Crockett County approves grant contract

Ozona — Crockett County commissioners approved an agreement Oct. 27 for outside grant-writing and government-relations assistance, seeking more funding for roads, the Care Center and other county needs. 

The proposed two-year agreement with EMC Strategy Group, LLC, was approved subject to revisions discussed during the meeting. The approved terms call for payments of $5,000 per month in November and December, increasing to $5,500 per month beginning in January. 

Commissioners also requested a provision allowing the county to terminate the agreement with 120 days’ notice without first establishing that the firm had failed to perform its services. Firm representatives agreed to the change, and officials said the revisions would be incorporated into the contract. 

Commissioners also discussed scrutiny of Care Center expenses, discussion of financial pressures facing Helping Hands and consideration of how the county should prepare for potential data-center development. 

Funding for county needs

Commissioners discussed using the firm to identify funding opportunities and help county employees navigate grant applications. Transportation improvements and renewed efforts to secure assistance for the Care Center were among the issues raised. 

Firm representatives said their services combine grant writing, state and federal government relations, and economic-development support. They said they had already identified potential funding opportunities for the county and proposed meeting individually with commissioners to learn more about each precinct’s needs. 

The firm offered to reduce its normal monthly fee by $500 for the final two months of 2026 to accommodate the county’s current-year budget. Officials said funding for grant assistance had been included in the following year’s budget. 

Care Center spending 

Care Center expenses prompted a discussion about budget oversight, communication and the accounts used to record building repairs. 

Officials reviewed a $30,061.68 invoice for work involving the activity director’s office, including wall repairs, painting, ceiling work and electrical outlets. The discussion included questions about when commissioners had been informed of the work and why it had been charged to an equipment-and-capital account. 

Officials said the account had a $70,000 annual budget and approximately $79,585 in expenses before the additional invoice. They said adding the invoice would put the account approximately $39,647 over budget, although they questioned whether the expenses belonged in building maintenance instead. 

The figures concerned an individual account rather than the Care Center’s overall financial position. Officials discussed obtaining clarification from the administrator, correcting the accounting if appropriate and reviewing possible adjustments at year’s end. 

Later in the meeting, the court approved a replacement server and two laptops for the Care Center, with the costs assigned to its technology fund. Officials said county-issued computers were needed so employees would not have to rely on personal laptops to access county systems. 

The purchase prompted further discussion about cybersecurity requirements, consistent computer purchasing and the need to track each department’s technology expenses. 

Commissioners also discussed using available funds to purchase commercial furniture that could be cleaned and disinfected, replacing missing or aging furniture at the Care Center. 

Decision deferred

Commissioners took no action on additional funding for Helping Hands, saying they needed a clearer picture of the organization’s finances before deciding how to assist. 

The discussion focused on rising food and supply costs, support that officials said had declined from pandemic-era levels, and concerns that savings were being used to cover operating expenses. 

Participants estimated a possible operating shortfall of about $2,000 per month but said they needed more information about expenses, revenue and cash reserves before deciding on additional assistance. They expressed willingness to help and asked that a Helping Hands representative contact the county to explain the organization’s financial position. 

Data centers raise concerns

State Rep. Wes Virdell, District 53, addressed commissioners about potential data-center development, water consumption, noise, electricity demand and local regulatory authority. 

Virdell told commissioners that counties have limited authority to control data-center development and said he was exploring legislation addressing their proximity to neighboring homes and properties. He described a need to balance development with protection of residents and local resources.

“From my perspective, we've had some bad actors that have created some really bad reputations for data centers,” Virdell said. “In Castroville, they've built some data centers next to residential areas, and so people are pretty upset over that. A lot of those guys, they're seeing some revenue increase, but at the same time, it's very disruptive for the people that live there.”

County officials said they had received inquiries about possible development in the area and wanted to improve public understanding of potential benefits and drawbacks before projects advanced. No approved local data center project was identified during the discussion. 

Virdell also discussed concerns about major transmission lines and eminent domain. Officials discussed a Nov. 10 gathering with him, tentatively planned for 10 a.m. at the Civic Center.

Other business

Commissioners approved a revised county barn contract pending county attorney approval after discussing rules for the 4-H facilities, including cleanliness, exhibitor responsibilities and animals remaining after the project season. 

The court also approved switching the Tax Office’s card-payment processing to GovPros, subject to county attorney approval. The service is intended to let customers make payments by credit or debit card; it does not involve issuing credit cards to county employees. 

For employee appreciation events, commissioners approved allowing departments to organize their own meals rather than holding one countywide dinner. The approved allowance was $25 per plate for an employee and one guest. 

Commissioners also discussed lifting the county burn ban until their next meeting, citing wet, green conditions and an opportunity for residents to burn before hunting season 

This article was created with artificial intelligence and edited by staff.