Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cooke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in public safety
Employee Handbook Updates on Vehicle Usage
Commissioners locked horns with the District and County Attorney's offices over a new employee handbook rule requiring court approval for take-home vehicles. Prosecutors argued the rule undermines law enforcement readiness and interferes with elected officials' authority, while commissioners defended it as a necessary budgetary and accountability measure.
Lease of Old Bank Building to Texas DPS
The county is looking at an interlocal agreement to lease the Old Bank Building to the Texas Department of Public Safety. This partnership helps establish a local DPS presence in the county.
Election Administration
Several departments are pushing for a dedicated Election Administrator to handle the growing workload of state and federal election rules. It’s a big decision because it would change how the county manages voting and could impact the budget significantly.
EMS Leadership Transition
With the current EMS director retiring, the county is forming a committee to find a replacement.
Residential Storm Shelter Rebates
The county is launching a rebate program to help homeowners pay for storm shelters. It's a 50% reimbursement, up to $3,000, to help keep families safe during severe weather.
Emergency Communication Infrastructure
The county is allowing a volunteer group to install a ham radio repeater at the old jail. This will help with storm spotting and emergency communications when other systems fail.