Jasper County Commissioners Court Accepts Public Safety Donations, Approves Jail Expansion Contract

Rita Shipp
4 days ago
3 min read

JASPER, Texas — The Jasper County Commissioners Court met in Special Session on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, addressing several public safety, infrastructure, and administrative matters affecting the county.

The Court first heard from Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, who reported that the Board of Emergency Services District #1, which serves the Buna area, voted to purchase and donate three new Kenwood dual-band radios for Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles. The donation, valued at approximately $18,000, was formally accepted by the Court.

Sheriff Havard noted that he, County Judge Mark Allen, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Dennis Marks attended the ESD #1 meeting and expressed appreciation for the district’s continued support of county law enforcement operations. The Court thanked ESD #1 for the contribution.

Commissioners then approved a construction contract between Jasper County and Shellback Construction, LLC, of Brenham, for a 14-inmate bed expansion at the Jasper County Jail. The project totals $838,410 and will increase the jail’s capacity to more than 160 inmate beds.

County officials explained the expansion will be initially funded through general fund reserves, with those reserves replenished over time by housing inmates from surrounding counties.

Additional law enforcement support was recognized when the Court approved acceptance of a $500 donation and a Stihl chainsaw from Pastor Tommy Cunningham and End Time Full Gospel Church of Jasper for use by the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Havard also advised the Court that Lt. Chad Ainsworth, who served as Jasper County’s K-9 Officer, recently accepted a position with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. Newton County paid $3,200 to purchase the Sheriff’s Office’s interest in the K-9, Rhino.

During discussion, the Court noted that Ainsworth also serves as Precinct 6 Constable in the Evadale area, and that his Constable’s Office paid for the majority of the K-9’s purchase and training. That office will retain majority ownership of Rhino, allowing K-9 operations to continue within Jasper County. The arrangement was approved by the Court.

In emergency response matters, Commissioners discussed the House Bill 3000 Rural Ambulance Grant Program. Officials noted that Jasper County must serve as the primary applicant, though the state is considering allowing counties to apply on behalf of Emergency Services Districts. Under the proposed structure, only one district per county could be selected annually.

The Court authorized County Judge Mark Allen and County Auditor Maegan Pope to continue the application process and determine the methodology for selecting this year’s subrecipient.

In other grant-related business, the Court approved a resolution authorizing County Clerk Holly Thomas to proceed with an application for the upcoming Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding cycle to support Jasper County election operations.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Seth Martindale requested authorization to purchase up to two acres of land adjacent to the Precinct 1 County Barn. The property, owned by Mr. Lundquist, is located across the county road from the barn. Commissioners approved the purchase for up to $30,000 or fair market value, authorizing Judge Allen to execute closing documents and Garland Smith Abstract of Jasper to complete the title work.

The Court also reviewed a surface access agreement from Chevron USA, Inc. regarding the location of an abandoned pipeline on Jasper County property in Pecos County. Chevron indicated plans to remove the pipeline once located. Commissioners voted to consult with Jasper County’s oil-and-gas attorney in Midland before proceeding.

To conclude the meeting, Precinct 2 Commissioner Holloway and Airport Manager Chris Ruiz advised the Court that it was time to reassess hangar leases and update airport policies at Bell Field Airport and Kirbyville Airport. The Court authorized Ruiz to review existing leases and policies and return with recommendations for consideration.

County Judge Mark Allen also issued a statement thanking electrical linemen and support personnel for their efforts during the recent major freeze event.