09/06/2025
Director Thomas presented to the Commissioner’s Court the recent addition of Panola County into the East Texas CSCD. We are so proud of this merger and proudly welcome them in!
The Jasper County Commissioners Court met in a Special Session on Friday, September 5th, 2025 and covered the following agenda items:
First, the Court held a public hearing on the proposed tax rate, which was at 0.6162, and an increase from the original proposed tax rate that was filed in July, which was 0.5711 intended to match the previous year’s rate.
After discussion and public input, the Court closed the public hearing and held a budget workshop on the FY2026 budget and the proposed tax rate, discussing items included within the budget for the upcoming year.
The Court heard from Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Larry Pulliam and Major Steve Crowell, who thanked the Court for the three additional Deputy Sheriff positions and the increased salaries and certificate pay for all of the law enforcement officers, jailers, dispatchers and support staff.
The Court noted slight increases in other areas of the Sheriff’s Office budget for vehicles and the transfer of the county-funded secretary position from the Texas Department of Transportation Jasper office over to the Sheriff’s Office to be primarily stationed at the Buna SubCourthouse in support of law enforcement operations in South Jasper County.
The Court also noted that Jasper County’s six Constable positions were included in the law enforcement salary increases and discussed funding Jasper County’s local match on the grant funded 440 foot tall radio communication tower to be constructed at the Sheriff’s Office, as part of Jasper County’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement communication and emergency response.
After making a few cost-neutral line item changes, the Court voted to adopt the FY2026 budget, and after a lengthy discussion voted to reduce the tax rate back down to the original rate proposed at 0.5711, which is the same rate as last year with no increase.
The Court also heard from Director Chris Thomas of the East Texas Community Supervision & Corrections Department regarding the inclusion of Panola County into their jurisdictional boundary. Currently the East Texas CSCD encompasses Jasper, Newton, Sabine, San Augustine, Tyler and Shelby Counties. After a brief discussion, the Court approved the addition of this jurisdiction, noting that there would be no additional cost to Jasper County.
The Court then voted to accept the retirement of Mr. Calvin Cooper from the Jasper County Emergency Services District #4 board of directors and selected Mr. Todd Parsons to replace him on the board for the remainder of the term. The Court expressed its thanks to Mr. Cooper for his many years of service on the Emergency Services District board, and also thanked Todd Parsons for volunteering to serve his local community.
Next, the Court voted to renew the contracts between Jasper County and the Texas Department of Transportation – Aviation Division for the FY2026 Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) grants at Jasper County’s Bell Field Airport and Kirbyville Airport. These grants allow Jasper County to leverage local funds as a match to receive up to $100,000.00 in grant revenue to maintain and improve both of Jasper County’s airports.
In other grant business, the Court voted to approve the FY2025 Texas Indigent Defense Commission grant in the amount of $30,459.00, which assists in reimbursing Jasper County for a portion of the expenditures paid out on court-appointed attorneys on criminal cases.
The Court then voted to reappoint County Judge Mark Allen to continue serving on the Spindletop Center board of directors representing Jasper County.
Concluding business, the Court voted to approve a national opioids class action settlement at the recommendation of counsel and the State of Texas between Jasper County and several pharmaceutical companies, including Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun and Zydus.
That covers it for this Court meeting. Have a great weekend, and as always, feel free to call if you need anything my way.
Mark Allen, County Judge
Jasper County, Texas
