Jasper County Commissioners Court Approves Budget Shifts, Grant Participation, and Election Updates

The Jasper County Commissioners Court met for a brief Special Session on Monday, November 17, 2025, tackling a focused agenda that included law-enforcement funding adjustments, upcoming grant opportunities, election matters, and county road concerns.

Sheriff’s Office Budget Amendment Approved

Commissioners opened the session by reviewing a request from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office to modify its current budget. The department sought approval to move roughly $73,000 in Senate Bill 22 grant funds—originally allocated for salaries—into a capital outlay line item to purchase an additional patrol vehicle and new tasers for officers.

Chief Deputy Larry Pulliam Jr. and Major Steve Crowell told the Court that staffing shortages earlier in the year left unused salary funds in the grant account. By transferring the surplus, the Sheriff’s Office will be able to fully acquire, equip, and mark one new patrol vehicle and still have funds remaining to provide updated tasers.

Commissioners voted to approve the amendment, noting that unused funds at year’s end would likely have to be returned to the state.

County to Pursue Rural Ambulance Services Grant

Next, the Court discussed the upcoming Rural Ambulance Services Grant Program, created during the last Legislative Session under House Bill 3000. Jasper County is expected to qualify for up to $350,000 to acquire an ambulance that would support the county’s contracted EMS provider.

The Court formally voted to participate in the program and announced that Jasper County will apply once the State of Texas releases final eligibility guidelines and administrative procedures.

Election Results Canvassed and Approved

County Clerk Holly Thomas presented the official canvass of results from the November 4, 2025 Proposition Election. Commissioners reviewed and approved the canvass.

In a separate election matter, the Court adopted an order adjusting voting box boundaries for precincts 9, 15, 16, and 17. The changes align with the recently updated Justice of the Peace and Constable boundary line between Precinct 4 (Buna) and Precinct 6 (Evadale)—a modification requested by residents in October.

Drainage Repairs Authorized on County Road 246

Precinct 2 Commissioner Kevin Holloway briefed the Court on a drainage issue affecting County Road 246, where runoff from private property has been eroding the road surface. He reported that the property owner has been fully cooperative and has already purchased a culvert to help redirect the water.

The Court authorized Commissioner Holloway to secure a written right-of-entry from the property owner and proceed with drainage improvements and dirt work to protect public safety and preserve the county road.

Struck-Off Property Bid Accepted

To close out the session, Commissioners approved a submitted bid for a struck-off resale property located in the Jasper area, allowing the parcel to be placed back on the tax rolls.