An update from the county clerk regarding the consolidation of voting precincts for the May 26 Republican Primary Runoff Election was presented during the May 12 meeting of the Polk County Commissioners Court.
Early voting begins Monday and ends May 22. Early voting will be available from 7-7 p.m. at three location: the Polk County Judicial Center at 101 W. Mill St. in Livingston; the Sechrest Webster Community Center at 100 W. Front St. in Corrigan; and the Onalaska Sub-Courthouse at 14111 US 190 West in Onalaska.
On Election Day, May 26, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations: Schwab City Baptist Church at 10998 SH 146 in Livingston; Goodrich Community Center at 857 Loop 393 in Goodrich, Onalaska Sub-Courthouse at 14111 US 190 West in Onalaska; Blanchard Baptist Church at 2450 FM 2457 in Livingston; Sechrest Webster Community Center at 100 W. Front St. in Corrigan; Alabama-Coushatta Administration Building at 571 State Park Rd. #56 in Livingston; and the Polk County Judicial Center at 101 W. Mill St. in Livingston.
The county judge and Precinct 2 county commissioner races will be on the ballot. Incumbent County Judge Sydney Murphy will face Challenger Larry Pfeil and Incumbent Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark DuBose will face Challenger Jay Stutts.
The Court approved an expenditure from maintenance capital outlay buildings (budgeted funds) for the replacement of HVAC equipment at the Dunbar Complex in the amount of $8,594.40. The work will be conducted by Dillon AC and Heating and will take place in the portion of the building occupied by SAAFE House.
A request from Sheriff Byron Lyons to activate L3Harris BeOn system for both handheld and vehicle radios, to be funded by the mental health deputy grant, was approved.
Action authorizing the Linebarger law firm to send delinquent tax collection notices through text messaging as authorized by the Texas Property Tax Code was approved.
The Court approved submission of a grant application to the Texas General Land Office Community Development and Revitalization Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery 2024 Disasters Local Communities Program and authorizing the county judge to act as the county’s executive officer and the authorized representative in all matters pertaining to the county’s participation in the program.
A order adopting the Polk County Fraud, Waste and Abuse Policy was approved.
An order authorizing the sale of fireworks during the Memorial Day period of May 20 through midnight May 25 was also approved.
A committee was appointed to review options for life insurance policy renewal.
A budget workshop was held at which time the Court reviewed the tax rate and tax base information for Polk and surrounding areas; reviewed the budget calendar and deadlines; reviewed the preliminary draft budget book; and reviewed and discussed budget requests submitted by Sheriff Lyons.
The Court approved acceptance of a 250th Anniversary United States of America flag donated by the Polk County Historical Commission.
In personnel matters, the Court approved personnel action form requests submitted by department heads since the last meeting. Additionally, the Court approved requests for the reclassification of secretary to office manager for the environmental enforcement/fire marshal department, the information technology department and the grants and contracts department. The reclassifications occurred because the work being performed by these individuals has substantially increased in scope.
Fiscal year 2026 budget revisions and amendments, as presented by the county auditor’s office, were approved.
Maintenance Superintendent Grady Woods presented an annual report from the maintenance department. He reported the department received 1,723 work orders and that 96% of those are completed. He also reviewed highlights of some of the bigger projects.
Additionally, the Court received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for fiscal year 2026.
In old business, the Court approved the minutes of the April 14 regular meeting.
During public comments, Toni Cochran-Hughes expressed her displeasure that March 6 was the last day that Goodrich ISD had a school resource officer.
Items on the consent agenda included:
Lindell Mitchell of Livingston Church of Christ opened the meeting with prayer.
