Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Harrison County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
30 issues
FY 2026-2027 Budget and Tax Rate Adoption
The county is moving forward with its budget process, setting dates for public hearings and final adoption on September 17. Residents will have opportunities to weigh in on the proposed tax rate, elected officials' salaries, and fee plans.
County Financial Administration & Grants
The county is applying for state grant funds under Senate Bill 22 to support salaries within both the Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office.
Outdoor Burn Ban Extension
The county extended its outdoor burn ban for unincorporated areas by another seven days to reduce wildfire risks during dry conditions.
Courthouse Infrastructure
The county is spending nearly $73,000 to replace aging seating in the 71st District Court and County Court at Law to improve comfort and safety for jurors and attendees.
County IT Leadership Transition
Robert Perkins will take over as Harrison County's IT Director this September, stepping in as longtime director Charles Nenninger retires.
2026 Seal Coat Road Project
The county awarded a major road seal coat project contract worth over $974,000 to keep local roads maintained.
Regional Groundwater Conservation District Creation
The county discussed proposed legislation to create a regional groundwater conservation district for the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer and approved legal counsel to assist with the process. Residents shared public comments on the matter.
Rail Trail Security
Harrison County police just nabbed three more people involved in the recent City Park riot. It’s a clear signal that the city isn't letting this slide and is still hunting down everyone who caused trouble.
Summit Park Management
The county is struggling to manage Summit Park due to conflicts with the softball league using the space. They are considering handing over full control to the league to avoid further liability.
Municipal Elections
It’s election day in Harrison County, and it’s time to hit the polls to pick the people who will actually run our city. Don't sit this one out—your vote decides who makes the calls on everything from local projects to your tax dollars.
County Cybersecurity Upgrades
The county approved a new cybersecurity tool from the Texas Association of Counties and appointed IT Network Manager Robert Perkins as administrator to protect county digital infrastructure.
Opioid Litigation Settlement Participation
The county joined the latest settlement participation and release forms for ongoing national opioid litigation.
Estate Administration
Several families requested that their loved ones' estates remain open to allow for the collection of assets or resolution of claims. The Commission granted a six-month extension for four specific cases.
Animal Control Facility Development
The county is finally moving forward with building a new animal control facility. Commissioners decided to place it on the county-owned site behind the old drive-in screen to save on costs and start construction sooner.
Community Event Funding
Buc-ee's is officially opening a new location in Harrison County, bringing a massive travel center to the area. Expect more local jobs and a significant boost to the city's tax base.
Election Administration
A local City Council candidate got booted from the ballot, and now they're taking legal action to get back on. This could shake up your options at the polls, so keep an eye on who actually makes the final cut.
Greater Harrison Sewage Rate Increase
Local residents are concerned about the impact of recent sewage rate hikes on seniors and low-income households.
Downtown Parking
The county is reallocating parking lots to provide more spots for employees, though some commissioners expressed frustration over the original purchase cost and lack of revenue.
Tax Office Record Errors
A resident reported that incorrect county records led to an improper tax sale of his property. He is seeking reimbursement for the fees he paid to redeem the land.
Public Safety Advisory
Harrison County officials are telling everyone to stay off the roads because of dangerous icy conditions. Unless you absolutely have to leave, it's best to just hunker down at home until things clear up.
Energy Infrastructure Development
Harrison County is getting a massive $400 million battery storage plant to help stabilize our local power grid. It’s a huge investment that promises more reliable electricity, though it’s definitely going to change the look of our local landscape.
Pedestrian Infrastructure Safety
Abilene is seeing a spike in accidents involving mobility scooters because our sidewalks and crosswalks just aren't cutting it. It’s time to push the city to upgrade our street lighting and infrastructure before someone else gets hurt.
Nuisance Property Enforcement
Marshall is kicking off a warrant roundup, meaning police are actively looking to clear out old tickets and legal issues. If you’ve got something outstanding, you’ll want to handle it now to avoid an unexpected visit from law enforcement.
Municipal Staffing
Marshall is shuffling its city leadership team, which means new people are calling the shots on how your tax dollars get spent. It’s worth watching how these changes affect the quality of city services you rely on every day.
Elections
Early voting is officially open in Harrison County, giving you a chance to skip the Election Day lines and weigh in on local measures. It’s your opportunity to help decide the direction of our community before the final deadline.
Law Enforcement Operations
Marshall police just rounded up four suspects in a major crackdown on local drugs and violent crime. They’re still hunting for seven more, so expect to see a heavier police presence in the area while they finish the job.
Historical Monument Policy
Harrison County is currently deciding whether to keep, move, or remove controversial historical monuments from public spaces. It’s a heated debate about which parts of our history we choose to celebrate and what kind of community we want to be moving forward.
Public Monument Policy
Harrison County is stuck in a tense standoff over whether to keep or pull down a Confederate statue. It’s a classic battle over how our public spaces should reflect our values today.
Public Official Conduct
A local Justice of the Peace is out of a job without pay after getting arrested and indicted. This shake-up is going to cause delays and confusion for anyone currently dealing with cases in that court.
Emergency Management
A tornado just tore through Harrison County, so stay alert for official updates on cleanup efforts and recovery resources. Keep an eye on local news to see when it's safe to start clearing debris from your property.