Waller County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waller County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
In-car video systems for deputies and constables
The Sheriff's Office and three constable precincts would get the Rocket in-car video platform, a roughly $51,500 purchase aimed at equipping patrol vehicles with modern video recording.
Senior meal delivery funding
After federal cuts threatened Meals on Wheels service levels, the county committed $15,000 over five years to keep hot meals and wellness checks coming to homebound seniors.
Foster care caseload decline and CPS policy changes
Legislative changes now require kids be in immediate danger before CPS can remove them, so caseloads fell from 63 children in 2019 to 14 — but the remaining cases are more severe. Officials urged residents to speak up and report concerns.
Victim services expansion in the DA's office
One victim assistance coordinator currently handles about 1,200 victim contacts a quarter across two courts. Salary savings will fund a second coordinator and a civil paralegal.
New district court for Waller County
The court backed a resolution asking the 2027 Legislature to create a new district court in Waller County — a response to the county's growth and court caseloads.
Rural ambulance service grant
The county signed an interlocal with Waller-Harris ESD 200 for a rural ambulance service grant under House Bill 3000 — supporting emergency medical coverage in rural areas.
Burn ban amid drought
A burn ban is now in effect across Waller County, meaning outdoor burning is prohibited. The Fire Marshal can lift it if conditions improve and conditions are met.
Homeland Security radio grant for county law enforcement
The county won its full homeland security grant request but equipment prices jumped, so it scaled back to 20 portable and 5 mobile radios and put up local money to finish the project.
TxDOT Traffic Safety and Indigent Defense Grants
The county accepted about $125,000 in state grants for traffic enforcement and indigent defense, requiring roughly $15,300 in local matching funds.
Brookshire detention facility project terminated
A grant-funded detention facility planned with Brookshire is dead because land prices jumped $2.5-2.7 million during the slow federal grant process. The county will raise the funding-delay issue with its state delegation.
Reserve deputy caps for constables
The court set a maximum of 20 reserve deputies per constable department, down from an informal figure near 30, based on courtroom staffing needs.
Flock license plate reader contract opposition
A resident warned that proposed data centers in the region are 'surveillance data centers' that could aggregate residents' personal data, and questioned Governor Abbott's assurances about reduced electricity bills. She also asked for transparency on a large project in Katy.
Non-emergency medical transportation access
A retired nurse wants to start a non-emergency medical transport service for hospice and dialysis patients, freeing county EMS ambulances for true emergencies. Commissioners liked the idea but tabled it pending a business plan and legal clarity on the county's oversight role.
Sheriff's Office Pay Parity
Big pay raises in Houston and Harris County are pulling trained deputies away, and Waller County must raise pay to keep them. Constables also want parity with the sheriff's office, since their employees can earn more doing the same job there.
Indigent defense capacity
A second contract defense attorney resigned in three months because of heavy caseloads, forcing the county to hire a replacement. The county attorney warned that rapid growth is straining the courts and budget season must address it.
Sheriff polygraph capability via Crime Stoppers donation
A $7,000 Crime Stoppers donation buys a polygraph machine for the Sheriff's Office, which has its own licensed polygrapher. It could save $300–$500 per applicant if the state requires polygraphs for all hires.
Countywide criminal justice software modernization
The county is moving from separate Southern Software and Tyler systems to one cloud-based Tyler enterprise product covering the sheriff, courts, clerks, and DA. Officials say it ends duplicate data entry and data falling through cracks, and gives all law enforcement agencies unlimited licenses.
Electronic warrants in the field
A new Cloud Gavel system lets judges magistrate warrants remotely with CJIS compliance, instead of the current cumbersome scan-email-sign process. It has a 30-day out if it doesn't work.
National Police Week proclamation
The county officially honors its deputies, constables, municipal police, and troopers on January 9. Commissioners emphasized the dangers and sacrifices of the profession, including for officers' families.