimmy Wiley described it as the third application for the project.
Both applications passed 5–0.
Financial disclosures accepted
Commissioners approved conflict-of-interest reports identifying relationships with local businesses.
The disclosures discussed included a banking relationship reported by Judge Graham; Shook’s Body Shop and Shook’s Wrecker Service, reported by Commissioner Scott Shook; and Don’s Butane, operating as Olney Fuel and Supply, and Roy’s Recycling, reported by Commissioner Jimmy Wiley.
The court approved the reports unanimously.
Other county business
Commissioners approved a $5,000 bond for deputy tax collector Christina Moore and accepted the minutes of the Sept. 14 meeting.
Judge Graham also reported August hotel occupancy tax receipts of $7,657.66 from Wildcatter Ranch and Resort.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District 3 Rolling Plains County Commissioners Court Conference is scheduled for Nov. 5 at the Wilbarger County Auditorium in Vernon.
Following the public portion of the meeting, commissioners entered executive session for discussion with attorneys.