[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6487265,"mediaKeyId","5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274","parentId",5707844,"title","Audit finds dump‑site cash‑handling issues; court schedules policy follow‑up","audioSeconds",88,"startMs",586397,"endMs",675000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274&start=586&end=675","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274/thumbnail_586397.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6487265/Grimes-County/Texas/Audit-finds-dumpsite-cashhandling-issues-court-schedules-policy-followup","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487265-9793de8671c1d67482d24792a8972aac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771005060&Signature=dCXY6sQJc6NmvCCbPu9qqDsTLtAkUf1ItO89uk3h6t3uiyvu9smPIxQxWHXcmwmlYC4hJVGxvvd7r0KAJY1SauTrEf0NF2BDVPKLQqa877-rWC57JhDzfUhwP6fhfvqZIPTPkRuuHd1w8B~NTmUxY~hMYVb9-6HODaEgy1g~ifuo57tVXaziKGtXB1qK~u08EOw79SEuZnipfqQgOpSEZpMCcmyUzbhEmg86EUNL7BT49UYscOFQstOMhriTPv6G0GHoVeMayS26w2libWuSen2yUGExzJA~wnE6HkQyWuX~HEaPfTYWHFIgiK5Fz5rduIB5evsBTmLBIbQC2ZWu8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Grimes County Texas","date","2025-09-03T09:00:00Z","article","Grimes County commissioners on Sept. 3 received an audit of the Stoneham Dump site that identified deficiencies in site security and cash‑handling procedures and instructed staff to return Sept. 17 with recommended policy changes.

County Auditor reported that the audit was strong overall but surfaced controls weaknesses at multiple dump sites that would require the court to consider new policies on cash handling and site security. Commissioner David Tullis moved to receive the audit, ask for additional discussion at the Sept. 17 commissioners court meeting, and approve receipt of the audit; Commissioner Philip Cox seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

The court asked the auditor’s office to prepare materials for Sept. 17 that would outline recommended administrative controls and potential budgetary or operational changes to implement tighter cash management and security at county dump sites.

Why it matters: The audit’s findings could prompt procedural changes that affect how the county collects and secures cash at solid‑waste facilities. The court’s scheduling of a specific follow‑up suggests it will consider formal policy action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Grimes County Texas - Commissioners Court Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","County auditors presented a Stoneham Dump site audit that identified deficiencies in security and cash handling; commissioners accepted the audit and asked for a Sept. 17 follow‑up to develop policies.","taxTitle","Grimes County, Texas","taxId",64327,"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},6487269,"County clerk resigns; court sets application process and timeline for replacement",624,4987900,5612080,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274&start=4987&end=5612","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274/thumbnail_4987900.jpg","/articles/6487269/Grimes-County/Texas/County-clerk-resigns-court-sets-application-process-and-timeline-for-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487269-a52d328493bd3d451ee5e2359954efee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771005060&Signature=i0dd7GRt3jkjId6lcKx4HcfEM-YIPpJQ~cvETsIkC~u~tyP9KqWJ0wyg6cO4Sro9W97g0mvcAimZWbZ3eK~oYF1fGUFRNI5QSQ6RaPWcjusyGlVPRRvpN4QtT9UXfbUC70fjcJjagC1dYvMA09dabf-DNtfc0lRBOndyUaHhJsi5h~7ELi7G3UPPfffy6nVpCblVFWqYMzY1uUZmZhI2K5iwevoMTjL2MlKU~IDyQrIQyq9xh-LTcAxgAcgzASIAjN1LwKK-E-nAlioisJlaP4JrqjyCsRaJbf7VEsSpboaAgmymA1854Vc42IFUM-ygUMBwhIyMIn-n8uhImPVklg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grimes County Commissioners Court accepted the resignation of County Clerk Vanessa on Sept. 3 and directed county staff to begin the replacement process immediately. The resignation was acknowledged at the meeting and the court discussed the statutory obligation that a county clerk remains in office until a successor is appointed or elected.

The court directed human resources to advertise the vacancy on the county website and on social media immediately and to publish a notice in the Navasota Examiner on Sept. 10. The court set an application deadline of close of business (4:30 p.m.) on Sept. 19 to allow time for publication and candidate submissions. The court also authorized posting on county social media and directed HR to collect applications for review. Commissioners indicated they intend to review applications and, if needed, schedule interviews prior to making an appointment; the court left the appointment date available at later September meetings and set Sept. 24 as a likely appointment date if candidates are received.

County staff and the judge clarified that accepting the resignation does not relieve the clerk of her constitutional duties until a successor is in place; payroll and other administrative matters will continue according to statute until the office is filled.

Why it matters: The county clerk is a constitutional officer responsible for records, elections processing and other statutory duties. The court’s posted timeline and required advertising aim to ensure transparency and allow the commissioners to appoint a temporary successor if necessary.","Grimes County Clerk Vanessa submitted a resignation; the commissioners accepted it and directed HR to advertise the vacancy, set a Sept. 19 application deadline and to bring candidate review back to the court for appointment.",{"_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},6487274,"District attorney gets state apportionment raises; court approves DA salary adjustments using SB 22 funds",1751,5829099,7580194,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274&start=5829&end=7580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274/thumbnail_5829099.jpg","/articles/6487274/Grimes-County/Texas/District-attorney-gets-state-apportionment-raises-court-approves-DA-salary-adjustments-using-SB-22-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487274-9db39890ad182d90419a5bb418b19221/orig.mp4?Expires=1771005060&Signature=lGGbHMmU0AkJcBrsYKqqsHLn~Il0Pp8VIKLTX7ZMdFKa1sHDPCElrM6uVuqbem8Ha3n5SkfH54yPZ1JgX4~C68Lk3cpw4LUJ1V2~Eex7rstY22i~5avKSl5NhMuEFbENI1FxO62ZPYFOXTFw21bs9wkj~LpJMLPowJpaIxh9KP4c1g~Qu1UrC1X6xGMBdpzb8B7irYiRFkKKAm81a4U~OcuQE4vMhFxmdJi68KiRw1MxvkOVy3h78p~oz50-tLMGMlxZNIhPHqpRdaFX7b7MJpMyaaWrHc4iXSSxzg0dSq8NjI6y6kuMbdAby76BI2gCHjwyUZEVPd32pj~nv~vCag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grimes County Commissioners Court on Sept. 3 approved a set of salary adjustments requested by the district attorney’s office to be funded from state apportionment (Senate Bill 22) and moved one DA position from nonexempt to exempt.

District Attorney representation presented four changes the office requested to address recruitment and retention: raising the DA’s chief investigator Raul Gonzales’s salary from $73,062.62 to $78,208.42; increasing a vacant misdemeanor prosecutor position from $102,056.62 to $108,000; increasing the felony ADA position from $115,000 to $118,096.70; and raising a legal‑assistant/archives position to $46,800. County staff and the DA noted these increases would be funded exclusively from state apportionment/SB 22 funds allocated for rural prosecutors’ salaries.

The court approved the DA’s requested salary adjustments and authorized the auditor and human resources to implement budget changes and place remaining apportionment funds in a separate line item for the DA office. Commissioner Philip Cox moved the motion; Commissioner Chad Mallett seconded. The court recorded vocal affirmations in favor and the motion carried.

The request prompted a broader discussion about parity across law‑enforcement investigators. Commissioners and staff asked the auditor and HR to review whether the sheriff’s office should be given the same flexibility to use SB 22 funds to raise investigator pay so that investigators across agencies remain competitive with surrounding counties. County Auditor Jesse Murphy and HR (Talita Coleman was on vacation) flagged that adjustments using SB 22 are restricted to salary uses and will need administrative steps to ensure consistency with the county’s pay structures.

Why it matters: The approved increases are intended to make Grimes County’s DA office more competitive for experienced prosecutors and investigators. Commissioners requested follow‑up to determine whether similar apportionment adjustments should be applied to sheriff’s investigators to avoid interagency pay disparities.","The court approved district‑attorney office salary adjustments funded by state apportionment (Senate Bill 22) and moved the DA chief investigator position from nonexempt to exempt; commissioners asked staff to examine parity implications for sheriff's investigators.",{"_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},6487279,"Commissioners court approves replats, contracts and proclamations; consent items pass",306,363040,669500,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274&start=363&end=669","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5707844-bd07b1e1fd5203473619a597ea322274/thumbnail_363040.jpg","/articles/6487279/Grimes-County/Texas/Commissioners-court-approves-replats-contracts-and-proclamations-consent-items-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487279-7b1b7f713f77b8fe5c0276258ee6927f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771005060&Signature=fpYk6QSd1dJjksNjn6fL-iaGJctJV4t8nVwgDlxRDC~gF2TQBG~HJBHZRr7A7s2WZSdaNajeB4ILRwdc5Vy8AtD6Z8ikKFhpIQYDaRR~nPy3jPuwX-5Fj7dIOSPsdTC7jUNy6gYa86k6CG6gFLqgmhKOIyRtOLJCyA36D~zqdax8-e1U39ri9zNCuXWQPidp78hmFQCxzaQE8VhQsipi-Nc1IeeVYmpj1EWCAMzzZI5uw7jOZLp1t-STSlfKISaEPaar7ixKZ8UdEVmJ4iX6TMkzgMgzQM63aWCU9qgEjRa4QccvPyyR40kmf~xqqVrCq3EaS72auxZD0GhwbKviVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grimes County Commissioners Court on Sept. 3 approved a package of consent items and several standalone motions, including replat approvals, a community development block grant disaster‑recovery resolution, a jail medical services contract and proclamations recognizing both Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church’s 150th anniversary and National Night Out.

The court approved consent agenda items 6a–6l (with item 6h taken for separate consideration and returned for a separate vote). The consent package included three replat approvals for subdivisions in Precincts 2 and 4, adoption of a resolution designating signatories for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) program under GLO state contract number 24‑074‑002‑E285, adoption of a civil‑rights resolution with required policies (citizen participation, grievance procedures, limited English proficiency plan, Section 504 policy, code of conduct and fair‑housing policy), proclamation of April as Fair Housing Month, approval of the Reinhardt Market plat, and acceptance of the county treasurer’s monthly reports and claims and payroll actions.

Separately on consent, the court received the Stoneham Dump site audit and directed a further discussion and policy follow‑up at the Sept. 17 meeting (see separate story).

On standalone motions the court:
- Approved an annual contract with Southern Health Partners to provide nursing services at the county jail, including an increased inmate residency threshold as described in the contract.
- Approved emergency overtime pay for county IT staffer Andrew Duncan after an after‑hours phone‑system outage.
- Approved travel for Sheriff Don Sau to attend the Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition meeting Sept. 29–30 in Chandler, Arizona.
- Approved a $520 transfer from contingency to the JP2 bridal and conference budget line to cover mileage and shortfalls for the month.
- Approved auctioning surplus county items and donating use of the fairgrounds barns to Mid South/KBTX Food for Families for a Dec. 3 dry food drive.
- Approved two amendments to the Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications (BBWAC/BVWAC) interlocal agreements to add Robertson County and to update the third restatement for construction/operation/maintenance of the regional radio system.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent items (6a–6l, excluding 6h): approved (motion by Commissioner David Tullis, seconded by Commissioner Philip Cox; vocal affirmation recorded).
- Stoneham Dump site audit (6h): set aside earlier and later received with direction to schedule Sept. 17 for further discussion; approved separately.
- Southern Health Partners jail contract: approved (motion carried).
- Emergency overtime for Andrew Duncan: approved (motion carried).
- Sheriff travel to conference: approved (motion carried).
- JP2 budget transfer $520: approved (motion carried).
- Auction surplus items: approved (motion carried).
- Fairgrounds donation for food drive (Dec. 3): approved (motion carried).
- BBWAC interlocal amendments (adding Robertson County; third‑restatement amendment): approved (motions carried).

Why it matters: The consent items clear routine land‑use and administrative tasks while the standalone approvals affect county services (jail medical care), emergency operations (IT overtime) and regional coordination (BBWAC). The Stoneham dump audit was pulled for further policy work, signaling the court intends additional internal controls or procedures for county dump sites.

The court set follow‑up dates and delegated administrative signatory authority where required; most approvals delegated signature to County Judge Joe Fowles or to county staff as appropriate.","Grimes County Commissioners Court approved a slate of consent items and several standalone motions Sept. 3, including replats, a CDBG‑DR signatory resolution, a jail medical contract and proclamations honoring Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church and National Night Out.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Audit finds dump‑site cash‑handling issues; court schedules policy follow‑up

County clerk resigns; court sets application process and timeline for replacement

District attorney gets state apportionment raises; court approves DA salary adjustments using SB 22 funds

Commissioners court approves replats, contracts and proclamations; consent items pass