[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6605723,"mediaKeyId","2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765","parentId",2985014,"title","Regional transit study recommended; NCTCOG staff to investigate larger regional authority","audioSeconds",459,"startMs",644000,"endMs",1103000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765&start=644&end=1103","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765/thumbnail_644000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6605723/Collin-County/Texas/Regional-transit-study-recommended-NCTCOG-staff-to-investigate-larger-regional-authority","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605723-609f2a26df79df7c48c346a80a06b3c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771022513&Signature=n2VLFaOViphjVGmzRQEL806Abz5eugdDYDHXuDb4RWRdFZIxzrTuMR7ZNdmpq99UlbcybRqQvhyvHqfx6iAGXlpozGdzNWX1Oh7KbWQlpPXQtOyvQ7qK5gUhO05UF-32beKP731x6ng0et22e1NSa5aj~4nHwLK1SLn5e28aCRbYMkoot~gRxJIo7ThtUzqDsAB8d1qBrHjCPqspWhkLjnRbgTg5q3FSEeVQGjdKfE6PUctDxddMRtKcTDTJ3H9XviPjgANjKbpcwKBmj46bWTipPQx5bNCokvWNNzm5lTb7NPTR1LIAnufhHbl2w1NKZxBow8ZZIXHIB33HDYFccg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Collin","date","2025-04-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Commissioners Court heard an update from the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) that the council authorized staff to begin studying the formation of a regional transit agency for the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.

The court heard from Commissioner Webb (presenting the RTC update) that the council was \"asked to continue to be neutral\" on DART-related governance but to authorize staff to \"begin to lay out a regional transit agency for the entire metroplex.\" Webb said staff will flesh out options ranging from merging transit agencies to creating an overarching authority to cover the metro area. He said the three organizations most often discussed are DART, Denton County transit, and Tarrant County transit.

Webb and other speakers noted growth in non-transit-member cities and warned congestion and limited transit choices could harm economic development unless a regional solution is found. Discussion included future technologies such as microtransit and driverless vehicles, but participants emphasized those options do not by themselves reduce vehicle miles traveled.

The RTC discussion was described by Webb as preliminary; the council authorized staff to investigate and develop concepts for possible legislative consideration in a future session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Collin - Commissioners Court - Apr 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A North Central Texas regional transit council update reported that council members authorized staff to begin work on a regional transit agency study to address service gaps across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex; discussion cited DART, Denton and Tarrant County agencies as possible components of a regional approach.","taxTitle","Collin County, Texas","taxId",2696,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6605728,"Residents urge delay of ballot-marking device contract renewal, cite barcode and touchscreen concerns",355,1411000,1766000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765&start=1411&end=1766","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765/thumbnail_1411000.jpg","/articles/6605728/Collin-County/Texas/Residents-urge-delay-of-ballot-marking-device-contract-renewal-cite-barcode-and-touchscreen-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605728-22a4d56ce88d2c408f0b43f7ecbf33c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771022513&Signature=njjxirmH9~kdZ9bs7EEnZFWLTP5cXVOclfoA10RCbNc0nvvYOXzeASMmRsJpHpyoOroBA8xJ-1EH2N56RHA1gzLokGo9eN~xItoTSavF3bfMgwdR6z-omkyQPEUmrPAbmsPT-PLB56xpekryCUVIpp5JDH~tMrPxdm~FciG2ywtYPcrYSzDxjFhxqwuWEQjXPs6VqhAuPGR7q-lndbXNjbKTM-Dyh3dP9XE7qyzdcogEh-523ycBQNHHUguKjDuhgG4bWc5kNA6xJxm4Kp-Pt6fwJI8fpub8cNvvSEj75Ouc5MTdblc5wwFKzcBQ9y3rUAKHIX5GCLOUSNgrOQlmFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents urged Collin County commissioners to delay or amend a maintenance/renewal contract for ballot-marking devices and related services, arguing state or federal changes could reduce equipment needs and that touchscreen/barcode systems present security and verifiability concerns.

One speaker, identified in the transcript as \"Mr. Reynolds,\" raised broad security concerns and referenced a recent presidential discussion and a U.S. intelligence briefing, arguing the county should move toward hand-marked paper ballots. Another commenter, Debbie Linster of Citizens Defending Freedom, asked the court to delay a vote by 30 days or amend the contract to include a refund provision if upcoming legislation reduces equipment needs; she cited pending Texas proposals that could allow combined precincts of up to 10,000 voters and a merged early and election-day voting period.

Aida Snowback told the court she opposed \"contract amendment number 10,\" characterizing it as a 3.5% increase over the prior renewal (an additional roughly $20,000) and saying maintenance fees of $370,215 make up the largest portion of maintenance costs; she said total spending on these machines and maintenance has exceeded about $13,500,000 to date. Another resident urged delay until legislation is resolved and referenced an executive order encouraging hand-marked ballots.

No formal action on the contract was recorded in the transcript during this meeting; the comments were part of the public-comment period.","Several residents urged the Commissioners Court to delay or amend a contract renewal for ballot-marking devices and maintenance, citing concerns about touchscreens, barcodes and state/federal actions that could change equipment needs before the 2026 primaries.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6605733,"Collin County court adopts resolution opposing HB 23; staff briefs court on HB 4275, HB 2494/SB 1844",84,1095000,1179000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765&start=1095&end=1179","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765/thumbnail_1095000.jpg","/articles/6605733/Collin-County/Texas/Collin-County-court-adopts-resolution-opposing-HB-23-staff-briefs-court-on-HB-4275-HB-2494SB-1844","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605733-dd667a89b58fd159924035cae05c38e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771022513&Signature=hm9eamy5eKHqP2R23x-ZCYgXI-mnYGP14k86P8gQqpmPOIRJiIBLAtTS2Bpm7m6tk0R7Xb2oLyPbr56BKsuaVGN4dAj7eCzXKy8f5i~GqivfxyBRoEmAiKRzAWjlsF~nJyQrUfjDklzoJGrOPCBFr1-yMtGZUXDvn1he3Vz-MnZcH-x8FurtIUHNjoFDSHX48Dg-QL8yU39mAdqcy-gaMpms5Dd8axtUlJMJIAaYJK72VA8PkUgkH9C17MVZljYD4RpK~SZ5OHvI5NwSvYfBnDXa1OZUSQGsF1kklU9kvb-0eflwoMhmjTHuDLR1yl1wF0OQBiSLmRQZ8atqetw1Vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Collin County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution opposing House Bill 23, a proposal staff described as permitting developers to use third-party firms for planning compliance and inspections in lieu of county staff.

Russell Shofford, deputy county administrator, presented the resolution and told the court it was requested because the county is \"not for sure the level of review, and not for sure if the private sector firm would necessarily have the same priorities\" as county reviewers. The court moved and seconded the resolution, and the motion passed unanimously.

Shofford also briefed the court on other bills up for the 89th Texas Legislature. He said HB 4275 (countywide polling places) was debated in committee and that staff estimates the county could face an estimated $13,000,000 cost to implement countywide polling if the bill requires new equipment and staffing. He explained the bill would amend countywide polling statutes to require a location in all precincts while allowing voting anywhere in the countywide system.

Shofford additionally described HB 2494 (and Senate companion SB 1844), a measure that would require areas annexed by a municipality to receive full municipal services (police, fire, water, sewer and fire hydrants) or face deannexation. He said the policy would shift responsibilities for some high-growth areas back to the county in places that do not receive full municipal services.

The court did not take additional formal action on the other bills; staff said they will continue to monitor the legislation.","The Commissioners Court approved a resolution opposing HB 23 (allowing third-party plan review and inspections) and received staff updates on two other bills — HB 4275 on countywide polling costs and HB 2494/SB 1844 on deannexation where full municipal services are not provided.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6605738,"Court approves sheriff’s office application for FY2026 UASI election-security grant",108,556000,664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765&start=556&end=664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765/thumbnail_556000.jpg","/articles/6605738/Collin-County/Texas/Court-approves-sheriffs-office-application-for-FY2026-UASI-election-security-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605738-a99cb54faafca8cd92f61f1b2af7a7cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771022514&Signature=QXtZzX0Qe8jOOe2SoXgw65aM29hq9QDRxQrF~9y37AKQWw2vVuvTcWyuxoi-JWLLR7BHsbkCPK16LSGee2S3ZrGXnLEhT5pj7gGAE3oqyhvBR9xMT9NllbwiuQua8tKE3ZInIda-4mFGd9-veUoknB2SjkCz2~xjkJHZt5Wa9uyyo6XX8-sx11mazigcNmriDGtTcMi57CjteIB8dD9NDphG-X9g5HTTRrCqFtuUwIl1m1rNxmRs1BZiaHsKcyiY7ZAEWk3nYa~1lfskZ4wa5UFFaWRLhrnCNC3kKC2eIIsu8bozTEZO~s6UZb4mT3-vef8gw0UKwfav-n2POnUe9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Collin County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the sheriff's office request to apply for a FY2026 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) election-security grant, which the county administrator said would pay part of a position's salary and fringe.

Yoon Kim, the county administrator, told the court the UASI grant would pay \"a portion of salary and fringe roughly $9,136.\" He said the remainder of salary and fringe for the position would come from a 2025 regional grant. Kim emphasized both grants are federal with no county match required but cautioned that \"if this grant were to go away or be rescinded or canceled, there are no funds budgeted for these positions out of the county's general fund, and so these positions would go away if the grants go away.\"

Court members moved and seconded the application authorization; the motion passed unanimously.

Kim said the position is intended for the county fusion center and the grant would help sustain staffing related to election-security functions. The court heard no additional conditions attached to the authorization.","Collin County Commissioners Court approved the sheriff's office request to apply for a FY2026 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) election security grant that would fund a portion of staff salary and fringe; commissioners were told the positions would not be sustained if the grants do not materialize.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6605742,"Collin County auditors deliver ‘clean’ FY2024 opinion; court approves report",377,192000,569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765&start=192&end=569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2985014-e34ef384ca96dd0942a06265a6c6f765/thumbnail_192000.jpg","/articles/6605742/Collin-County/Texas/Collin-County-auditors-deliver-clean-FY2024-opinion-court-approves-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605742-1944ad85a0668889e0d24161db6f70e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771022514&Signature=ZCy-hOtXbj1PprOmRE2O8g6w4M-x0gI-QV~GYXF8tRjftomoNlBBV6SEdiccI5H~lvoCGQyheFfVRzb0x0SZxgiOIhapbKjnAnFkit2cVNqG819R8lSR4zrGNLHRPgtwR4t5bHOLc1UOvkTM0MeiEG51LF3-jfDrxxAEwVWJAkXmm6OmBVqhgNORp-ItGP~bRCYIuN~IXdRtqSnZYsvk8DhCkiY8-tMMKrGInNpij6--dmTi0NVc6UUgBUXZ9ANVXn1rJYeGQNfo8FKO3VDNUo2fOgiS7iNuk45GID0Dli~7QLKRSyt0~9juPdQrFLKBnteguAeL4GYkl~tR6dPs6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Collin County received an unmodified (\"clean\") opinion on its annual comprehensive financial report and single audit for the year ended Sept. 30, 2024, and the Commissioners Court voted unanimously to accept the reports.

The unmodified opinion was presented by Chris Pruitt, an audit partner with Patela Brown and Hill, who told the court the opinion means \"the financials are free [of] material misstatement, and that they can be relied upon.\" County Auditor Robert Cohen introduced the presentation.

Pruitt highlighted several measures of fiscal health contained in the report. He said the county's unassigned general fund balance increased by $236,000,000 and noted the county received $24,100,000 more in revenues than budgeted. Pruitt also said, according to the audit, \"for the year you're $76,900,000 in black.\" He described the statistical section as a set of 10-year trend schedules for financial, revenue and debt capacity information.

On the single-audit work, Pruitt said the county had more than $750,000 in state and federal funding and required additional tests on large grants. He said those tests covered the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (federal) and the state Fund for Veterans Assistance and that the auditors found no findings for those programs.

After the presentation, court members moved to approve the reports. The motion carried unanimously.

The auditors also noted they expect to submit the county's financial report for the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award for excellence in financial reporting and that the county likely will receive the award again this fall.","External auditors gave Collin County an unmodified (clean) opinion on the annual comprehensive financial report and single audit for the year ended Sept. 30, 2024; commissioners voted unanimously to accept the reports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Regional transit study recommended; NCTCOG staff to investigate larger regional authority

Residents urge delay of ballot-marking device contract renewal, cite barcode and touchscreen concerns

Collin County court adopts resolution opposing HB 23; staff briefs court on HB 4275, HB 2494/SB 1844

Court approves sheriff’s office application for FY2026 UASI election-security grant

Collin County auditors deliver ‘clean’ FY2024 opinion; court approves report