Commissioners looking to tackle debt

ANAHUAC— County Commissioners are looking to collect about $1.3 million in back taxes and court fees, and they heard a report on those efforts at last week’s meeting. 

Chambers County Commissioners Court met on Wednesday, Nov. 12, discussing the debt owed, as well as various projects at parks across the county.  

Attorney Otilia Gonzales with Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott LLP presented an update on the firm’s efforts in collecting delinquent taxes and court fees.  

Gonzales informed the commissioners that as of September, a total of $1.7 million was owed to the county, which recently dropped to $1.3 million.  

The highest percentage, at 32%, comes from cases currently in litigation, which Gonzales said was expected during this time of year.  

Gonzales commended County Tax Assessor-Collector Laurie Payton before discussing the 2024 tax year.  

On July 1, the county turned over $705,000 in overdue taxes to Purdue, and the firm was able to collect almost 42% thus far.  

The court briefly discussed a new contract with Perdue, which would allow County Clerk Heather Hawthorne and District Clerk Patti Henry to turn over delinquent fees and fines after 60 or more days of no payment.  

Henry addressed the court for the official record, saying the District Clerk’s Office staff actively works on the collection process, but the same staff also works on the administrative side of jury selection, which can be time-consuming.  

“We’re happy to join in this partnership with Purdue to help us further our collection efforts and be a little more vigorous, in especially the delinquent cases,” Henry said.  

For service fees, Perdue will collect 30% of the collected fines, fees and court costs referred to the firm.  

According to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 103.0031, the court is able to fine an additional 30% on fees that are more than 60 days past due, which the court passed during the meeting.  

The contract begins Dec. 1, ending Nov. 30, 2029, though there are measures in the contract to allow either party to terminate prior.  

Commissioners approved transferring funds from various certificates of obligation, or COs, which were allocated for various park projects.  

COs work similarly to bonds as they must be used for the intended department or area of work, though they do not require voter approval.  

Both Commissioner Precinct 4 Ryan Dagley and Director of Parks and Recreation John Parrott emphasized that the transferred funds are left over from completed park improvement projects.  

Commissioners approved transferring $112,000 from one CO and $261,000 from the other.  

Those funds will go towards batting cages at the Jim Silva Sports Complex in Anahuac and the Yale Devillier Sports Complex in Winnie, as well as a playground at the Winnie complex, though the batting cages have not yet been approved.  

The Chambers County Youth Project Show may be taking place in a new facility, though the venue will remain the same.  

Commissioners approved the construction of a new Whites Park Show Barn for about $938,000, which was under budget. The new facility will be 70-by-225 feet, with upgraded venting and lighting.  

Commissioner Precinct 3 Tommy Hammond mentioned the current facility has a lot of corrosion, and the new facility will have upgraded features while supporting future growth in the county.  

The Office of Emergency Management will see a new mobile command trailer with the awarding of a bid to Accelerated Media Technologies for $198,000.  

That cost includes not only the trailer, but the equipment that will go inside.  

Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Jeffery Choate said all they’ll have to do is hook up their computers to the trailer to be up and running, adding that there will be nine workstations.  

At the beginning of the meeting, Henry read a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Operation Green Light, honoring veterans. The month will be marked by green lights glowing from the Chambers County Courthouse and other government buildings.  

County residents are encouraged to show their support by having green lights displayed from their homes or businesses.