Calhoun County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Calhoun County approves tax rate, sets budget hearing; fire station contract awarded

The Calhoun County Commissioners Court approved the 2026 tax rate of $0.6222 per $100 valuation, unchanged from prior years, and set a public hearing for September 2 to consider the 2027 budget and tax rate. The court also awarded a contract for the Magnolia Beach Fire Station and approved a FLOCK grant, among other actions taken at its August 12 meeting.

Tax rate and budget

The court voted 5-0 to approve the 2026 tax rate of $0.6222 per $100 valuation, the same rate as prior years. It also set a public hearing on the tax rate for September 2, 2026, at 10 a.m., and a separate public hearing on the fiscal year 2027 budget for the same date and time. Both hearings will take place at the Commissioners' Courtroom, 211 S. Ann Street, Suite 104, Port Lavaca.

The court approved 2026 budget adjustments and accepted the 2026 certified tax appraisal roll, both by 5-0 votes. It also authorized publication of proposed salary increases for elected officials.

Other decisions

In a 5-0 vote, the court approved a contract award to Noble Building & Development for the Magnolia Beach Fire Station. It also approved an updated FLOCK grant cost of $50,175, with the county's share set at $10,035.

Recent agenda items

Several meetings were held on the agenda but without published minutes. On August 11, the court held a workshop to discuss the 2027 budget. On August 13, a special meeting was scheduled to review the financial and operational assessment of Memorial Medical Center, including discussion of the TruBridge service contract and the hospital's 2027 operating and capital budget. A closed session was planned for legal consultation.

On August 19, the court held a public hearing on amending the 2026 county budget, as required by Texas Local Government Code sections 111.007 and 111.0075. No specific changes were listed. That same day, the court considered awarding a drainage improvement contract to J & R Contracting Services, Inc. for the Westside Subdivision Drainage Improvements project, a public hearing on vacating and re-platting Lots 108 and 109 in Phase 1 of The Sanctuary subdivision in Port O'Connor, a $240,000 loan from the General Fund to the Six Mile Community Volunteer Fire Department for a large brush truck, and donations of $75 and $50 to the Sheriff's Office Motivation account. Minutes for these items have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **August 26, 1:30 p.m.** – Special meeting: The court will act as the Salary Grievance Committee to hear a grievance under Texas Local Government Code §152.016 regarding elected-official salary recommendations.
• **August 26** – Regular meeting to consider Alamo Beach subdivision plats, a new electricity contract with Champion Energy Services, a $2,500 donation for the Historical Marker Fund, an updated purchase agreement with Houston Mac Haik Dodge for EMS vehicles, and contracts for the November 3 General Election with Calhoun County ISD.
• **September 2, 10 a.m.** – Public hearing on the 2027 budget and proposed tax rate. The proposed rate of $0.6222 per $100 valuation would keep the median homestead tax bill at $904.16. The no-new-revenue rate of $0.6319 would result in an estimated tax bill of $918.26 for the median homestead, valued at $145,318.
• **September 2, 1:30 p.m.** – Workshop on GCRPC Community Planning, followed by consideration of necessary action.

Calhoun County approves Seadrift drainage contract, King Fisher Pier funds

The Calhoun County Commissioners Court on Aug. 5 unanimously approved a contract for the Seadrift Drainage Improvements Project Phase II and authorized up to $40,000 in GOMESA funds for the King Fisher Pier Extension Project. The court also approved budget adjustments, bills, and several administrative items, according to official minutes.

Seadrift drainage and King Fisher Pier

The court approved a contract with Lester Contracting, Inc. for the Seadrift Drainage Improvements Project Phase II. It also authorized up to $40,000 in GOMESA funds to cover cost overages on the King Fisher Pier Extension Project. Both actions were unanimous.

Other Aug. 5 decisions

All items on the Aug. 5 agenda passed unanimously. The court:

• Approved 2026 budget adjustments.
• Approved MMC bills and county bills/payroll.
• Approved $3,143.34 in local funds for the Lane Road project construction budget.
• Approved an insurance proceeds check of $682.50 for Sheriff's Office vehicle damage.
• Approved renewal of the AARC Environmental storm water permit contract and the Silverback Septic Solutions service agreement.
• Approved donations to the Sheriff's Office Motivation account of $250 and $500.

Budget workshops

The court held four workshops on Aug. 3, 6, 7, and 11 to discuss the 2027 budget. No formal decisions were listed on the agendas; the discussions were informational.

Aug. 12 and Aug. 13 meetings

Minutes have not yet been published for the Aug. 12 regular meeting or the Aug. 13 special meeting. According to the agendas:

• The Aug. 12 agenda included awarding a contract to Noble Building & Development, LLC for the Magnolia Beach Fire Station project, accepting a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant for the Olivia Haterius Park Boat Ramp (with a county match up to $83,333 from GOMESA funds), setting the proposed 2026 tax rate and public hearing dates, and approving an order increasing optional fees for 2027.
• The Aug. 13 special meeting agenda covered a financial and operational assessment of Memorial Medical Center, discussion of the TruBridge service contract, finalization of MMC's 2027 operating and capital budget, and a closed session for legal consultation.

Coming up

On Aug. 19, the Commissioners Court will hold two public hearings and a regular meeting at the Commissioners' Courtroom, 211 S. Ann Street, Suite 104, Port Lavaca.

• **10:00 AM** – Public hearing on a petition to vacate Lots 108 and 109 in Phase 1 of The Sanctuary subdivision in Port O'Connor.
• **Public hearing** – On amending the 2026 county budget.
• **Regular meeting** – The court will consider awarding a drainage improvement contract to J & R Contracting Services, Inc. for the Westside Subdivision Drainage Improvements, amending the 2026 budget, vacating and re-platting the two Port O'Connor lots, authorizing a $240,000 loan from the General Fund to the Six Mile Community Volunteer Fire Department for a large brush truck, and accepting $75 and $50 donations to the Sheriff's Office Motivation account.

Calhoun County approves budget adjustments, accepts $50,000 CPR grant

The Calhoun County Commissioners Court approved 2026 budget adjustments and accepted a $50,000 grant for CPR devices at its July 29 meeting. All votes were unanimous (5-0). The court also approved several routine items, including declaring equipment as waste, accepting a small payment from the City of Seadrift, and renewing software and cybersecurity agreements.

July 29 meeting: budget adjustments and other actions

The court approved 2026 budget adjustments (5-0) and a resolution honoring Crime Stoppers' 50th anniversary (5-0). It declared equipment as waste from the Fairgrounds, Financial Administration, IT, Court at Law, and Memorial Medical Center inventories (each 5-0). The court accepted $484.50 from the City of Seadrift for sign blanks (5-0) and a $50,000 CPR device grant from the Ed Rachal Foundation (5-0). It also approved an iWorQ permit and code enforcement software agreement (5-0), an interlocal cybersecurity contract with UT Rio Grande Valley RSOC (5-0), and an amendment to the Calhoun County Personnel Policy (5-0).

2027 budget discussions continue

The court held multiple workshops in late July and early August to discuss the 2027 county budget. These meetings on July 27, July 28, August 3, August 6, and August 7 were listed as agenda-only, with no formal decisions made. The agenda items were limited to budget discussion and consideration of necessary action. Minutes have not yet been published for these workshops.

Upcoming: tax rate, fire station contract, and more

The court is scheduled to meet again on August 11 for another budget workshop. On August 12, the regular Commissioners Court meeting will consider several significant items:

• Awarding a contract to Noble Building & Development, LLC for the Magnolia Beach Fire Station Project (Bid No. 2026.11, under GLO CDBG-MIT-MOD Contract No. 24-065-152-F011 and FEMA Project No. DR-4485-0067).
• Accepting a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant (No. F26AF01438-00) for the Olivia Haterius Park Boat Ramp, with a county match of up to $83,333 from GOMESA funds.
• Setting the proposed 2026 tax rate and public hearing dates under Texas Tax Code §26.05.
• Approving an order increasing optional fees for calendar year 2027.
• Acknowledging the 2026 Certified Tax Appraisal Roll and the proposed FY 2027 budget.

On August 13, a special meeting will review the financial and operational assessment of Memorial Medical Center (MMC), including reports from consulting groups. The court will discuss terminating or modifying the TruBridge service contract and finalizing MMC's 2027 operating and capital budget. A closed session is scheduled for legal consultation.

On August 19, the court will hold a public hearing on amending the 2026 county budget, as required by Texas Local Government Code sections 111.007 and 111.0075.

Coming up

• **August 11, 9:00 a.m.** – Workshop on the 2027 budget (Commissioners Court).
• **August 12** – Regular meeting: fire station contract, tax rate, boat ramp grant, and budget proposal.
• **August 13** – Special meeting on Memorial Medical Center finances and operations.
• **August 19** – Public hearing on amending the 2026 county budget.

Calhoun County approves $257,500 detention center chiller, extends beach restoration contract

The Calhoun County Commissioners Court approved a $257,500 contract for a new chiller at the Adult Detention Center on July 22, 2026, the largest spending item in a meeting that also extended a beach restoration contract and adopted budget adjustments.

July 22 Commissioners Court actions

The court voted 4-0 on each item at its July 22 meeting. The chiller contract went to Energy Mechanical Service, Inc. for the Adult Detention Center.

Other approved contracts and actions:

• A $242,444.07 Motorola Solutions Service Agreement running through June 30, 2028.
• Extension of the Magnolia Beach Erosion Control and Beach Restoration contract to May 31, 2028.
• 2026 budget adjustments.
• Amended Personnel Policy and Amended Tuition Assistance Policy.
• Re-appointment of Teddy Hawes and Louis (Buzzy) Dillon to the West Side Calhoun County Navigation District.
• Donation of 70 Majesty Palm trees valued at $3,403.40 to Precinct 1.
• Final payment of $4,367.17 to KSBR LLC for Grant Administration.

2027 budget workshops continue

The Commissioners Court held budget workshops on July 20, July 27, and July 28 to discuss the 2027 county budget. Minutes for those workshops have not yet been published. The agendas list discussion of the 2027 budget and consideration of any necessary action, but no specific budget figures or proposals are detailed.

July 20 GBRA WaterSECURE workshop

A July 20 workshop was scheduled for a presentation on the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority's (GBRA) WaterSECURE program, with the court listed to consider and take any necessary action afterward. Minutes for that workshop have not yet been published.

July 29 agenda: CPR grant, cybersecurity contract

The July 29 Commissioners Court agenda included items that have not yet been reported as decided:

• Acceptance of a $50,000 CPR Device Replacement Purchase Assistance grant from the ED Rachal Foundation.
• Consideration of 2026 budget adjustments.
• An Interlocal Cooperation Contract with UT Rio Grande Valley Regional Security Operations Center for cybersecurity monitoring.
• An agreement with iWorQ for Permit and Code Enforcement Management Software.
• Acceptance of $484.50 from the City of Seadrift for sign blanks.

Minutes for the July 29 meeting have not yet been published.

Coming up

• Aug. 3, workshop: 2027 budget discussion.
• Aug. 5, Commissioners Court: Consideration of $3,143.34 in local funds for the Lane Road project under GLO Contract 20-065-064-C182; renewal of a TPDES General Industrial Storm Water Permit contract with AARC Environmental, Inc. for the airport; renewal of a service agreement with Silverback Septic Solutions for the Precinct 2 office; a contract with Lester Contracting, Inc. for the Seadrift Drainage Improvements Project Phase II; and authorization of up to $40,000 in GOMESA funds for the King Fisher Pier Extension Project.
• Aug. 6, workshop: 2027 budget discussion.
• Aug. 7, workshop: 2027 budget discussion.
• Aug. 11, workshop: 2027 budget discussion.

Calhoun County Commissioners approve $329,050 ambulance purchase; 2027 budget talks continue

The Calhoun County Commissioners Court approved a $329,050 purchase of a new ambulance for County EMS during its July 8 meeting. The unanimous vote was part of a series of approvals covering county bills, contracts, and park improvements.

July 8 Commissioners Court Actions

All items approved by the court on July 8 were unanimous. In addition to the ambulance purchase, the court approved a $10,000 engineering services contract with G&W Engineers for a library roof replacement.

The court also approved two pay estimates to Sylva Construction for Bill Sanders Park improvements: Pay Estimate No. 3 for $4,529.70 and Pay Estimate No. 4 for $31,199.49.

Other unanimous approvals included the July 1, 2026 meeting minutes, 2026 budget adjustments, MMC and County bills/payroll, and acceptance of reports from the Sheriff's Department, Justices of the Peace, Floodplain and Auditor offices. The court also approved a proclamation recognizing the chartering of the Calhoun County Lions Club.

July 15 Meeting Agenda

The court met on July 15, though official minutes have not yet been published. The agenda listed potential awards for Bid No. 2026.10 for the King Fisher Pier Extension Project at King Fisher Beach in Port O'Connor and Bid No. 2026.13 for the Seadrift Drainage Improvements Project Phase II under a GLO Contract.

The agenda also included authorization to use up to $50,000 from GOMESA for King Fisher Beach Restroom Project cost overruns, acceptance of multiple donations, and annual generator maintenance agreements totaling $8,846.34 with Loftin Equipment Company.

Donations listed on the agenda included $500 to the Sheriff's Office motivation account, two $75 anonymous donations, $500 to EMS, and $3,566.56 in emergency equipment from the Port O'Connor Service Club.

2027 Budget Workshops

Between July 6 and July 9, the Commissioners Court held multiple workshops to discuss 2027 budget requests with department heads. Minutes for these workshops have not been published. The agendas indicate discussions on budget requests and consideration of necessary action, though no specific votes or proposals are listed.

Coming Up

• **July 20:** The court will hold a workshop to hear a presentation on the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority's (GBRA) WaterSECURE program, followed by a workshop to discuss the 2027 county budget.
• **July 22:** The Commissioners Court will consider a $257,500 purchase and installation of a Carrier chiller for the Adult Detention Center from Energy Mechanical Service, Inc. The agenda also includes a Motorola Solutions Service Agreement for $242,444.07 covering July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027; a contract extension to May 31, 2028, for Magnolia Beach Erosion Control and Beach Restoration; a final payment of $4,367.17 to KSBR LLC for Calhoun Communications Project - Radio grant administration; and approval of Sheriff and Constable Fees for 2027.
• **July 27 and July 28:** The court will hold workshops to continue discussions on the 2027 county budget. The July 27 meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.