Commissioners initiate bond projects

ANAHUAC— Last week, commissioners began making headway on multiple bond projects, which will cover drainage and roadways, after approving the funding in an early August meeting. 

Chambers County Commissioners Court met on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and with the $50 million bond issued, commissioners began approving a couple of projects. 

The first project is the Katie Drainage Project, which aims to improve drainage in the area around FM 3180. Commissioners approved seeking bids for the 15-acre pond, along with its accompanying drainage structures. 

Commissioners also discussed the Interstate 10 ramp reversal study, from east of Grand Parkway to west of FM 565. The court approved GFT Infrastructure, Inc., to conduct the study for $3.5 million. 

Commissioners approved three companies to provide cleaning services to the Whites Park Community Building and the Westside Community Building, which will both require a $700 cleaning fee from renters to mitigate the costs. 

"We have a whole backlog of building rentals," Commissioner Precinct 4 Ryan Dagley said, adding that rentals will now be available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Director of Economic Development Samantha Humphrey discussed the Texas Department of Transportation Routine Airport Maintenance Grant, which awards up to $111,111 at the Anahuac and Winnie airports.

The reimbursement grant requires a 10% match from the county, totaling $22,222, which the commissioners approved.

Humphrey said funds from the grant have not been fully utilized in recent years, noting that about $50-60,000 was used for Anahuac and none was used for Winnie.

Humphrey added that she intends to utilize all available funds, which can be used for maintenance or upgrades.

There were discussions about a law that would give the state control over food regulations, which drew concerns from commissioners regarding food trucks.

Dagley noted that as of now, the county has a limit on food trucks and regulations regarding water/sewer connections.

Gore asked if the county would be able to inspect food vendors for events such as the Texas Gatorfest, to which he received a no.

Dagley suggested pursuing an interlocal agreement to gain control over food trucks and restaurant inspections.

The law took effect on Sept. 1, but to allow for restructuring, the status quo remains until May 2026.

Commissioners discussed the SIGMA Tactical Wellness program, which provides free cardiovascular exams and consultations to full-time first responders and emergency personnel, including law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel, dispatchers, and jail staff.

The program is voluntary for employees, and there is a 200-employee cap, costing about $924 per employee for the first year.

A study titled "Hidden danger: A 22-year analysis of law enforcement deaths associated with duty-related illnesses," published on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, outlines a study on the health risks of serving in law enforcement.

The study covered data of duty-related deaths of law enforcement from 1997 to 2018, finding that 56% of deaths were related to circulatory events, such as heart attacks, and the average age of death was 46.5 years old.

Anahuac Masonic Lodge No. 995 Grand Master Randall Decker requested support from the commissioners to integrate cornerstone ceremonies into new government buildings, noting it would be at no cost to the county.

"Integrating cornerstones into county buildings connects our community with the history and tradition of masonry," Decker said. "It provides a meaningful way to commemorate new public buildings, whether a courthouse, school, or civic facility, and leaves a lasting mark for future generations."

Commissioner Precinct 1 Jimmy Gore noted that new buildings are coming to the county, including the Legion Hall, saying they look forward to working with the lodge.

Commissioners approved the budget discussed at the last meeting, which had a general fund of just under $85.2 million.

County Auditor Aaron Thomas previously stated that the fund covers most of the county's spending throughout the year.

A tax rate of $0.439746 per $100 of valuation was approved, representing a decrease from last year's rate of $ 0.440035 per $100. While the rate is decreased, taxpayers could see a tax increase based on appraisal values.