Commissioners Approve E-Cigarettes for Jail Inmates

Falls County Commissioners Court met Monday, July 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. The commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F. A. Green (Pct 2) via teleconference, Jason Willberg (Pct. 3), and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). ADA Steve Sharp was present.

Immediately, the Court moved into closed session to discuss litigation with attorney, Bridges v. Falls County, et al., No. 6:223v-0037 (W.D. Tex.) After returning from Executive Session, Commissioner Wuebker moved that the County authorize Judge Elliott to sign a settlement agreement recommended by TAC that provides the County, will make a public statement and that provides TAC Rick Pool paying all settlement amounts. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried.

In other matters, Commissioners approved the appointment of Kayci Nehring to calculate the 2025 tax year for several Interlocal agreements for assessment and collection of taxes. Surrounding areas include the City of Lott, Rosebud-Lott ISD, Emergency Service District #2, and the Elm Creek Watershed Authority. Also approved was the purchase of a Civil Fee Book-Volume 5 for the County Clerk office.

A vapor policy in the county jail was discussed. The sale of e-Cigarettes is benefiting both inmates and staff. According to the report provided, “Jail is inherently stressful, and nicotine withdrawal adds to the stress.” The jail will profit from the sales, and the e-Cigarette is inmate only, not staff. Commissioner Albright moved to approve the sale of e-Cigarettes to inmates, seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, the motion carried. Commissioners also approved the purchase of equipment for safety and security improvements at the jail.

On another note, the Commissioners approved Sheriff and Constable fees of $75 for warrants. An electronically $3750 draw for the Chilton CDBG Contract Number CDV230043 Draw Request #3, to Burkes and Walker Engineering LLC, was approved. Commissioners approved to reinstate the Regional Public Defender for Capital Credits Interlocal Agreement 2026-27.

Commissioners approved the (1) Certification of Additional Sales and Use Tax to Pay Debt Services for taxing unit Falls County and taxing unit Falls County Lateral Road, for Fiscal Year 2026, (2) Commercial Two-Year Lease Agreement in the Industrial Park with NextLink, (3) the $3500 Kologik Software Amendment #2. The software enables law enforcement agencies to docu- ment, record, manage and exchange information for daily law activities and (4) OCV Apps for the Sheriff Department. The OCV Apps allows communication with inmate families, identifies sex offenders and provide inmate-search. This will be funded by the Commissary account, and at no cost to the county.

The 2025-2026 Commissioners’ Court/Budget Meetings were accepted, August 2, 8,11,15,18, 21. There will be no changes after August 22. Commissioners will vote on the proposed budget and tax rate at the August 25 meeting. September 8 is the public hearing on proposed tax rate and budget and formal adoption of both.

Jeff Jackson, Road & Bridge Administrator provided updates on several bridges. He indicated the county probably would not be reimbursed by FEMA for the cost. He is considering trade-in values to purchase a new grader.

Commissioners approved the payments of bills. With no further business, the meeting adjourned. The next Commissioners’ Court meeting will be on August 11 at 9 a.m.