[{"_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",6504862,"mediaKeyId","5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0","parentId",5545562,"title","Court ratifies small grants, accepts catalytic-converter grant and awards road-construction contract","audioSeconds",210,"startMs",1860000,"endMs",2070000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0&start=1860&end=2070","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0/thumbnail_1860000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6504862/Waller-County/Texas/Court-ratifies-small-grants-accepts-catalytic-converter-grant-and-awards-road-construction-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504862-cdcf83a2c3d78fa75786fe34a34b880c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770814963&Signature=kiEM3mxoT93QZMKE9d3srYvmbQuDxMy67Rrh9hAlhZF05Yez55Ht3AKfuujTynflvfMkkXhSyE9OajWB5mJ8381ZYS3xy6E5GRG128k~mjIl1bUtau5USjnJISVlsKF9ZE9--dzh9QTRvZqfXOxfUn2CqVQ2z6PFyMH42Yt0kM-aCh3Opyf9YYJWZNGi7jq~vZ6D36CI7ZZz56Fgs5IJqSJpFog6CCq0KyKliW66zVNPSMwxhh96C7dt5l55OTl5ECI~XOIjFcxcBPVKUzz~-eVVqCNUEpVbdSAX0ncoeEU8d202fkmDoovAFlFtNKMfhizJemSSQ2cC9BjBwaT-qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Waller","date","2025-08-06T00:00:00Z","article","Waller County Commissioner’s Court on Wednesday ratified a series of grant and procurement items: the county ratified a CenterPoint donation application, accepted a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) award that will help lease automated license-plate readers, and approved a formal construction contract award following competitive bidding for a roadway project.

CenterPoint donation and related grants
The court ratified an application seeking a $2,500 donation from CenterPoint Energy for tools and equipment for the county fire marshal’s office and accepted the grant if awarded. The court also ratified a separate GRAMA award (grant) intended for equipment.

Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) award
The county accepted an MVCPA award to fund a second-year lease option for automated license-plate-reader cameras. The original grant award was $67,500 with a required local match of $13,500; the county representative said she would request an amendment to include $444.32 in travel expenses incurred at a required board meeting, yielding a revised requested award of $67,855.45 and a local match of $13,588.87. County staff said the county is awaiting permits from TxDOT for some camera locations; the vendor (Flock) handles installation and the county will not be able to complete permanent camera installations until permits are issued. The county still expects a mix of fixed and mobile units when permits are obtained.

Procurement and construction contract award
The court also considered a competitive construction solicitation for a road project (agenda item 51). Procurement staff reported four responsive bids and presented the engineer’s estimate (approximately $880,000). The low bidder, DBL, submitted a bid near $936,000; other bids ranged up to about $1.93 million. Staff recommended the low bidder based on the bid review and reference checks. The court approved the award and discussed project timing and traffic impacts; county staff said they would keep two lanes open on the road with temporary measures during construction and anticipated a five-month construction timetable once notices and bonds were processed.

Why it matters
- The MVCPA award supports the county’s planned use of automated license-plate readers to support motor-vehicle-theft and catalytic-converter theft investigations; county staff said permit delays from TxDOT are the principal implementation constraint.
- The road-construction award advances a county infrastructure project; the court noted schedules and short-term traffic impacts and asked staff to manage timing to avoid budget-year carryover issues.

Actions recorded
- Ratification: CenterPoint donation application (agenda item 47) — court ratified the application.
- Acceptance: GRAMA/CenterPoint award (agenda item 48) — accepted if awarded.
- Acceptance: MVCPA catalytic-converter grant (agenda item 49) — accepted; county to request a small amendment to include travel reimbursement and an updated local match.
- Contract award: road construction project (agenda item 51) — court approved award to low bidder (DBL) after procurement review.

Speakers (attributed in article)
- Britt (county grant/administrative staff) — summarized grant terms and the requested grant amendment to include travel; said delays are tied to permit issuance for camera installation.
- Procurement director (Jamie) — summarized bid opening, engineer estimate (~$880,000) and recommendation to award to low bidder DBL.
- Chief/Fire Marshal Brian Cantrell (referenced) — appeared during the CenterPoint donation photo but did not provide substantive remarks on awards during the public meeting.

Clarifying details
- MVCPA award: initial award $67,500; county to request an amended award of $67,855.45 to include $444.32 travel; local match $13,588.87 (as stated by staff).
- Road contract: engineer estimate ~$880,000; low bid reported near $936,000; highest bid near $1.93 million; estimated construction duration ~5 months; court discussed temporary measures to keep two lanes open during construction.

Searchable tags:[\"grants\",\"license-plate readers\",\"MVCPA\",\"procurement\",\"road construction\",\"CenterPoint donation\"]

Provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"s:6868.925\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":220,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"'47 is just seeking the court's ratification of an application to Centerpoint that was submitted...\", \"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"s:7313.92\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":180,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Hearing none, all in favor, raise your right hand. All opposed, 47-49 are approved.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Waller - Commissioners Court","oneSentenceSummary","The court ratified a CenterPoint donation application, accepted a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant covering a second-year lease of automated license-plate readers (with a small travel-cost amendment), and awarded a competitive road-construction contract to the low bidder after procurement review.","taxTitle","Waller County, Texas","taxId",54097,"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},6504857,"Neighbors oppose replat that would combine golf-course parcel with residential lot in Sky Lakes",1862,2378000,4240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0&start=2378&end=4240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0/thumbnail_2378000.jpg","/articles/6504857/Waller-County/Texas/Neighbors-oppose-replat-that-would-combine-golf-course-parcel-with-residential-lot-in-Sky-Lakes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504857-dbcd1800a0dc2840d00fc073e98c7d3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770814963&Signature=OJOBbfKpongkV3IOHej~mex4BkgQZQa-N~ZA4P279Hohqmk0Xmx~4S8wmRwADJuwrY~oMJnN0GFj9qQGI4qnon9YYyJUt5wshfXF6PCE-qoSrlVX2XHCgw8umIRT7VX~n9IY3J5F4GnJ10cRVZKBW69tHcul1RKt5~5P3LknobYiNjKu4HuM0hz5xO1HDrqifHz4Ni53ByDWDycJC6F4XcbC75j1fCE~rmSmcGcNdio5qNJRJiA3IdHT3KoUxLPcxJWBZofvg~rebMJbwlM7mk22H8iviDKjODN2J6ul1ukcC8fd-tbrUbPfPfXKBJAuSk3QFThziYH1glsg~jB3jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public hearing at the Waller County Commissioner’s Court drew several Sky Lakes residents who urged the court to deny a replat that would combine a parcel of the former golf course, labeled Reserve B, with a neighboring residential lot (Lot 103, Block 6).

Residents’ concerns and what they told the court
Multiple residents and the Sky Lakes Section 2 building committee said the replat could run afoul of recorded deed restrictions that were drafted when the subdivision was created and which the building committee said were intended to reserve the adjoining land for golf-course uses. Sky Lakes representatives said the restrictions include language that limits transfers or uses of golf-course parcels and that the parcel’s current use and improvements were inconsistent with subdivision bylaws.

Neighbors reported specific problems they said already existed on Reserve B and on the combined parcel:
- A large metal shop-style building (described by the property owners as a nonresidential “shop”) that neighbors say was constructed without committee approval and that, they argued, does not meet Sky Lakes’ exterior and construction standards.
- A porta-potty and what residents described as poor maintenance of the Reserve B land; neighbors said the lot’s condition and the gravel/asphalt driveway across utility easements harm adjacent properties and property values.
- Septic and water connections: residents said the parcel had crossed utility lines and driveway work covered drain lines; they had contacted the county environmental office and reported the issue.

Owners’ response
Patrick and Sarah Knoll, the owners seeking the replat, told the court they bought a parcel of the former golf course years after the golf course had been sold and separately purchased a neighboring lot in Sky Lakes. They said their intent in seeking a replat was to allow a septic-system tie-in and to provide a larger rear yard for their children. The owners described the metal building as a shop used for classic-car storage and occasional hosting; they said it was never intended or used as a residence.

Court action and next steps
The public hearing was opened and closed; the court did not vote on the replat at that meeting. The judge indicated item 45 would be withdrawn from the agenda and that the parties and the building committee should work through outstanding issues before the matter returns to court. County staff and counsel are expected to review the technical issues raised during testimony (septic permitting, easement encroachments and whether deed restrictions apply), and the building committee said it would pursue enforceable remedies and consult its attorney.

Why it matters
The dispute pits community deed restrictions and a homeowners’ association enforcement process against private-property transactions involving formerly commercial golf-course land. Residents warned that approving the replat could set a precedent for additional parceling of the former golf-course land and reduce the association’s ability to enforce community standards.

Speakers (attributed in article)
- Patrick and Sarah Knoll (property owners) — described their purchase and said the structure on Reserve B is a shop and not a residence; they said their objective was to obtain proper septic service and a larger backyard for their family.
- Verna Shelton and Natalie McKnight (Sky Lakes residents / building committee representatives) — spoke against the replat, citing deed restrictions, alleged violations, a porta-potty and maintenance concerns.
- Sipra (Seapra) Boyd (attorney for the Sky Lakes Section 2 building committee) — told the court the building committee believes the replat would \"substantially interfere\" with the rights of Sky Lakes owners and noted recorded restrictions that reference golf-course use.

Clarifying details
- The replat under review would combine Lot 103 with part of Reserve B, a parcel that was previously associated with the Sky Lakes golf course.
- Residents said some septic piping and driveway work crossed utility easements and that the building committee had not approved the structure on the Reserve B parcel; the owners said the structure is a nonresidential shop used to store cars and host gatherings.
- The court closed the public hearing; the judge signaled the replat item would be withdrawn to allow further review and resolution of technical and legal issues before returning for formal action.

Searchable tags:[\"plats\",\"replat\",\"Sky Lakes\",\"deed restrictions\",\"septic\"]

Provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"s:4018.0798\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":240,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"It is 10:16AM and we will now have a public hearing on the replat of Skylake Subdivision...to amend Lot 103 and Reserve B...that public hearing is now open.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"s:6811.145\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"It is 11:03 AM and we will conclude the public hearing...45 will be withdrawn...please work this out and come back to the court.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}","Residents of Sky Lakes Addition Section 2 urged the Waller County Commissioner’s Court on Wednesday to deny a replat that would combine Lot 103 with a portion of the former golf course (Reserve B), arguing the proposed change would violate subdivision deed restrictions and create septic and easement conflicts.",{"_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},6504877,"Waller County court votes to place countywide assistance-district measure on November ballot",245,559000,804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0&start=559&end=804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0/thumbnail_559000.jpg","/articles/6504877/Waller-County/Texas/Waller-County-court-votes-to-place-countywide-assistance-district-measure-on-November-ballot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504877-42398361ae937f1a7bdd28618bc118ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1770814963&Signature=j-0D8mwHfPBynKFM2tA-WggtNeOHlexcngPJ0nL2mQFVQaa1oeWt0QzEkwGiaFUlPJn~qFdrGmvVg6iF-FWliyr2TUxx6kEyZkTO-cZluRcbeMErEE~ysSz4F8Jfk-sLSlWOiNn30f-2BxiDnFRdBemQGfYneDoH1-bqoVbKhePnjTTM2ztSbIMTicmmQxu-mtImkPryDRHMGpliEaP1vfsiYEAEoemRwPuRrDdv2rjI7GWlO67gDxN5OGYqrC7mA9hbAI6LkB6NiwiKcQkq8tT1EzzRrqb1B-LZjk534-TxGg6H0K4QhOg27YLZHEpwh6Gq97SaHB1Og9KgHZUeLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waller County Commissioner’s Court voted Wednesday to place a countywide county assistance district measure on the November ballot and to call the 2025 general election, moving forward a proposal to make one remaining penny of local sales tax available for county projects.

The court approved two separate motions — one to call the county assistance district election and a second to call the election — after a brief public comment period and an earlier workshop on the district proposal.

The court and county staff have described the county assistance district as a mechanism that would allow the county to assess the remaining penny of sales tax currently flowing to the state (one other penny is dedicated to the emergency services district). County officials said the ballot language and the measure’s form are prescribed by state law and that if voters approve the measure the county would have authority to use the revenue on five broadly defined categories, including mobility and transportation; emergency services; law enforcement; parks and workforce and vocational training; and economic development.

Why it matters: County leaders said the sales tax penny is already being paid by local shoppers and they argued voter approval would keep that revenue in Waller County to pay for priority projects, such as road and drainage work and public-safety needs. The court held a workshop earlier the same day to explain the structure and permitted uses before voting to call the election.

What the court decided and next steps
- The court voted to call a county assistance district election and to call the 2025 general election. Court members voted “all in favor” on both motions; the court record shows the motions carried but does not record a roll-call tally in the minutes provided.
- County officials said once the ballot measure is filed the court and staff may only “educate, not advocate” for the measure, per state rules; the court encouraged residents to view the workshop video and attend forthcoming town halls to learn details before voting.
- County staff said they plan precinct-level town halls and online information to explain priorities and how the revenue could be used.

Local context and public comments
Court members and some public speakers urged residents to review the workshop materials, noting a similar, precinct-based measure had failed in an earlier effort. Officials said part of the problem then was voter confusion about the ballot language and the district’s scope. The court emphasized it wants a countywide vote this time and said outreach will focus on clarifying how the revenue could be spent.

Details not specified in the meeting: final ballot language, specific project lists, and any projected revenue estimates were not provided during the meeting and were described generally as “prescribed by statute” and to be published with the election materials.

Actions recorded
- Motion: \"Approve request to call a county assistance district election\"; mover/second: not specified in the record; outcome: approved (motion carried; court announced \"37 carries\").
- Motion: \"Approve request to call the 2025 general election\"; mover/second: not specified; outcome: approved (motion carried; court announced \"38 carries\").

Speakers (attributed in article)
- Judge (Presiding Judge, Waller County Commissioner’s Court) — presided over the meeting and procedural items.
- Commissioner (unnamed in transcript) — participated in discussion and urged public education and town halls on the measure.
- Public commenters: several residents signed up and some addressed the assistance-district item during public comment.

Clarifying details extracted from the meeting
- Funding mechanism: proposal would put the \"one remaining penny\" of local sales tax up for assessment countywide; one other penny is already allocated to the emergency services district.
- Permitted categories: mobility/transportation; emergency services; law enforcement; parks; vocational and workforce training; economic development (described as five defined categories).
- Outreach: county held a workshop the same morning on county assistance districts and plans precinct-level town halls and online materials before the November vote.

Searchable tags:[\"county finance\",\"sales tax\",\"election\",\"infrastructure\",\"Waller County\"]

Provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"s:559.09\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":180,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I have a motion and a second to approve request to call a county assistance district election...this is the last time that I could do this...we can only educate, not advocate.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"s:792.91504\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":120,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I have a motion and second to approve request to call the 2025 general election...all in favor, raise your right hand. All opposed, 38 carries.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}","Waller County Commissioner’s Court voted Wednesday to place a countywide county assistance district measure on the November ballot and to call the 2025 general election, allowing voters to decide whether one remaining penny of local sales tax may be used for county projects.",{"_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},6504867,"Court amends budget to pay for precinct constable vehicle upfitting after vendor delay",356,2744000,3100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0&start=2744&end=3100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0/thumbnail_2744000.jpg","/articles/6504867/Waller-County/Texas/Court-amends-budget-to-pay-for-precinct-constable-vehicle-upfitting-after-vendor-delay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504867-3e84e584ae971921d809dc653503706f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770814963&Signature=l3zGZXsZwp9Kibez08qclGEmpW-TQv~kDNbUlJ-Wsqk3WQ~zfQyZnB3j2CQTJgzPHoO-uPiR9oPYQp4Zj2s~L-ZUr~k1VXINrQasCvN0zObhs4i-uBAm0B84I-2P8DNnOsDpSIkC-opcx5zgxYdAadHtk5mPIp0zMu9MTKwjp9UU4vU8AHvsR~Nsn5j9lWWRF~11yTFPzL~j5sXqPtJBb7DKQKj1R1kMlKWdq~BIFoN01DzXdzNdXPGyMJWlLpiGkRz8x28fax-2HJ32efZqsiAzHaz-Rm9ne1NMKf3dUmqosC~zw1hsVUFu9RL-r2K51BMVWxw1AgZ3darYHh4~xA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waller County Commissioner’s Court on Wednesday approved payment to complete upfitting work for Precinct 3 constable vehicles and amended the funding source to cover a shortfall after procurement and scheduling delays.

The court first moved to approve $39,140 to pay an upfitter for equipment and installation. During discussion staff and elected officials explained that earlier procurement and vehicle-delivery scheduling had created a timing mismatch: vehicles ordered in the prior budget year arrived late and, when they finally arrived, were placed at the end of the upfitter’s queue, producing additional cost and a small funding shortfall. Court members said fleet savings held funds for upfitting but that the precinct’s fleet line did not fully cover the vendor invoice.

How the court addressed the shortfall
Court members voted to amend the motion to move approximately $31,000 from the precinct’s fleet savings line and to use roughly $4,000 from contingency funds to satisfy the balance. The amended motion carried after a vote with court members raising their hands to indicate approval.

Why it matters: equipment readiness and procurement sequencing
County procurement and fleet staff told the court the county had attempted to synchronize vehicle purchases and upfitting work but delays — both in vehicle delivery and in the upfitter’s scheduling — created the funding gap. Staff recommended using internal fleet savings for the majority of the invoice and contingency to cover the remaining shortfall so the vendors could be paid and the vehicles placed in service.

Actions recorded
- Motion: \"Approve payment of $39,140 for upfitting\" (agenda item 39) and to amend funding to move $31,000 from the precinct’s fleet savings and $4,000 from contingency to cover the invoice. Mover/second: not specified. Outcome: approved (court announced \"39 carries as amended\").

Speakers (attributed in article)
- Alan (County staff) — explained fleet funding and shortfall and said he would \"work it up\" with the judge to get payment posted quickly.
- Precinct staff and procurement staff — discussed procurement sequencing and vendor scheduling.

Clarifying details
- Invoice amount: $39,140 for upfitting (equipment/installation) for Precinct 3 constable vehicles.
- Funding action: proposed transfer of $31,000 from the precinct’s fleet savings line and $4,000 from contingency to cover the total; court approved amended funding request.
- Cause: vehicles purchased in prior budget year arrived late; when vehicles eventually arrived they were queued behind other jobs for the upfitter, increasing timing and invoice pressure.

Searchable tags:[\"constable\",\"fleet\",\"budget amendment\",\"procurement\",\"Waller County\"]

Provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"s:2744.585\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I have a motion and a second to approve payment of $39,140 for upfitting...We recommend contingency to get this thing done...I'll move to amend by line item using his equipment line item.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"s:3078.77\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":180,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Hearing no further discussion, all in favor, raise your right hand. All opposed? 39 carries as amended.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}","The court approved payment of $39,140 for upfitting vehicles for the Precinct 3 constable, amending budget lines to move $31,000 from fleet savings and add $4,000 from contingency to cover a shortfall; discussion cited procurement timing and delays in vehicle delivery and upfitter schedules.",{"_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},6504872,"Commissioner's Court accepts donated 10 Commandments monument; residents and county staff discuss legal risks and siting",1928,812000,2740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0&start=812&end=2740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5545562-9fc28e108f56f0c7476aa75978ed5fd0/thumbnail_812000.jpg","/articles/6504872/Waller-County/Texas/Commissioners-Court-accepts-donated-10-Commandments-monument-residents-and-county-staff-discuss-legal-risks-and-siting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6504872-3329f06d3d7da34e3d19eb2b3dcc690d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770814963&Signature=L-mrYMraO27TcPOXoXyyxolLuj0xOdoTvwFYBD0eZmn49JXaQMMttlaQMGY1VUv9GYn-rxYLrEogO0tFf7rWKy1AqAyCF6SB0zFe6TYrP1fGhTuBmtOpOMrqmYmBj~M1aoyko~K6y0mw~fVPi-XUZMd7P7CTN1Hu6RairHGlOqZsq~0x3BBa~hpbafdBpzkkkjoVYBmEz8vrexonsk6urhE1IPBNndf42H43VgsZ2ucDJVNlTD~2ijpVSWTYcuSpIzqDY5hVdS8Z07vmkyiOYdVdbwGhGqfZLEjZlrwcG0U89UdECMvs3U6weNyS7HkJhw7AbLPRyVjt2ubLCNRH6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waller County Commissioner’s Court on Wednesday voted to accept a donated 10 Commandments monument and related labor and funds from the American History and Heritage Foundation Inc., prompting public testimony both in favor and opposed and a short discussion of legal exposure and placement on the new courthouse grounds.

The motion to accept the donation and authorize installation was offered and seconded; the court then voted “all in favor,” with members announcing that item 53 carried.

What was presented
Shannon, a resident who led the monument’s presentation, said the Arkansas-based American History and Heritage Foundation would collect donations, oversee installation and provide a turnkey granite monument that uses the same wording and King James phrasing as the monument on the Texas Capitol grounds. Shannon described the monument as granite, approximately 44 inches wide and 76 inches tall with an additional 6-inch base, and said the foundation would assist with certified installers and fundraising.

Multiple residents spoke during the public comment portion, including pastors and neighborhood representatives, in support of the monument as a moral and historical reminder. Larry Park, during public comment, said he was advocating for “a monument for the Christian faith.” Pastor and resident speakers framed the proposal as a reminder of moral foundations and cited historical connections between scripture and American legal traditions.

Legal and placement discussion
County officials and others discussed potential lawsuits and legal precedent. The presenter and others cited a series of federal court decisions relating to religious displays — Lemon v. Kurtzman, the Bladensburg Cross decision and Kennedy v. Bremerton — arguing that recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent made displays of historical religious text more defensible where they are framed as historical or traditional. The presenter also said the First Liberty Institute had offered to defend Tarrant and Rockwall counties in earlier similar matters and indicated they would provide pro-bono defense if asked.

Facilities staff and court members discussed several possible locations on the new courthouse grounds. Facilities manager Danny Roth said he favored three prominent locations that would not block windows and that would present the monument to visitors approaching the building: the upper podium outside the turret near the staircase, the north side of the bell tower, or the east side of the veterans memorial. Facilities staff said they would prepare photos of other memorials and recommended locations and return with a location recommendation for court approval.

Why it matters: law, precedent and local politics
Speakers for the monument argued it would restore historical and moral reminders to public spaces and noted the state capitol’s similar display and state legislation affecting classroom displays. Opponents and some members of the public raised legal and procedural questions (including whether counsel had reviewed the donation and whether local government should be the plaintiff or defendant if litigation arose), and asked how the county’s counsel and insurance would approach potential litigation. The court acknowledged the legal risk but accepted the donation.

Actions recorded
- Motion: \"Approve acceptance of donations of a 10 Commandments monument, funds or labor for the monument implementation expenses from the American History and Heritage Foundation Incorporated.\" Mover/second: not specified. Outcome: approved (court announced \"53 carries\").
- Facilities action: staff directed to gather photos and recommended locations for the monument on the new courthouse grounds and return with a follow-up presentation and location recommendation.

Speakers (attributed in article)
- Shannon (presenter / resident) — led the monument presentation for the donor organization and provided dimensions and provenance; quoted in the meeting saying \"God has placed it on my heart.\" (presentation)
- Phil Birkelbach (resident) — spoke in support of the monument and praised the presenter’s research and effort.
- Verna Shelton (resident) and other Sky Lakes residents — spoke on other items at the meeting unrelated to the monument (see other article); they also asked about legal review.
- Judge (Presiding Judge, Waller County Commissioner’s Court) — presided and participated in site-discussion.

Clarifying details
- Donor: American History and Heritage Foundation Incorporated (presenter described it as the foundation coordinating fundraising, materials and installation assistance).
- Monument: granite, approximately 44 inches wide, 76 inches tall, with a 6-inch base, same King James wording as the Texas Capitol monument, according to the presenter.
- Legal context cited by proponents: Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), Bladensburg Cross (case name referenced), Kennedy v. Bremerton (2022) and involvement/offered support from the First Liberty Institute as a possible defender for similar county monuments.
- Placement: facilities staff recommended three candidate locations and will return with photos and a formal placement recommendation; staff said lighting and conduit considerations will be evaluated.

Searchable tags:[\"monument\",\"religion in public space\",\"donation\",\"Waller County\",\"First Liberty Institute\"]

Provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"s:812.01\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":300,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I have a motion and a second for consideration to approve acceptance of donations of a 10 Commandments monument...from the American History and Heritage Foundation Incorporated.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"s:2725.5051\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":160,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Hearing no further discussion, all in favor of 53, raise your right hand. All opposed, 53 carries.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}]}","The court unanimously accepted donations of a 10 Commandments monument from the American History and Heritage Foundation Inc.; presenters described a turnkey donation and legal defenses, while nearby residents raised deed-restriction and public-notice concerns during the related public comment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Court ratifies small grants, accepts catalytic-converter grant and awards road-construction contract

Neighbors oppose replat that would combine golf-course parcel with residential lot in Sky Lakes

Waller County court votes to place countywide assistance-district measure on November ballot

Court amends budget to pay for precinct constable vehicle upfitting after vendor delay

Commissioner's Court accepts donated 10 Commandments monument; residents and county staff discuss legal risks and siting