A budget workshop was on the agenda for the regular meeting of the Polk County Commissioners Court Tuesday. The Court approved renewing the current plan with Texas Association of Counties for employee health coverage-major medical and going out for requests for proposals for a broker to study other options.
Possible changes to the 2027 plan options and contribution rate for Texas County & District Retirement System were discussed, though no action was taken. New staffing requests to be included in the fiscal year 2027 proposed budget were discussed. The Court also discussed salaries, expenses and allowances of elected officials, opting to make no changes for fiscal year 2027.
A public hearing to receive comment on a request to replat Indian Hills Estate Section 1 Block 2 Lots 3-6 as Lots 3-6a and 3-6b drew no comment and the request was approved as presented.
The Court approved the appointment of Precinct 1 Commissioner Guylene Robertson, Precinct 3 Commissioner Milt Purvis and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jerry Cassity to serve on the Deep East Texas Council of Governments Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term.
The purchase of an Eventide 9-1-1 voice recorder system for the sheriff’s office was approved and will be funded from the fund balance.
In action relating to expenditures from maintenance capital outlay buildings (budgeted funds), the Court approved the replacement of the air conditioning unit at the county annex building, not to exceed $11,990.
A memorandum of understanding with Texas Legal Services Center for a Texas Law Help kiosk, to be located at the Polk County Judicial Center, was approved.
The Court approved a five-year agreement with NEOGOV for applicant insight and onboard modules.
An offer to purchase tax foreclosed property, specifically, Lots 243 and 244, Section 22, Big Thicket Lake Estates, Cause #T25-0039, located in Precinct 4, was approved.
Though the Court previously opted to rebid cracked fuel products for Precincts 1-4 Road and Bridge due to the price exceeding a 25% increase, the bid received raised questions so the Court approved tabling the matter.
In personnel matters the Court approved personnel action form requests submitted by department heads since last meeting; approved the payment of FLSA time accrued by Telecommunications Operator Jennifer Norris; and approved an update to the Personnel Management System Book 2 to replace Section 11.07 with a computer and information security policy.
Fiscal year 2026 budget revisions and amendments, as presented by the county auditor’s office, were approved.
During informational reports, the Court presented a proclamation in recognition of Elder Abuse Prevention Month and received a presentation from Richard Ashcraft, an account manager with Texas County and District Retirement System.
Items on the consent agenda included:
Robert Murphy of First Baptist Church Providence opened the meeting with prayer.
