Young County Commissioners News
Commissioners Focus on FY 2026 Budget Young County Commissioners spent much of July in budget workshops, reviewing requests from multiple departments and evaluating priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
One of the major discussions centered on the Sheriff ’s Office and the Young County Jail. Sheriff Travis Babcock requested a 3 percent raise for his staff to help with recruitment and retention, as well as funding for three new patrol vehicles to replace aging units with high mileage. He also requested money for minor jail repairs to improve safety and efficiency.
The commissioners also reviewed the budget for the Young County Veterans Service Office (VSO), which helps local veterans secure benefits. County Judge Win Graham noted that the only significant change proposed is converting the VSO position from part-time to full-time.
“Adam LaVine is doing an excellent job assisting our county’s veterans in securing the benefits they deserve, and I hope we can persuade him to take on the role full-time,” he said.
In addition to these departments, the commissioners examined budgets for the election administrator, county clerk, dispatch services, the Young County Historical Commission, and Fort Belknap. Judge Graham said the county is making progress on the expense side but is still awaiting final revenue projections from the Young Central Appraisal District. “Like previous years, we may need to identify more expenses to cut in order to avoid raising taxes,” he said.
Courthouse Gazebo Approved; Sheriff ’s Vehicles to Be Auctioned A highlight of July’s meetings was the approval of plans for a new metal gazebo to be installed on the courthouse lawn. The county will soon submit the project for bids. The gazebo is expected to be used for community events, ceremonies, and public gatherings.
Commissioners also approved the sale of several retired Sheriff ’s Office vehicles at auction. One of the older vehicles will be repurposed as a work truck for Precinct 2, a cost-saving measure that avoids purchasing a new truck.
Fort Belknap Car Court and Cemetery Mapping Project Commissioners approved construction of a covered car court at Fort Belknap to improve visitor access to the historic site. Additionally, they discussed plans to use ground-penetrating radar to locate and map unmarked graves at the William P. Johnston Cemetery. This project is aimed at identifying burial sites that have become obscured over time, preserving local history and ensuring the cemetery is properly documented.
Precinct 3 Yard Relocated to Olney
Commissioners approved a new agreement with the City of Olney for a yard to serve Precinct 3. This move was necessary because Tower Extrusions is expanding its plant, requiring the county to vacate its previous Precinct 3 yard. The new site in Olney will allow continued storage and staging of county equipment without interruption to operations.
Subdivision Proposal Near Loving Reviewed The court also reviewed a proposal for an 80-acre subdivision on Pumphrey Road near Loving, which would include 20 new homes. Commissioners asked the developer to submit a water study to ensure an adequate supply for the homes.
They also asked that a fire suppression system be included in the plans and that a second emergency exit point be added for safety. The developer was receptive to these suggestions and agreed to return with an updated plat that addresses the county’s concerns, Judge Graham said.
Public Defender Agreement Approved
The commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with the Regional Public Defenders Office in Lubbock to provide legal counsel in the event of a capital murder case in Young County. The agreement costs $12,000 annually, a fraction of the $1.5 million the county spent during its last capital murder trial. Judge Graham called the decision a “prudent safeguard” that protects both taxpayers and the county’s ability to provide constitutionally required defense in serious cases.
TxDOT Road Projects and Regional Priorities Discussed Judge Graham attended the monthly Nortex Regional Planning Commission meeting, where TxDOT officials reported progress on several projects in Young County, including the widening of FM 1287 south of Graham and an overlay of SH 251 between Newcastle and Olney. An overlay on the U.S. 380 bypass in Graham is scheduled to begin soon.
Judge Graham raised concerns about two major county road projects ranked #1 and #3 in regional priority voting last year that have seen little progress. TxDOT officials provided advice on how to strengthen the county’s position in future funding cycles, and Judge Graham said he plans to push for those projects to remain top priorities in next year’s rankings.
Legislative Update Provided
During the Nortex meeting, attendees received an update on recent legislative action. Highlights included a $90 million rural ambulance assistance bill to help small counties fund emergency services, increased homestead exemptions for property owners, teacher pay raises, and new funding for rural fire departments. Judge Graham said these initiatives will directly benefit Young County residents and services.
Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Seeks Local Representative The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL), a nonpartisan body representing older Texans, is seeking a representative from the Young County region. The TSHL meets every two years to research and recommend senior-focused policies to the governor and legislature.
The group has successfully advocated for measures such as the Silver Alert system, increased Medicaid allowances for nursing home residents, and reduced property taxes for seniors and disabled homeowners. “Our region currently has no representative,” Judge Graham said. “They are looking for dedicated individuals aged 60 and older who want to work on senior issues. If you’re interested, please contact me so I can connect you with their leadership.”
Bond Supervision Agreement Renewed
Commissioners also renewed an interlocal agreement with Graham, Olney, Breckenridge, and Stephens County to provide bond supervision services. Judge Graham said the partnership is cost-effective and avoids the need for each entity to operate its own program.
Judge Meets With Data Center, Bitcoin Miner Investors Judge Graham reported that he spoke in July with the developers of a proposed data center to be located in Young County. “They remain excited about the project and have requested that I facilitate introductions to key individuals in the area,” he said. Judge Graham also met with a bitcoin miner interested in establishing a facility in Young County and was planning to meet in person with them to learn about their “investment intentions in our county.”