2026-01-29 Denton County Commissioners Court

MITCHELL

Here, some people have probably enjoyed being in the house and taking a break from business this week. But this is the Denton County Commissioner's Court. We do have a quorum present. And I'm going to go ahead and call the Commissioner's Court to order. I want to thank you for your presence here, for getting out here, and coming to see us in action. your court in action. Thank you so much. At this time, we're going to call on our own health director, Matt Richardson, to come up and give us our invocation. Looking forward to it.

RICHARDSON

Good morning, commissioners. Let's go to our father in prayer. Our father, we thank you this morning for the sunshine.

We thank you for the warmer temperatures. We thank you for this promise of a new day. So God, we bring to you our gratitude for just a marvelous blessing that you provide to each of us.

And we ask for the wisdom to treat it as such, and that we use our time wisely in your service. Father, we bring to you this morning so many things. We bring to you our gratitude, but we bring to you our requests, our supplication.

But God, we ask things of you because you told us that we could. We ask you be with those who are sick. Father, the ice, so troublesome for so many.

So people that have had some hardship, father, we ask for your blessing upon them, healing and peace for those either injured or stressed in these times. Father, we ask for continued warmth as your creation warms after such cold. Father, we ask that we can embrace that and view that as the blessing that it is.

Father, for those who are sick, for those who are shut in, for our families, friends, and neighbors, God, we ask for healing, and we ask for your help in their time of need. Father, we just ask as we move through this day and the end of this week and forward through this new year, God, we ask that you walk with us and that we look to you for guidance, that we ask things of you, that we ask for you to be ever present in our lives. Father, I bring this prayer to our commissioners, our leaders in front of us.

I ask that you provide them an extra measure of wisdom and humility and to look to you for that guidance as we all do. Father, we thank you for them and their sacrifice, their leadership, and father, the willingness to step up and be there for our community. Father, we thank you for so many good things you give, these blessings, these gifts, because they are that, blessings and gifts.

And then we thank you most of all for the example of your son, his life, his death, that resurrection that means something to us. We thank you for him, and it's through the name of Jesus Christ that we pray this morning. Amen.

WILLIAMS

Amen.

MITCHELL

Amen. Thank you, Dr. Richardson. Paul Bassett is going to give us our pledges to the Texas flag and to the American flag.

BASSETT

Yes. Let's go ahead and begin. Everybody, please join me in the pledge to the American flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And now to the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state, under God, one and indivisible.

MITCHELL

Thank you.

BASSETT

Put that microphone back up there.

MITCHELL

Our next item on the agenda is the public input for items not listed on the agenda, and I do not have any public forms. So at this time, we're going to go into our consent agenda. Our consent agenda consists of approval of order-making appointments and any appropriate action.

Appointments have been posted and advertised. Commissioners, I need a

WILLIAMS

move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

So I have a motion and a second. Our consent agenda, approval of budget amendment request number 2026-139 for facilities management to transfer $4,000 from Loop 288 Central Plant Building Services, Water Services, and $4,000 from Loop 288 Central Plant Building Services, gas service to Cornell Building, building services, water service in Cornell Building, building service, gas for a total transfer of $8,000 to fund utilities for the Cornell Building and any appropriate action. 2D is approval of a budget amendment request number 2026-140 for facilities management to transfer $20,350 from equipment maintenance to maintenance management to allocate funding for necessary equipment maintenance and any appropriate action.

2E is approval of budget amendment request number 2026-141 for facilities management to transfer $40,000 from operational service HVAC supplies to repair and maintenance service contract to allocate additional funding for service contracts and any appropriate action. 2F is approval of the December 2025 Road Superintendent Report presented for recording purposes only. 2A,

SPEAKER

and I'm sorry, Commissioner. Let the record show that 2B was approval of payroll, and then we did need a vote on that as well.

MITCHELL

OK, I was going back to that. OK, thank you. That's OK.

2B is approval of payroll. And we all have a motion and a second. All in favor?

Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Thank you. I appreciate it. When you're filling in, it takes all of us to help to get this done.

Our next item on the agenda is the resolution awards approval of a resolution recognizing Brian Nelson retirement with 50 years. Oh, that's good, 50 years. And any appropriate action.

And I don't believe he's here today.

WILLIAMS

Oh, yeah, he's here.

MITCHELL

Oh, can you see him? Come on up, Mr. Wilson. That's 29 years.

I don't know.

WILLIAMS

I was going to say 50 years old.

MITCHELL

No, it's from the Sheriff's office. It looked like a five. So thank you for being here this morning.

We have a resolution in your honor. And I'll read the resolution and then give you a chance to make some comments. And then we'll take some photos.

And the Sheriff will give you a chance to make some comments also. It reads as whereas Deputy Brian Nelson has been a loyal employee with the Denton County Sheriff office since December 5, 1996, and will retire on January 31 with over 29 years of service. And whereas Brian began his career as a detention officer and in 1998 graduated from the University of North Texas Police Academy, earning his peace officer's license.

In 2000, he briefly worked for Pilot Point PD, but was rehired later that year and served as a patrol deputy for the rest of his career. Brian holds a Master Peace Officer License and a Master Jailers License. And whereas Brian was born in Dallas in 1970 and raised in the heart of Lewisville.

After graduating from Lewisville High School, he traded his civilian life for a uniform, joining the United States Navy in 1992. As an aviation machinist mate stationed at NAS Norfolk with HC-6, he spent eight months deployed in the Mediterranean maintaining the aircraft that kept their mission moving. Brian states that his greatest journey began back home.

He married his high school sweetheart, Judy, in Norfolk. And they have now shared 32 incredible years together. In 1996, they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa.

And he transitioned from the Navy to a lifelong career at the Denton County Sheriff's Office. For nearly three decades, Denton County has been his second home. From walking the barracks as a detention officer and serving on the SORT team to patrolling the waters of Ray Roberts Lake and Lewisville Lake by boat, he has seen this county grow from every angle.

Along the way, he and his wife, Judy, moved to Pilot Point to raise their three children, Lisa, Brian, mentors, and Lisa, Brian Cole, and Casey. Brian states that the Denton County Sheriff's Office has been more than a job. To him, it has been a brotherhood, a mentors, heroes, who shaped the man he is today.

He's excited about the next chapter, where he plans to head east with his wife and embrace a slower pace on a small farm. He quotes, I leave with a grateful heart, a deep love for my law enforcement family, and a spirit ready for the open road as we began our travels across the United States this summer. And whereas Deputy Brian Nelson, Supervisor, has highlighted his valuable contributions to the Denton County Sheriff's Office with 29 years of dedication, including service as a detention officer, Brian's leadership and extensive law enforcement experience will be deeply missed.

His servant attitude and professional behavior exemplify the ideal patrol deputy. His commitment and reliability being vital to the patrol's division daily function. We proudly extend our best wishes to Brian for a fulfilling retirement.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that Denton County Commissioners Court, Denton County, Texas, does hereby extend to Brian Nelson our sincere and grateful appreciation for his dedicated service to Denton County. We congratulate Brian on his well-earned retirement and extend our best wishes to him for continued success, happiness, and good health in the years to come. Donning open court this 29th day of January, 2026 upon a motion made by-

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

Motion made by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Falconer. All in favor? Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. Brian, the Sheriff, you wanna say something first?

SHERIFF

Yes, ma'am. We're gonna let him go last.

MITCHELL

Okay.

SHERIFF

As you can tell by that, it's a lifetime of service to our country, to our state, to our county, and it's bittersweet when police officers retire after a long, distinguished career. It's sweet because he gets to walk away safe. Yes.

He gets to walk away with his family, and Brian knows how special that is, how important that is. He's been around long enough to see a lot of folks who haven't gotten to do that. The bitter part of it is we lose so much experience, and we lose someone who has exemplified what it means to be a police officer, has made us proud, made many sheriffs proud of the job that he's done, including me, and it's a little bitter because the kids, as I call them, who are coming into this profession won't have that experience to rely on, but I'm thankful for Brian's service.

I'm thankful that he gets to retire and did so safely, served his community, been in countless situations where it could have turned out so bad, but it didn't. He's helped countless people who we will never know their names, but it's true, and we're gonna miss him. We're going to support him, and we're thankful that he was one of us for so long.

Thank you, Brian.

NELSON

Thank you, sir. Thank you for the words.

WILLIAMS

Do you mind, Commissioner, if I say something real quick?

MITCHELL

Oh, he said something?

FALCONER

Yeah, he's last. He's gonna go last.

MITCHELL

He's not last with you.

WILLIAMS

He's last, last, because I'm not important. He's the important one.

MITCHELL

I want him to say, go ahead and say something.

WILLIAMS

Yeah, if you don't mind. 29 years is a long time to dedicate yourself to a service such as law enforcement, and especially part of that time in the jail, which is even more difficult, in my opinion. I've never done it, done the other part, but not the jail.

So I just want to tell you how much we appreciate it, and obviously, with all the men and women here today to show their appreciation, that means that you are obviously a great deputy and gonna be well missed, but yeah, as Sheriff said, you get to walk away unscathed. As far as physically, mentally, there's things that you never get to forget and that people don't understand that are not in law enforcement, what that's like, the things you've seen on duty, and even your wonderful wife, which we really appreciate, obviously, the families that support us at home because they don't always know what you deal with on a day-to-day basis, and I'm sure you don't let them know everything either, because sometimes it's not really appropriate, if you will, to let them understand some of the things that we see out there, but thank you again for 29 years.

Now you get to go relax and enjoy your life as though you should. Unfortunately, we don't get to give you like the $10 million that you should get when you retire from law enforcement, but at the end of the day, thank you so much for your service and please enjoy yourself while you can.

SPEAKER

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

MITCHELL

kevin?

FALCONER

Yes, I would echo those comments, Brian. Congratulations for a job well done. Thank you for your service to the country as well.

We appreciate that. It's obvious that you really are, you have a servant's heart, and those are the kind of people that we really need and we're gonna miss you, but enjoy that retirement. Thank you.

MITCHELL

Brian, we thank you for your service here at Denton County and for your service also for our nation. Thank you for all that you poured in to Denton County and the Sheriff's Office, and I'm proud that you were a product of Lewisville High School in Lewisville, Texas, and we thank you for all that you do, and we want you to go out, have a great time, travel with your wife, children, and grandchildren, and just be blessed because you've earned it here at Denton County.

You've given us your best and now I want you to go out and enjoy that. So at this time, as Ryan said, we'll let you have words.

WILLIAMS

Last word.

NELSON

Well, I'd like to thank my Lord and Savior and my wife, and I'd like to thank the commissioners. Ms. Mitchell, you've been around a long time, ever since I've been here, and you're a real familiar face and I appreciate it. I remember as a kid, I used to come around your house for trick-or-treating, because I lived kind of in your neighborhood, but I like to think.

WILLIAMS

She's the one that gave an apple, probably, or a quarter or something instead of candy.

MITCHELL

Actually, I gave him a handful of candy. Then I took some of it and ate it.

FALCONER

Yeah, you took a little bit.

WILLIAMS

Sorry.

NELSON

But I'd like to thank the sheriff's department, a lot of these guys behind me. We did a lot of things hand-in-hand and they mean a lot to me. They're more of a family than a co-worker.

But I just appreciate everybody allowing me to be able to give back to my community and be a public servant. It's meant a lot to me. Thank you very much.

MITCHELL

Thank you very much. We have a motion and a second, let's go down and vote.

WILLIAMS

Thank you, sir.

MITCHELL

You know, it's really a blessing to see a law enforcement go home in good condition to their family because I know that I do have law enforcement in my family and it's so nice to be able to go home to your family at night and to retire after 29 years from Denton County. That's a blessing and we appreciate you, Brian. Our next item on the agenda is 3B, is a court proclamation for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Bob's House of Hope.

And we have here to represent Bob's House of Hope is Landon Dickerson this morning. Landon, come on up.

WILLIAMS

Morning, sir.

DICKERSON

Morning.

FALCONER

Hey, Landon.

DICKERSON

Thank y'all for having me.

MITCHELL

Thank you for the job that you do first and I have a proclamation for Bob's House of Hope. Bob couldn't be here this morning. He let me know that he couldn't be here on yesterday.

So I appreciate you being here.

DICKERSON

Yes, ma'am.

MITCHELL

Whereas human trafficking is a public issue and crime that affects individual families, communities across generations, exploiting the most vulnerable among us and weakening our collective well being.

And whereas human trafficking as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act is a commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, coercion, or when a person induced to perform such act is not 18 years old. All the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud, coercion, for subjection to involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or slavery. And whereas human trafficking can happen to anyone, but certain populations are at high risk because of a lack of prevention and services.

In particular, boys and young men, people affected by prior abuse or sexual violence, poverty and unstable living situations or homelessness, as well as those systematically marginalized and underserved. And whereas people can be trafficked in person, online, in industries such as restaurants, cleaning services, construction, factories, and by strangers or by someone they know, including partners, parents, and other family members. And whereas human trafficking is preventable by building individual community and social understanding and resilience reducing social inequities and addressing social determinants of health.

And whereas Robert Bob Williams opened Bob's House of Hope, the first safe house in the country dedicated to male survivors of human trafficking ages 18 and up. Bob's House of Hope is committed to ensuring all male identifying the individuals impacted by human trafficking can receive person centered trauma informed and cultured appropriate care. And whereas human trafficking requires a coordinated community wide response, and Denton County, Texas will form diverse partnership to comprehensively address human traffic.

And whereas people who have experienced human trafficking have critical perspective and expertise and Bob's House of Hope will appropriately engage and collaborate with them to strengthen trafficking related services and programs. And whereas National Human Trafficking Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, educate everyone on how they can prevent and respond to human trafficking. Denton County encourages everyone to visit www.acf.hhs.gov slash OTIP and www.humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about human trafficking and ways they can help.

Now, therefore it be resolved that Denton County Commissioner's Court do does hereby proclaim the month of January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, reaffirming the commitment to support efforts to address human trafficking, making resources available to assist individuals and communities that have experienced human trafficking and build public-private partnership to increase in capacity to support a comprehensive and strategic response to human trafficking. Done in open court this 29th day of January, 2026 upon a motion made by the Chair.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second made by Commissioner Williams. Landon, for many years, we thought that just females were trafficked.

We found out since Bob's House of Hope that not only does female get trafficked, males does also. And I just want to thank you and commend you and Bob for the work that you do to protect our male as well as our females. Thank you for being in Denton County.

Thank you for doing all this work that you've done and continuing to work with the County and partners to make sure that we can rid this, at least Denton County, of human trafficking. Kevin.

WILLIAMS

No, go ahead.

FALCONER

You'll be next.

WILLIAMS

I’ll have my opportunity.

MITCHELL

You'll get an opportunity.

WILLIAMS

That's what I said, I'll get my opportunity.

FALCONER

Landon, you guys do the work of angels and we so appreciate that. This is such a horrific situation that we have. We wish you didn't have to do what you do.

There's so many of those things, but we are so happy that there is someone like Bob's House of Hope and the group out that you all have that actually addressed this because it has been something that has not been addressed for so many years. And you guys are not just solving the problem there for those young men, but you're making it more of an awareness for the broader community and we so appreciate that. So thank you so much for everything that all of you do and Godspeed.

MITCHELL

Brian.

WILLIAMS

Yes, thank you. Thank you, sir.

We really appreciate what you guys do for not only the community, but these individuals. And you get the aftermath, obviously, of a lot of these individuals and try to help them through. And most of them are addicted to some type of narcotic because that's what was given to them to be able to continue whatever practice they were in.

But as you touched on, there's two multiple, there's two parts of this. There's obviously the sex side of it, and then there's the workforce side of it. I will say, whether you agree with our president or not, what he's done at the border has significantly decreased the human trafficking that goes on within the borders.

That doesn't mean we still don't have it inside. And the cartel, that is their largest revenue stream, which we've choked off quite a bit at the border, but they still will take people from inside our country and then traffic them. So it's a sad situation.

But I also, if you don't mind, before you get a chance to speak, I'd love to ask the sheriff to come up because the sheriff's department got thoroughly involved in this in 21. And we have a division that works very hard on a day-to-day basis with investigators and works with other departments and Homeland Security and also works with other government agencies. And I feel like we've been very successful.

And I'd love the sheriff to just get a few minutes so he can talk about what he's been able to, the impact he's been able to make and appreciate what his folks do as well. So sheriff, if you don't mind.

SHERIFF

Commissioner, first of all, I'm very proud to be on the board of directors for this organization and have been for a long time. And as Commissioner Mitchell said, it's been an eye-opening experience, especially I've been doing this for a long, long time. And if you would have talked to me about sex trafficking a few years ago, it would have been girls that popped up in my head and I wouldn't have thought a second about the boys.

It was just something that didn't register in our psyche. And Bob and Landon have done a tremendous job of bringing that to light. I'm proud that Denton County is the home to the first home for sexual trafficked boys.

It has nationwide attention. And as Landon can tell you, their phones never stop ringing from across the country. And that's on purpose because of the nationwide efforts to get the word out that they have done.

And they've done a tremendous job. And it's with our human trafficking unit and the things that we do, they are a tremendous resource for information, for services, to direction on where to go on a lot of these things. And I tell people all the time, Denton County is so fortunate of our nonprofits where I've been to places and other people where the nonprofits are in a constant knock down, drag out over the same dollars.

And it's competitive and there's a lot of stuff. But when they've reached their limit of their expertise, they will pass on to another nonprofit. Their goal is to help these people.

And I've seen a lot of places where the goal was only to raise money. And in Denton County, we're very fortunate. And Landon and Bob and our other nonprofits work hand in hand.

And it's a beautiful thing to see. And they're doing a fantastic job. They have my support.

I know they have your support. And thank you for everything you guys do.

LANDON

Thanks, sir.

WILLIAMS

Thank you, Sheriff. I appreciate that.

And you bring up an excellent point. You know, I wanna give kudos to Denton County and this Commissioner's Court. We actually were able to give a million dollars to Bob's House of Hope in the past year, which has obviously helped them tremendously, along with other nonprofits that we were able to help out tremendously here in the county.

So, you know, there's a lot to be said about what this group of five up here do for the nonprofits in and out of Denton County. So thanks for mentioning that as well. But thank you for your help.

Thank you, Commissioner.

MITCHELL

Sheriff, I just wanna thank you again for being involved. There's so many other places that the Sheriff doesn't get involved. And so I wanna thank you for being a member on the board so you can see firsthand and hear firsthand what's going on.

I appreciate that. Landon?

LANDON

Yes, ma'am. Thank y'all. First off, y'all stole my thunder.

I was gonna thank them. No, you're good. I love it.

Because you're right. We have to have our law enforcement partners. They have to be at the table.

They are the front lines with this issue. And for better or worse, they're often the ones that have to be there when it's happening to get the kids out. So I am a huge supporter of our men and women in blue.

They do an incredible job. They are amazing individuals. So thank you again, Sheriff Murphree.

MURPHREE

We're brown here, but that's okay.

LANDON

Yeah, okay, fair enough. And then I also, you stole my thunder on the Commissioner's Court, because I was gonna say, we wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for you all. You all are integral, both financially and supportively.

Y'all have done so much for us in helping us make this happen. Because as you said, it's a new issue for most people. They're not aware of it.

And so having your voices has meant so much. And anytime there's been a challenge or a concern, y'all have been right there at my fingertips, right? Give you a call, like, hey, help me with this.

It's amazing. I am so grateful to be in Denton County and to have you all backing the work that we do. Thank you very much.

And the last thing that I wanna say is what we're doing next. So we are actually doing a joint effort with Journey to Dream, and they are going to build a 60-bed facility on the same 40 acres that we have. And we are going to build a short-term transitional living program with enhanced case management.

This will be for 14 to 17-year-olds to get them off the streets, get them stabilized, get them assessed, and then get them to the proper long-term care option. This way, they are stable going into the long-term care instead of right off the street. As one of our young men says, “I still got street brain.”

So this 90 days will give them time to decompress from that, get stable, and get ready for that next step, which is what we all want, right, is to get them out of that situation, get them into care, and then get them to independence so they can be productive members of the community. That's the goal. That's what's happening next in just a few short months.

MITCHELL

So thank you.

WILLIAMS

Thank you all. That's great. Commissioner, I've got one more thing, if you don't mind.

And I think the thing that we all, we haven't discussed yet today, is the demand for human trafficking. And the sad thing is, is it takes a demand for them to be a supply, right? The cartel don't do it unless there's a way to make money on it.

And the sad thing is, is Denton County has gotten a lot better because of what the sheriff's been able to enact. But, you know, we are one of the main corridors, and it's a heavily used, the folks are heavily used in the Dallas-Forth area. So the crazy part of it is there has to be a demand for those services, if you will.

And I think that the see something, say something is very important. You have to really be vigilant as citizens that if you see something that doesn't look right, doesn't sound right, there usually is a problem. You know, your little spidey senses may stick up your hair in the, you know, say something about it.

It doesn't mean you're, you know, don't walk around and every little time you see somebody get onto their kid that it's some kind of trafficking, of course. But you generally can figure out that there's something more wrong there. But at the end of the day, it takes the citizens.

The law enforcement can't do it all on their own. But you'd be surprised the amount of demand for human trafficking that goes on in our communities around here. So thank you, Commissioner.

MITCHELL

You know, I learned about both of these programs during my Rotary meeting. A lot of times the citizens don't know about these organizations. Journey to Dream, I had no idea that we had homeless teenagers until I learned about it in Rotary.

And then Bob came and spoke to us. So I want to encourage you all to continue to let people know and be aware of the situation because like we're hearing it right here at Commissioner's Court, some people might be listening online, but we need to make sure the awareness is out there because the more that we are aware of what's going on, the more that we can work to correct it. So I want to thank you for that.

And Bob, I know you're listening. So I just want to thank you and give a plug to you for doing this, starting this many years ago and continuing the effort to make our citizens, our children have a safe place to live. And I appreciate you.

At this time, we have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

MITCHELL

We have another resolution, or recognition, rather. We have approval of a proclamation honoring Tracy Eubanks for over a decade of service at Metrocrest Services, and any appropriate action. And Tracy could not be here today, but Commissioner Falconer, I believe you have some words to say, do you?

FALCONER

Yes, thank you so much, Commissioner. So Tracy Eubanks has been a friend and a leader in the community, especially in the Carrollton area for a long time. A graduate of Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, a UNT grad, and he has led Metrocrest Services in Carrollton for, I think it's 13 years.

And he has done so many great things to increase Metrocrest Services outreach and what they can do for so many people in the community. He's a great friend and he's been working in the community as a servant leader for so long. He deserves this retirement and I'm excited for him and his family.

And we look forward, he has been in transition. Gabe Madison is the new director and she's gonna do a great job, although she's got some big shoes to fill. And so I'm very excited that he's leaving Metrocrest Services in good hands.

But we thank him for all of his work. And I will be, yes, I'll, he's having his retirement celebration next week and I'll present this then.

MITCHELL

Okay, I'm gonna go ahead and read the proclamation in court so we'll have it on record here also. And it reads, whereas Tracy Eubanks has served as chief executive officer of Metrocrest Services since 2013 and will be retiring after 13 years of leadership. Whereas Tracy, a Carrollton resident and graduate of both Newman Smith High School and the University of North Texas before joining Metrocrest Service, successfully ran MAPSCO Inc.

and proceeded to serve as president of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce. And whereas Metrocrest Service is dedicated to helping community members navigate crisis, achieve stability, and be a long-term self-sufficiency through a variety of programs. These programs include short-term financial assistance, a full-service pantry, employment and financial coaching, and senior services aimed at helping seniors age in place and maintain independence, as well as seasonal and youth programs, all of which are designed to reduce poverty, prevent homelessness, and strengthen community.

And whereas during his tenure, Tracy oversaw a rebrand to Metrocrest Service in response to COVID-19 pandemic and a successful capital campaign that led to the relocation of the agency's headquarters to a new facility in the heart of the community. And whereas Metrocrest Service most recently served over 29,000 North Texans in 2025. With ongoing demand, Metrocrest continues to uphold its mission through innovative programs and robust community partnership, all of which are a testament to Tracy's leadership.

And whereas as his professional legacy is distinguished by numerous accolades, including the 2013 Metrocrest Citizen of the Year Award, the DCEO Nonprofit Award in 2021, the Carrollton Masonic Lodge Community Builders Award in 2022, the highest honor for a non-Mason, the Coppell Chamber of Commerce Cliff Long Leadership Award in 2023, and the North Texas Food Bank Jan Pruitt Legacy Award in 2025. And whereas Tracy plans to spend more time with his wife and family pursuing new adventures while continuing to support Metrocrest Services during this leadership transition. Now therefore be it resolved that all the Denton County Commissioners Court trace honors Tracy Eubanks, who has been a strong leader in our area for over a decade of leadership with Metrocrest Services and recognize his enduring legacy within the community.

We wish him only the best in his retirement down in open court this 29th day of January, 2026 upon a motion made by?

FALCONER

move to approve

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion by Kevin and second by Ryan. Is there any other comments?

Brian, you have any comments?

WILLIAMS

Nope. Thank you though.

MITCHELL

You know, Tracy worked, we had a ongoing doing COVID. We had a 10 o'clock meeting on Friday and Tracy was always on that Zoom call. And that's how I really got to know Tracy.

I knew about Metrocrest and Carrollton all these years, but Tracy is a diligent worker when it comes to taking care of the citizen. And Tracy, even though you can't be here today, I just wanted to know that Denton County appreciate you, especially doing our work with COVID and keeping the pantry full as much as you could. So thank you very much.

Sorry, you're retiring, but I know you won't go away and we can still call on you.

FALCONER

That's right.

MITCHELL

Our next item on the agenda, we have a motion and a second?

FALCONER

Yeah, we have a-

MITCHELL

We do, so all in favor? Aye. Aye. Motion carries. You know, if you don't do this every week, you miss some things.

Yeah. I want my judge back. Next item we go, since we have some people here in the audience that's waiting on an item.

That item number 13A, approval of a participation in the City of Pilot Point Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Fifteen in any appropriate action. Commissioner Williams, I'm gonna call on you too.

WILLIAMS

I appreciate that, Commissioner. Thank you so much. So something that I've worked really hard at as a commissioner is trying to always have developers go into the city limits if possible, just because obviously the citizens that they're gonna be selling these homes or these lots to the builders, they actually, I mean, at the end of the day, they get better services through cities than what we can offer through the county.

That's the facts. So this is one of those scenarios where Pilot Point, which has a great relationship with us. This is not the first time we've been able to do these types of setups, but Pilot Point was able to work with Hillwood and get it to where they would come into the city, city limits, if you will.

So I do have the gentleman from Hillwood. I'd love to have him come up and kind of give a quick overview of what they're doing. And that's Brian.

And then I would like to have Britt come up as well from the city of Pilot Point and just kind of give his two cents on how this is working out as well. So come on up, sir, if you don't mind. I really appreciate it.

It doesn't have to be some huge presentation, but just hitting the high points. And obviously we appreciate the relationship that you bring into the county in Pilot Point.

CARLOCK

Thank you, Commissioner Williams. Commissioner, it's good to be here today. My name is Brian Carlock.

I'm a senior vice president with Hillwood Communities. And we've been developing in North Texas, have been property owners in Denton for nearly 50 years. This is what we do is develop large-scale master plan communities.

The nuance Commissioner Williams mentioned about developing in the county versus the city is a real issue. We've dealt with Denton County for decades now trying to work on complications that occur whenever you're developing large-scale master plan communities solely within the county. We understand the burden that it puts on fire, police, emergency services.

So as Commissioner Williams mentioned, a path to make that more fluid is to have properties annexed into corporate limits. It just comes at a cost to the property owner. So that's really what this is today, this concept of this TIRZ agreement, both with Pilot Point that's already been approved and the one you're considering today is to find a way to make the math work and the economics work for developers to find a way to annex into corporate limits where they'll now be paying really full city taxes where in the county they wouldn't have that burden.

So we're very pleased to be here, really kind of again to work with Denton County to find a way to annex large-scale master plan communities into city limits. This is about a 600 acre piece of property south and east of the city of Denton. It is currently now in the ETJ of Pilot Point.

We've reached an agreement with Pilot Point to take steps and that was go from the fully in the county to the ETJ. Ultimately, if we can reach this agreement, we would then annex into the corporate limits of Pilot Point. But it'll be about 2000 homes.

Our brand is doing large-scale communities that are highly amenitized, well landscaped, dealing with only the best builders in Texas and in North Texas. So we're excited to do another project in Denton County and appreciate your consideration.

MITCHELL

Thank you.

WILLIAMS

Thank you so much, I appreciate the overview and something that you're talking about $270 million investment that Hillwood's doing. And so at the end of the day, it's imperative for us to be able to partner with these organizations, these developers, and obviously with our cities so these things can be done properly and to the best. Again, in my mind, this is where it really, who it really helps out is the property owner that moves into those homes. So Britt, if you don't mind, sir.

BRITT

Good morning, commissioners. Static electricity there, sorry. Really appreciate y'all seeing us this morning.

Like Mr. Carlock said, Commissioner Williams said, super excited about the relationship that we have with the county and Hillwood now as to get this thing moved into the city limits. We believe it's gonna be a great property. We believe that the services that we're gonna be able to provide them and that we're gonna work through with the county, it's gonna be great.

I'd stand for any questions if y'all had any for us, but we just value the partnership at this point. And like I said, Commissioner Williams and Mr. Carlock have already kind of expanded on why it's important.

WILLIAMS

All right, I appreciate you being here to support this today. And Rena obviously is the one that works for the county that does so much behind the scenes for us. I wanna say thank you publicly to her for this as well.

And if you don't have any other questions, I would make a motion to approve.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. I wanna thank the Hillwood for their continued partnership. You work mostly in the west side of the county, but we appreciate your long-term partnership.

And the judge also wants to thank you. So we appreciate that. We have a motion and a second.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed?

Motion carries.

WILLIAMS

Thank you for moving that up. And gentlemen, I really appreciate it. And yes, I wanted to add on to hers that the judge has worked with you folks for a long time.

I'm just happy that Hillwood's decided to come over to the northern side of the county. And I look forward to working with yourselves more in the future. Thank you, Commissioner.

MITCHELL

You're welcome. Our next item on the agenda is recognition of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the Denton County Budget Office for the FY26 budget for the Government Finance Officers Association for the 34th year in a row. With special recognition for long-range operating financial plans budget.

I want to acknowledge our budget office because 34 years is a long time to keep getting this award. We appreciate all that you do. Thank you for Alejandro and the staff members, everybody.

We could not do this without you during budget season. You know, make sure that we stay within our budget as much as you can. We appreciate that.

We appreciate all the hard work that you do. We know that if a five, six or seven months you are dedicated to in that office working to make sure that we have the funds that we need to run our offices and not funds that we don't need. So I appreciate that.

So Alejandro, you want to speak first?

ALEJANDRO

Yes, thank you and good morning commissioners. Well, I just want to start off by thanking the entire budget office staff that's with me here today in helping to make this the 34th year in a row. Now, like Commissioner Mitchell mentioned that the county has received this award.

And as you all know, this award essentially recognizes the efforts that went into the creation of the FY2026 budget document. And this year, not only did the county receive this award but the county also received a special recognition for its long-range financial operating plans. A special recognition is essentially when the reviewers provide the highest score possible to any given category.

And in this case, that category was the long-range financial operating plans. It's not an easy special recognition to achieve. There were no other counties that participate in the program that received this special recognition in the state of Texas last year.

But of course, I do think it's important to mention just given the fact that with the Denton County's rapid growth, you know, it's no longer enough to just look at next year's budget needs but you're really having to project out multiple years into the future. And you're not just looking at like revenues and expenditures but you're also having to take all these other additional factors into consideration like pension obligations or long-term unfunded liabilities. So these, of course, are not things that we can do in our office alone, nor do we do them alone.

We have really good partnerships with other county departments like the County Auditor's Office, for example. And at the end of the day, of course, setting the budget is one of the biggest responsibilities that you all have as a commissioner's court. So I think that this special recognition also reflects the court's long-term planning and fiscal responsibility as well since you all set the policy and then we just helped to implement it.

But I'll just thank you all for giving us a few moments to say a few words.

MITCHELL

Would you introduce these ladies that helped make this possible?

ALEJANDRO

Yes, of course. Do you want to introduce yourselves? Okay.

MITCHELL

Don't be bashful.

WILLIAMS

You just gave them no option. Ladies, introduce yourselves. Go ahead.

CUMMINGS

I'm Kerensa Cummings.

WILLIAMS

Oh, you'll step up to the mic, please. Yeah.

CUMMINGS

Hello, I'm Kerensa Cummings. Thank you.

WILLIAMS

Yes, ma'am.

WILHELM

Hi, I'm Rena Wilhelm.

MITCHELL

Thank you.

FITZGERALD

Lidon Fitzgerald.

MITCHELL

Yes, thank you.

STEVENS

And I'm Nicole Stevens, Assistant Budget Officer. I've been with the office for eight years now.

MITCHELL

Yes.

WILLIAMS

Excellent.

MITCHELL

We received a letter from the Government Finance Officers Association. It said, a panel of independent reviewers have completed their examination of your annual budget document for the period beginning October 2025.

We are pleased to inform you that your budget document has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Government Finance Officers Association. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. Its attainment represent a significant achievement by your organization.

In addition to receiving the award, your entity's budget received the following special recognition, Long-Range Operating Financial Plan. Special recognition is given when all three reviewers give their highest possible score in particular categories. Your electronic award package contains the following, scores and comments, budget award, certificate of recognition, sample of press release.

I wanna thank you for my years here working with the budget department. And we've gotten this award all those years. I'd like to think it was my idea, but it wasn't.

But I wanna thank you for all that you do every day that you come to work, continuing to make sure Denton County stays within its budget. We have many people that are complaining these days about people not staying within their budget. You all have done a great job.

I appreciate the job you do. And I say, keep up the good work. And whatever this commission's court can do to help you, just let us know.

Members, Kevin, you have something?

WILLIAMS

Go ahead, Kevin, you first, sir.

FALCONER

Well, thank you all so much. You know, you all put up with my barrage of questions every year when we're going through budget.

And I'm always so pleased that, you know, you guys do a fantastic job. And I really, I have to toot all of our horn a little bit is that if you talk to our residents, the most important thing that I hear all the time is property tax, and I get it, right? And I'm really proud of the fact that we are, we have the lowest composite property tax of any of the large counties in Texas.

And why is that? Well, it's not just because of any one of us, it's because largely of you all and working with all of our departments and elected officials, and really making sure you talk, we said that whole long range planning. At any point, we could always, in a very short term thing, make things look pretty good.

But the way to make it good for a long time is to think long term. And you all always do that. That's how I like to think too.

I've benefited from my colleagues prior long term thinking, I'm hoping that I'm gonna be able to benefit my successors in the same way. And you all are doing all of that. And it is boy, it is a, the county is a complex machine.

And you all understand it well. And I just appreciate all that you do and all that you do to help us to make the right decisions.

MITCHELL

Brian, you have any comments?

WILLIAMS

Thank you, Commissioner. Yeah, to Kevin's point, we get to sit down and go over the budget prior to it being released and understand what your suggestions are.

And we get to have a really good open conversation, which is extremely important. What you folks do though, is you put parameters together originally, kind of like everybody bowls. Well, you can put up the little guardrails to keep the ball from going in the gutter.

And that's really what you guys end up doing at the end of the day is you keep us from getting in the gutters and being in, out of whack and out of budget. You keep us somewhat in line, right? And that you give us parameters and it allows us the elected officials here to understand what their budget is, the dollars that we have available and prioritizing not just this year, but the future.

And any business to be successful has to have that, okay? If you're just running year by year by the seat of your pants, it will catch up with you at some point in time. You guys have won this award since I've been here every year, which is wonderful.

But at the end of the day, really the gratitude that you should receive, that you don't get to see is from the citizens with the tax dollars, the way we use the tax dollars that are available to us. And the best way to do it is you can also just look around us, look with the cities and the other counties around us. A lot of them have a hard time staying within budget.

I mean, we've got one right here that we're in, they can't stay in their own budget and their budget is two and a half billion, two and a half billion, you know? And we're running at three and a half billion. And so, you know, when you look, a hundred million, yeah.

When you look at it from that perspective, I give a lot of respect to yourselves and any and everybody, all the elected officials that work hard to try to stay in those parameters. I mean, at the end of the day, we run a very lean organization. Lean was great, but we're still getting the work done that's necessary to operate this organization on a positive path.

So things are not getting left behind, things are not getting not done. Our citizens are still getting what they deserve and what they need. Our employees are getting well compensated, which is an extremely important thing for this panel.

And as yourselves working for us, I think it's pretty important for you as well. So at the end of the day, I give a lot of respect for what you folks do. It's not easy being in your shoes because there's always somebody that wants to complain about this, that or the other.

You're not gonna make everybody happy. But at the end of the day, we have a very strong financial organization here with the county. And I don't think anybody's going without to a certain extent.

So I really appreciate what you guys do. So thank you.

MITCHELL

Do we have any plaques?

WILLIAMS

No, they have their own plaque.

FALCONER

Yeah, they brought it.

WILLIAMS

They brought it. You got it. They brought it.

MITCHELL

Well, thank you so much. Let's go down and take a picture.

WILLIAMS

Absolutely. Do we need a vote? Are we good?

We already, okay. It's not a voting deal anyway, right? It's just a recognition.

MITCHELL

Next item on the agenda for A is a public hearing, Tuesday, January 27, to consider, approve, deny, and or take appropriate action for a zoning change request, LRR-1125-0020, from Ag to R1, Residential Single Family High Density District. The property R80396 is located in the Lake Ray Roberts Planning and Zoning District in Commissioner Precinct One. I need a motion to open the public hearing.

WILLIAMS

Move to open.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

I have a motion and a second.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed?

Motion carries. Is there anyone here to speak in favor or against this public hearing? Is there anyone here?

Hearing none, I need a motion to close the public hearing.

WILLIAMS

Move to close.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

I have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second to approve item 4A. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 4B, is a public hearing, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to consider, approve, deny, and or take appropriate action for variance request LRR-1125-0021 to allow their accessory structure to have a 10 foot side yard setback instead of the 15 foot side yard setback required in the R1 zoning district. The property R80396 is located in the Lake Ray Roberts planning and zoning district in Commissioner Precinct One. I need a motion to open the public hearing.

WILLIAMS

Move to open.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. Are there anyone here to oppose or approve the item 4B?

Is there anyone here speaking in favor or opposition? Hearing none, I need a motion to close the public hearing.

WILLIAMS

Move to close.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Next item is…

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

MITCHELL

Move to approve the agenda.

Good for you, Brian. You got that. Okay, the next item...

I need a second.

FALCONER

Yeah, I second. Second.

MITCHELL

All in favor? Aye. Opposed?

Motion carries. Next item is 4C is a public hearing Tuesday, January 27, 26 to consider, approve, deny and or take appropriate action for a special use permit request LRR-1125-0022. The property R80396 is located in the Lake Ray Roberts planning and zoning district in commission of Precinct 1.

I need a motion to open the public hearing.

WILLIAMS

Move to open.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor?

Aye. Is there anyone here for approval or anyone here to speak against the public hearing or against this particular item? Hearing no one.

WILLIAMS

Move to close.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Now I need a motion to approve it.

Move to approve. Second. We have a motion and a second.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

WILLIAMS

Commissioner, if you don't mind, 4A, 4B and 4C, all those were unanimously approved from the Lake Ray Roberts P&Z. So I just want to make that clear to the public.

Thank you, Commissioner.

MITCHELL

Item 5A is approval of bill report payments from CSCD Community Correction, TAIP, Sheriff's Training, Sheriff Forfeiture, VIT Interest and DA Forfeiture Funds are presented for recording purpose only. Mr. May.

MAY

Thank you, Commissioner. I have no changes today. Recommend approval as presented.

FALCONER

Move to approve.

MITCHELL

Second. We have a motion by Kevin and a second by myself. All in favor?

Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Item 5B is approval of the Workday Success Plan subscription contract and any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

FALCONER

I'm glad we got a success plan.

MITCHELL

Yes, we are, don't we?

WILLIAMS

And we approved it, don't we?

MITCHELL

Item 6A is approval of renewal of RFP number 22-2726, janitorial service to CTJ Maintenance, Inc. and any appropriate action.

FALCONER

Move to approve.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Item 6B is an approval of award for ITB number 25-2890, Emulsified Asphalt to Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions and any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Item 6C is approval to contract with 1 Priority Environmental Services for the Asbestos Abatement at Briarwood in the amount of $196,760, sorry guys, I can't see this small print, through the Texas Interlocal Purchasing System, TIPS, cooperative contract #22100201 and any appropriate action. I move approval.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 6D, approval of payment for Collin County renewal of TechShare Juvenile Maintenance and Operations from TechShare Local Government Corporation in the amount of $186,200 through TechShare Juvenile Resource Sharing Addendum and any appropriate action.

FALCONER

I move to approve.

MITCHELL

I second. We have a motion by Kevin and second by myself. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 6E, approval of a specification and authority to advertise RFP number 25-2891, Owner's Representative Services - Denton County Civil & Courts Building and appointment of an evaluation committee to include Eric Gildersleeve, Project Administrator, County Administration, Dale Nelson, Director of Public Facilities, and Jared Harwell, Division Manager, Planning, Development, Service and any appropriate action.

FALCONER

I'd like to move to approve and I have a comment about that too.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

Brian, second? Okay, go ahead, Kevin.

FALCONER

So, court and for the public too, as you know, we're deep into our civil courts building remodel and we'll actually be having the architects bring that forward for DD presentation very soon, but in anticipation of that construction, we are looking at the hiring a owner's representative to be totally a third party on our behalf to help with the construction, both at the companion projects, right? We have the civil courthouse remodel and then following right behind that will be the remodel of the Denton County Courts Building after we move those civil courts over to the civil court. And so we've got these two really major projects and we think this will be back to that using our dollars wisely. This will be a really good way of ensuring that we are using our taxpayer dollars in the very best sense. And so that's what this one's all about.

MITCHELL

Thank you, Kevin. Kevin is one of the commission's court liaison to these projects.

FALCONER

Yes.

MITCHELL

6F is approval to contract with G2.

FALCONER

I think we have a vote still.

MITCHELL

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Next item is 6F, approval to contract with G2 general contractors for the administrative courthouse. Glass door replacement in the amount of $427,080.83 through the Texas Interlocal Purchasing System, TIPS cooperative contract number 241001. I move approval.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

All in favor? We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Item 6G is approval of change in scope of service for the replacement of the LiquidFlo 1 VFD Chiller being completed by the preferred mechanical group through the TIPS cooperative contract number 25010501 in the estimated amount of $102,566.92 in any appropriate action.

FALCONER

Move to approve.

MITCHELL

Second. I have a motion by Kevin and second by myself. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is approval of the renewal of RFP #21-2636. Real estate broker services to Newland Real Estate in any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

MITCHELL

Second. We have a motion by myself and second by, no, we have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by myself. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item, 6I is approval of the specification and authority to advertise for RFP number 25-2886, Denton County Employee Wellness Clinic and Appointment Evaluation Committee to include Kevin Falconer, County Commissioner Precinct 2, Ryan Wilke, Division Manager and Admin and Compliance, Public Health and Toni Rose, Health & Wellness Outreach Coordinator, Human Resources and any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

MITCHELL

I second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Kevin, thank you for taking over this run. Marching, this was one of his projects and as a Precinct 2 Commissioner, you have to carry it on.

FALCONER

I have to and if I didn't, Ron would be all over me.

MITCHELL

That's right, thank you so much, we appreciate it.

WILLIAMS

It's a good one.

FALCONER

Yeah.

MITCHELL

Next item is 6J, approval of renewal of RFP number 24-2839, Transportation of Human Remains, with Kuhlman Mortuary and Cremation, LLC and any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 6K, approval of award of ITB number 25-2895, FM407 at I-35W Micro Breakout Project to Ed Bell Construction Company and any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

MITCHELL

I second. We have a motion by Brian and a second by myself. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 7A, report for miscellaneous equipment and software services presented for recording purposes only and any appropriate action.

The next item is 7B, approval of budget amendment request number 2026, that's 143 for the county jail to transfer $291,557 from Non-Departmental Unappropriated Contingency to Overtime-Cash Option outside of the budget amendment and human resource policy as recommended by the budget office. Funds are needed to cover overtime pay for three pay periods and any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 7C, approval of budget amendment request number 2026-144 for the county auditor's office to transfer $95,000 from Non-Departmental Unappropriated Contingency to Financial Information System Technology Software/Services for the purchase of the workday success plan subscription to provide access to resources for the transition to workday and any appropriate action.

FALCONER

Move to approve.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion by Kevin and second by Brian. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

7D is approval of budget amendment request number 2026-146 that will roll over funds for various county departments to FY2026 that were committed out of the FY2025 budget but not expended until after the fiscal year was closed out for a total amendment of $11,197,515 and any appropriate action.

Any comments on that? Alejandro? Just a moment, guys.

ALEJANDRO

No, Commissioner. This is just the annual rollover of the purchase orders.

MITCHELL

Okay. All in favor?

WILLIAMS

He approved. I'll second.

FALCONER

Yeah. And then I.

WILLIAMS

Then we all approve.

MITCHELL

I thought y'all had already made the motion.

WILLIAMS

Yeah, he made the motion.

FALCONER

He didn't get a second in.

MITCHELL

Yeah, so all in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 8A, report from human resources regarding actions of elected official presented for recording purposes only.

SPEAKER

Commissioners, good morning. We have one new hire in the county auditor's office, two promotions in the district attorney's office, one promotion in the district clerk, one new hire in juvenile probation, one promotion in juvenile probation, one rehire in the sheriff's office, four new hires in the sheriff's office, all of them detention officer ones, but we are losing two detention officer ones for the promotion to detention officer twos. And we have one promotion in the tax office.

That's it for this week.

MITCHELL

Thank you very much. We approved 2A, but I'd like to go back and recognize these people that are being hired or being promoted.

We have Lorena Cruz, public health, is a new hire, and had Jennifer Erhart, public health, is a promotion, and Silvia Maria Garcia, public health, a new hire, and Tassim Karam, public health, a new hire. We've already approved it.

Our next item is approval of the downgrade of two full-time vacant administrative specialist position, pay grade eight to two part-time Assistant WIC Professional positions, pay grade six, and the public health WIC department in any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next, excuse me a minute, is 9A, approval of the affiliation agreement between Denton County and North Central Texas College to allow qualified nursing students to participate in supervised clinical rotation at the Denton County Detention Center in any appropriate action.

Chair will move approval.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 10A, approval of the preliminary acceptance of the Rector Road Bridge Temporary Repair Project, Commission of Precinct One.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Approval, next 10B, approval of the D'Bar Ranch Estates Phase 1 Final Plat, Block A, Lots 1-15 - 49.971 Acres, located in Commission of Precinct Four. And I'll move approval.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is approval of the Jet Speed OakPoint Texas Final Plat, Block A, Lots 1-3 - 4.719 Acres, located in Commission of Precinct One in any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

Approval of the request to hold a public hearing on March 3, 2026 at 9 a.m. for the Bois D'Arc Acres Replat, Lots 9R1 & 9R2 - 5.005 acres, located in Commission of Precinct Four in any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

MITCHELL

And I'll second. All in favor? Aye.

WILLIAMS

If you'll go back to 10C so we can approve that, all of us.

FALCONER

Yeah, we need a vote on that.

WILLIAMS

Vote on it, 10C.

MITCHELL

Sorry. Maybe I didn't want to. We'll go ahead and approve item 10D and then I'll go back to 10C.

WILLIAMS

Yes.

MITCHELL

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

We'll approve 10C, which has already been read into the records. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is item 10E, approval of the request to hold a public hearing on March 3, 2026 at 9 a.m. for the Copper Creek Estates Phase III Addition Replat, Lots 1R1 and 1R2, Block 1 - 2.016 Acres, located in Commissioner Precinct Four. And I'll move approval.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is 12A, approval of the modification to contract number W9126G24P0025 between the US Army Corps of Engineers and Denton County regarding the de-obligation of remaining funds for the 2024 summer patrol service at Lake Lewisville in any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is approval to submit an application to the Texas Office of the Governor's Homeland Security Grant Division for the Statewide Emergency Radio Infrastructure Grant Program in any appropriate action.

FALCONER

Move to approve.

WILLIAMS

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. We've already done 13A.

13B is approval of the resolution approving the Chapter 312 tax incentive agreement between Denton County, Texas and MP 10X Development LLC as recommended by the Denton County Economic Development Department and Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 in any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

Second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is approval of completion of continuing education hours by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson for the calendar year 2025 as required by section 81.0025 of the Texas Local Government Code in any appropriate action. I move approval.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Next item is.

WILLIAMS

13C.

FALCONER

I'm gonna do David's, right?

WILLIAMS

13C.

MITCHELL

Yeah, I'll take that one off. As having done it.

13C is, I was just seeing if you were paying attention.

FALCONER

Okay.

WILLIAMS

I'm barely, I'm barely.

MITCHELL

Well, good.

WILLIAMS

And it's okay if we don't give David Trantham his time. It's all right.

MITCHELL

Approval of completion of required continuing education credits by Denton County District Clerk David Trantham for the calendar year 2025 as required by 51.605 of the Texas Government Code in any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

13E is approval of the request to apply for the third year continuation grant award of the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) Drug Treatment Court Program funding in the amount of $253,245 in any appropriate action to 211th and 462nd District Courts/Drug Treatment Courts. I move approval.

WILLIAMS

second

MITCHELL

All in favor? Aye. A motion? All in favor say aye. Aye.

Next item is approval of a resolution by the Commissioner's Court of Denton County, Texas accepting the petition seeking the creation of the Village Estates Operation & Maintenance Public Improvement District located in Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 and calling for a public hearing to be held at the Commissioner's Court February 24th, 2026 meeting in accordance with Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code in any appropriate action. All in favor?

WILLIAMS

Move to approve.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL (visibly confused)

Opposed? Aye. Motion carries.

Approval of a resolution approving a professional service reimbursement agreement related to the Village Estates Operation & Maintenance Public Improvement District in any appropriate action. I move approval.

WILLIAMS

Second.

FALCONER

Second.

MITCHELL

Motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

13H is approval of the nomination to the Denton Central Appraisal District's Board of Directors, Place 5 vacancy in any appropriate action and we're gonna talk that.

WILLIAMS

I've got that here if you want to. Oh, do you wanna talk about it?

FALCONER

Well, can we hold on that one?

MITCHELL

We'll talk about it in executive session.

WILLIAMS

Okay, as I said, I've got it right here for you. But no worries.

MITCHELL

We have a name for it also. We're pulling 14A.

Next item is 15A, Texas government code deliberation regarding real property. Closed meeting to deliberate the purchase exchange lease of value of real property. If deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the government body in negotiation with the third person.

15B is Texas government code deliberation regarding 551.087, deliberation regarding economic development negotiation. Closed meeting to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect regarding commercial or financial information that the government code has received from a business prospect that the government code body seeks to have locate, stay or expand in or near the territory of the government body located in Denton County Commission Precinct One in which the government body is conducting economic development negotiation in any appropriate action.

15C is personnel matters. Closed meeting to deliberate the appointment of a public officer to the Denton Central Appraisal District Board of Directors in any appropriate action.

15D is Texas government code 551.074A1, personnel matters. Closed meeting to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer and employee to with the Denton County Fire Marshal. And we're gonna hold off on this one till we have a full court, guys. Future meetings, we're gonna not have a meeting on February the 17th, but we will be having a meeting on February the 3rd at 9 a.m.

Next item is 17, Community Updates. Brian.

WILLIAMS

Thank you, Commissioner. First, I would like to express my sorrow over the sledding tragedy that happened this past weekend or this past week with two Frisco teenagers. Our prayers go out with both of the families over the tragic loss of their daughters.

What a horrible scenario. Awful. Yeah, it's awful and I don't know anybody in here that probably hasn't done something very similar.

I've been behind four wheelers and everything else before and it's just a horrible tragedy and an accident. Next, please join us for the second town hall meeting to view the draft of the 2026 thoroughfare plan, map and recommendations. That town hall will be Monday, February the 2nd from 5.30 to 7.30 and that'll be on the third floor of this building in the 2020 room. That'll be just right outside here to kind of show what the plans for the future of our thoroughfare plan is. And one more thing I've got here on Wednesday, February 11th, my office is holding an educational public panel focus on helping residents better understand how property taxes work in Denton County from how property tax values are determined to how taxes rates are set and how public funds are ultimately used. This evening will begin at 6 p.m. at the Copeland Government Center.

That's at 1400 FM 424 in Cross Roads with a short educational presentation from Don Way which is our Denton County tax assessor. Don Spencer which is chief appraiser of the Denton Central Appraisal District and afterwards we'll kind of do a moderated panel discussion of the local and regional leaders, providing insight for multiple perspectives including county city appraisal district and elected entities. So we welcome everybody there.

I think it'll be very informative and that's to try to help citizens better understand the taxes. And that's all I've got.

MITCHELL

Well, you said that date again, Brian?

WILLIAMS

Yes, ma'am. That is going to be on February the 11th. Okay, thank you. Yes, ma'am.

MITCHELL

Kevin.

FALCONER

Thank you.

WILLIAMS

Oh, I'm sorry. Last thing.

And everybody obviously we're gonna be praying for Judge for a quick healing and hopefully if he does or doesn't have to have surgery that everything goes well. So he had a horrible little accident, fall during our winter weather storm and it never stops. He's always moving and always working and unfortunately had a little incident. So praying for him. Sorry, thank you.

FALCONER

Thank you, Commissioner. Yeah, our prayers are going to the judge. It is, we're seeing thawing out there, but I took one of those little tumbles walking my dogs this morning.

It's still slippery out there, especially if you're walking. So watch out. Some, a couple of things happening in precinct two.

We had some congratulations for the Little Elm ISD Spelling Bee champions. They're gonna represent Little Elm ISD at the regional competition. And that goes to, the winner was Chiara Roy Bonergi.

And she, and then their runner up is, she's a third grader. The runner up is fifth grader, Ethan Doan. They had a showdown in that competition and it took 25 rounds, but Chiara, she finally won that with the words albeit and feudalism.

And so third grader picking that up. So congratulations to Chiara and Ethan. And then just as a reminder, the Carrollton Farmers Ranch ISD is accepting applications for scholarships from the Education Foundation.

And that closes on March 10th at 11.59 p.m. And then as we are approaching February Black History Month, Carrollton is doing the African-American read-in at the Josey Ranch Lake Library. And that'll be on February 1st, 3.30 to 4.30. Be sure to go to that and there'll be a lot of reading from African-American authors. So a good event. That's all I have.

MITCHELL

Oh yeah? Okay, thank you.

In precinct three, we have the Lewisville Lake Symphony International Chamber Series on January 30th and that's tomorrow at 7.30 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Also in Lewisville, Snow Moon Night Hike, February 1st, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jones Street, Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area. And also on February 3rd, Adult Volunteer Orientation at the Lewisville Public Library.

In precinct four, Den Gardening with Kitchen Scraps. It's gonna be January 31st at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Emily Fowler Central Library. Also in Crom, we have congratulations to Coach of the Year, Chris Tabor.

Tabor took over as Crom Bobcats football coach last. He helped guide Crom to a 10 to one overall record. His first undefeated regular session in season, excuse me, in program history.

And then the judge has comments. Excuse me. Judge has a big shout out and thank you to all of our partners.

Thank you to our partners across the country who were available and participated in our daily calls during the winter storm. Thank you especially to our OEM, Road and Bridges, Fire Marshals, Office IT, Electric and Gas Partners, mayors in all over Denton County. He also wants to send a special thank you to our first responders all across the county who have faced fires, made dangerous rescue efforts, and have remained at the forefront of safety across Denton County.

We are all grateful beyond words. Also, he wants to acknowledge the tragedies that have happened in Denton County, the young ladies that lost their lives in Frisco, and also with the young Ponder student and football player who was seriously injured during a sledding accident. He remains in the ICU as of this morning.

Adele, and also Adele Breed's 100th birthday. Congratulations to Adele, a Flower Mound resident on her 100th birthday. She was celebrated with guests from Washington, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Florida, and from various spots in Texas.

And that's all I believe, that's all he has. Thank you very much. And at this time, we're gonna go into executive session.

MITCHELL

Into regular court. I want to acknowledge that our colleague, (Commissioner) Diane Edmondson, is on the Zoom call and she's tried to get in to show her face, but we were not able to get her in. But she is on and she's listening.

WILLIAMS

Yes, technical difficulty.

MITCHELL

Yes, been there, done that. Also on 13, 15, I'm sorry. 15B, we've already done that with 13H. I'm sorry, 15C, we've already done with 13H.

WILLIAMS

No, that's what we're gonna do.

FALCONER

That's what we're gonna do.

SPEAKER

We will need to take action on 13H.

MITCHELL

15H, 13H.

WILLIAMS

So, Commissioner, if you're-

MITCHELL

Approval of nomination, yeah, I'm getting to that.

WILLIAMS

Oh, sorry.

MITCHELL

We have approval of the nomination to the Denton Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, Place 5 vacancy in any appropriate action.

WILLIAMS

And Commissioner, I'd like to nominate Rich Olson.

MITCHELL

I'll second it. Any additional discussion? We do have other people that are wanting to be on this board and I want to acknowledge that.

WILLIAMS

Absolutely.

MITCHELL

And that there are plenty of people around and we're glad to have applicants that absolutely want to be on this board. We have a gentleman from Carrollton who would also like to be on this board. So, we have to make sure that we are inviting of everyone that want to be a part of the board to be a part of the board.

FALCONER

Thank you.

WILLIAMS

And from what I understand, he's been nominated by Carrollton, so this works out well for everybody. Yep.

MITCHELL

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. We took action on 15B.

FALCONER

No action on it.

MITCHELL

No action. We've already taken action on it. And 15-

FALCONER

No action on D.

MITCHELL

My sheets are gone. Oh, there it is. 15-D, we're not taking action on today.

And if that, if there's anything else, guys?

WILLIAMS

Did we get 15-A, no action as well, right?

MITCHELL

Yes, sir.

WILLIAMS

Okay, perfect. Great. Great job.

We're all good. Mitchell.

FALCONER

Thank you.

MITCHELL

Ready to adjourn. Okay, thank you. We are adjourned.