Waller County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waller County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Termination of Pine Island sewage inspection agreement
The county would end its interlocal agreement with the Town of Pine Island for on-site sewage facility inspections and sanitation services, and turn over Pine Island's OSSF records.
School fund distribution
About $23,000 in interest earned on school lands was distributed to Waller County schools based on enrollment, a big jump from the $4,000-$5,000 of prior years.
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.
Morrison Road Right-of-Way Donations
Two developers donated nearly 3 acres along Morrison Road to the county for public right of way, supporting planned road improvements.
Riley Road Bridge Replacement Change Orders
The bridge project picked up about $43,000 in added costs for message signs and closeout reconciliation. It's a modest addition to finish the job right.
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.
Appraisal district board vacancy
The court tabled a plan to nominate Tax Assessor Carolyn Midkey as a voting member of the appraisal district board after commissioners raised concerns about the optics of the county's largest customer sitting on that board.
Community center rental policies and refund authority
After a renter was locked out for an hour, the court gave a partial refund and then delegated minor community center decisions — including small refunds — to the parks director, so renters get faster resolutions without waiting for a commissioners meeting.
SB 22 employee overpayments
Small grant overpayments spread across more than ten current and former DA employees; the court tabled the question of whether to pursue collections.
Waller County Historical Society support
The court honored the Historical Society, which maintains courthouse displays, historical markers, and a digital archive — and needs new members (dues are $10 a year for a family).
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.
FEMA grant repayment for Harvey-era projects
The county is paying back about $10,000 in FEMA grant funds for the Pennick Bridge and McAllister Culvert projects after the state deobligated them — the projects were completed with other funding, so no loss to the county.
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.
First-responder equipment grant
The county is applying for a $38,517.55 ONEOK foundation grant for Fire Marshal and emergency management equipment, found through the pipeline company's community outreach.
Sheriff's maintenance garage nearing completion
The new sheriff's maintenance garage is on track to be operational within about 60 days, with equipment purchased and doors being installed.
Library community space shortage
Dr. Maddox reported the library's community room is booked nearly around the clock and suggested repurposing space in the annex as additional community meeting space.