In the minutes: Menard County Regular Meeting 11.09.2026, FLOCK camera (Nov 9)

Regular Meeting, Monday, November 9, 2026......9:00 A.M.
BE IT REMEMBERED THERE WAS BEGUN AND HOLDEN A REGULAR MEETING of the Menard County Commissioners Court
with all Commissioners present, and the following minutes were had, to-wit:

I.
County Judge called the meeting to order, gave the invocation. Pledge of Allegiance to the United
States
of America and the State of Texas followed.
II.
Jeff Whitson presented the monthly report for Menard County Emergency Management and Menard County
Facilities. He provided updates regarding ongoing FEMA road and bridge projects resulting from the 2025
flooding, noting that progress is on schedule. He also reported that the County has expanded
its emergency warning efforts to include flood sirens, with locations selected and the project
progressing
rapidly.
III.
Tony Aguilar presented the monthly report for Menard County Road and Bridge. He reported on road and
maintenance and blading completed throughout the County, along with an incident involving
criminal damage to the County’s sheep foot roller. A police report was filed, the insurance company was
contacted, and repair estimates were obtained. Treasurer Russell advised Tony to notify the Sheriff’s
Office of the amount of the damages. Tony also discussed upcoming road improvements, FEMA-related
matters, and continued CLD training for Road and Bridge employees.
IV.
Gary Cheek presented the monthly report for the Menard County Veterans Service Office. He reported
that the office is fully operational and has obtained access to VetPro, allowing the office to file
veterans’
claims directly. He announced that the office successfully assisted its first veteran in obtaining a
100% permanent and total disability rating, increased from 0%. The formal opening of the office will be
announced on Veterans Day.
Gary also provided updates regarding the FSA Grant, which would expand transportation assistance for
veterans to include community appointments in addition to VA medical appointments. He discussed
efforts to bring additional healthcare and mental health services to Menard County and plans to host
the Vet Center at the VSO office once a month to provide services at no cost to veterans. He also
reported
that the VSO will participate in the Veterans Day Parade on November 14, 2026.

V.
Jeff Whitson presented a request for reimbursement to Janis Cordes for brush-clearing expenses on
property leased by Menard County for its radio tower. He explained that the clearing benefited the
County's leased area and recommended a contribution of $1,000 toward the expense. Janis Cordes
requested that the proposed reimbursement instead be donated to the Menard Volunteer Fire
Department.

A motion was made by Commissioner Cunningham and seconded by Commissioner Davis to approve a
donation of $1,000 to the Menard Volunteer Fire Department in lieu of reimbursement to Janis Cordes.
Motion Carried.
VI.
Jeff Whitson presented a proposal from Black Plumbing for repairs to the Courthouse roof drainage
system. He reported that an inspection revealed deteriorated and damaged clay drainage pipes
obstructed by gravel and debris, preventing proper drainage into the ditch. The proposed repairs would
involve installing a new drainage line at an estimated cost of $16,985.
Judge Corbin explained that the damaged drainage system was believed to have contributed to previous
flooding in the Courthouse basement, resulting in potential damage to County property.
Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve the drainage repairs, contingent upon Jeff Whitson
obtaining an additional bid, and authorized Jeff to select the vendor on behalf of the Court.
Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
VII.
Jeff Whitson presented a proposal for repairs and maintenance to the County's 300-foot radio tower
following damage sustained during the May 26, 2025, windstorm. He reported that an inspection
revealed loose guy wires requiring adjustment and tightening. The proposed cost of the repairs was
$33,925. Jeff explained that the tower supports emergency communications for the Sheriff's Office, EMS,
and three volunteer fire departments.
Commissioner Keith made a motion to approve the proposed tower repairs in the amount of $33,925,
seconded by Commissioner Wright. Following additional discussion, Commissioner Keith amended his motion
to include the Sheriff's Office quotes from Texas Communications for Motorola Solutions equipment.
Commissioner Wright seconded the amended motion. Amended Motion Carried.

VIII.
Judge Corbin presented the proposed participation in the Albertsons opioid settlement. He explained
that the County has previously participated in similar settlements and has directed settlement funds
toward organizations providing addiction treatment and related services, including the Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Council (ADAC) and Frontera Healthcare Network. He noted that any funds received would be

subject to applicable restrictions on their use.
Commissioner Keith made a motion to approve Menard County's participation in the Albertsons opioid
settlement. Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion. Motion Carried.

IX.
The Court reviewed the official canvass of the November 3, 2026, General Election. A total of 1,801
ballots were cast, including three provisional ballots, one of which was accepted.

The Court also received an update regarding election operations, staffing, and voting equipment.
Concerns were discussed regarding equipment maintenance, with a software upgrade anticipated in
February 2027.
Judge Corbin made a motion to accept and canvass the results of the November 3, 2026, General
Election. Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
X.
Rosie Daly presented a slideshow regarding Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Form A1024, CDBG
Section 3 Goals and Concepts, as required under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program, Contract No. CDV25-0047.
She reported that Menard County was awarded a $750,000 grant for the rehabilitation and
reconstruction of Treadwell Lane. The presentation addressed Section 3 requirements, including
employment and contracting opportunities for eligible workers and businesses, as well as the County's
recordkeeping and reporting responsibilities.
Rosie also provided an update on the project timeline, reporting that design and environmental
requirements had been completed and construction bid documents were being finalized. Bid advertisements
and the bidding process were anticipated to begin soon, with construction expected to commence in early
2027. She noted that the project remained on schedule to meet the Texas

Department of Agriculture's required timeline.
XI.
Judge Corbin opened the public hearing concerning the proposed tax abatement agreement between
Black & Gold Energy Storage, LLC, and Menard County, Texas, and the proposed establishment of
Menard County Reinvestment Zone 2026-2.
Jake Lederle, legal counsel representing Menard County, provided an overview of the proposed agreement.
He explained that the agreement provides for a ten-year tax abatement with payments in
lieu of taxes (PILOT) equivalent to 60% of the otherwise applicable County taxes, subject to a minimum
annual payment of $305,000. Additional provisions discussed included minimum taxable values, annual
charitable contributions, continued operations, fire safety and training, decommissioning requirements,
noise limitations, dark-sky lighting considerations, employment commitments, and responsibility for
damage to County roads.
Judge Corbin advised that Commissioner Wright had recused himself from matters involving the
proposed project and had not participated in the negotiations or any of the conversations regarding
this
potential agreement.
The Court received public comments both supporting and opposing the proposed project and agreement.
Concerns raised included fire safety, emergency evacuation procedures, environmental
impacts, water quality, property values, noise, decommissioning obligations, financial protections,
public
access to information, and the proposed project's proximity to the community. Questions were also

raised regarding provisions of the agreement, including assignment restrictions, property descriptions,
setbacks, and potential liability.
Members of the Menard Volunteer Fire Department, including the Fire Chief, were present and
discussed safety and emergency preparedness related to the proposed project. They reported that a
complete evacuation plan had been prepared and submitted to the Texas A&M Forest Service for review.
They also discussed ongoing research and coordination with knowledgeable professionals, limited
departmental funding, and training funded by RES to help the department prepare for potential

emergencies.
Other speakers expressed support for the potential economic benefits, including additional tax revenue
for local taxing entities, financial support for essential services, and the efforts made to address
community concerns through the proposed agreement.
County representatives and legal counsel responded to questions regarding the proposed agreement,
financial terms, emergency preparedness, and applicable safety requirements.
Following public comments, Judge Corbin concluded the public hearing. No formal action was taken
under this agenda item.
XII.
The Court discussed the terms of the proposed tax abatement agreement between Black & Gold Energy
Storage, LLC, and Menard County, Texas.
Jake Lederle advised that two typographical errors identified during the public hearing had been
corrected to the proposed agreement, specifically a corrected section reference and parcel
identification
number.
Commissioner Wright recused himself from discussion and action concerning this matter.
Commissioner Cunningham made a motion to approve the terms of the proposed tax abatement agreement
between Black & Gold Energy Storage, LLC, and Menard County, Texas. Commissioner Davis seconded the
motion. Commissioner Wright was recused. Motion Carried.

XIII.
The Court considered an order approving the tax abatement agreement between Black & Gold Energy
Storage, LLC, and Menard County, Texas, and authorizing the County Judge to execute the agreement on
behalf of Menard County.
Commissioner Wright remained recused from the matter.
Commissioner Keith made a motion to approve the order authorizing the tax abatement agreement between
Black & Gold Energy Storage, LLC, and Menard County, Texas, and authorizing Judge Corbin to
execute the agreement on behalf of the County. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion.
Commissioner Wright was recused. Motion Carried.

XIV.
The Court considered adopting an order establishing Menard County Reinvestment Zone 2026-2.
Brandon Westlake provided an overview of the proposed reinvestment zone associated with an energy
development project located primarily in Concho County, with a portion extending into Menard County.
He explained that establishing the reinvestment zone would allow the County to proceed with
discussions and negotiations regarding a potential tax abatement agreement but would not obligate the
County to enter into such an agreement.
Judge Corbin made a motion to approve the order establishing Menard County Reinvestment Zone 20262. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
XV.
County Treasurer Tami Russell presented the Treasurer's Report and bills for payment. She reviewed
County fund balances, restricted funds, reserves, outstanding debt, and expenditures.
She reported that approximately $1.2 million of the General Fund's invested funds had been designated
as a three-month reserve. She also discussed funds designated for ambulance purchases, grant-related
expenditures, road and bridge operations, Courthouse drainage repairs, and radio tower maintenance.
Treasurer Russell reported approximately $401,000 in expenditures for the reporting period and
discussed additional court reporter expenses associated with a criminal appeal.
Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve the Treasurer's Report and payment of bills as
presented. Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion.
10/09/2026 — 11/05/2026

Motion Carried.

General Fund

$255,433.15

Veteran’s Assistance Grant Fund

$2,152.99

Road & Bridge Fund

$29,650.69

Sheriff’s Special Fund

$375.34

Senate Bill 22 Fund

$6,881.76

SB 22 Co Atty

$3,153.39

Stone Garden Fund

$2,330.22

ICE 287 (g)

$48,998.60

Tax Assessor Collector Custodial Funds

$1,569.35

Co/Dist Clerk Custodial Funds

$3,776.50

Justice of Peace Custodial Funds

$47,343.84

TOTAL

$401,665.83

XVI.
County Treasurer Tami Russell presented proposed grant and budget adjustments to account for grant
funds received after adoption of the County budget and other necessary expenditures.

The adjustments included Operation Lone Star grant funding for the Sheriff's Office, grant funding for a
Constable's vehicle and related equipment, court reporter expenses associated with an indigent
defendant's appeal, and funding from the Justice of the Peace Technology Fund for additional personnel

training and related expenses.
Commissioner Wright made a motion to approve the grant budget adjustments as presented. Commissioner
Keith seconded the motion. Motion Carried.

XVII.
The Court reviewed the fee reports for the month of October as submitted by the County Clerk, Justice
of the Peace, Sheriff, Community Center, County Extension Agent, Tax Assessor-Collector, and Constable.
During discussion, the Sheriff provided an update regarding recent theft investigations, reporting that
suspects had been apprehended in Tom Green County and were facing multiple felony charges. He further
reported that the FLOCK camera system had proven beneficial to law enforcement by assisting in

identifying and tracking suspects involved in criminal activity.
Commissioner Davis made a motion to approve the October fee reports as presented. Commissioner
Keith seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
XVIII.
Judge Corbin asked whether there was any further business to come before the Court. No further
business was presented.
XIX.
There being no further business, Judge Corbin adjourned the meeting at 11:16 a.m.

Signature of Brandon Corbin, County Judge.

Signature of Cindy Cheek, County
Clerk.

Seal of the Commissioners Court of Menard County, Texas.