James A. Smith
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 27
- Total speaking time
- 5:06:18
- Avg per meeting
- 11:21
- Segments
- 6922
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Top issues during term (20)
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Adoption
Impacts property owners through a proposed tax rate of $0.394805 per $100 valuation and sets county operational spending.
Infrastructure Maintenance and Bridge Upgrades
$780,849.50
Data Center Opposition
Potential future economic development impact on county tax base and infrastructure.
Detention Center Development
Payment of $2,179,900 from capital project funds.
emergency preparedness
Expect a nice boost for local businesses, though you might pay a premium for gas or food while the crowds are in town.
Personnel Compensation, Benefits, and HR Policies
Directly impacts county personnel expenditures, employee compensation packages, and benefit costs.
Flood Disaster Recovery
The creation of an ESD would introduce a new property tax burden on residents within the district.
elections
While voting itself is free, the county incurs significant operational costs to staff polling locations and maintain secure ballot processing.
waste management infrastructure
This upgrade should save the city money in the long run by cutting down on the time and fuel spent hauling trash.
Regional Groundwater Management
Financial impacts will be determined as administrative and operational budgets are reviewed.
Lakeland Hills Road Maintenance
The HOA will cover the upfront costs of repairs, estimated at approximately $66,000.
Expansion of Affiliate Members and Sponsors
Reduces annual financial barriers for affiliate members while expanding the alliance's membership base.
economic development
Expect a major influx of tax revenue and tech-sector jobs, though the city might have to shell out for infrastructure upgrades to keep up.
Industrial Business Grant for Fidelity Manufacturing, LLC
Financial terms will be detailed in the proposed grant agreement.
FY 2027 Property Tax Rate
The proposed rate would increase the estimated property tax bill for a median-valued home from $934.11 to $1,073.74.
FY 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget and Tax Rate Planning
Informs the upcoming county budget and tax rate decisions affecting all county taxpayers.
zoning change
This change could boost property values and tax revenue by making the site more attractive for high-end residential or commercial investment.
Health Plan Sustainability
Employees will see a 15% increase in their monthly insurance premiums starting in 2027.
Local History Preservation and Committee Reporting
Operational expenses are managed within the Commission's allocated budget.
Regional Wildfire Preparedness and Burn Ban
Class C misdemeanor fines up to $500 for violations.
Decisions during term (866)
Recorded while Smith was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approval of Bid 26-009: Inmate Personal Items
Approval of Bid 26-008: Seven Bridges Repair
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Sensible Management
Approval of Agreement with Bridge to Success Initiative
Approval of Interlocal Agreement with City of Waco for Landfill Law Enforcement
Approval of Services Agreement with Four Columns LLC
Approval of Reimbursement Agreement with HOTCOG for Juvenile Probation Counseling
Deferral of Volunteer Fire Department Contracts
Approval of ICE Intergovernmental Service Agreement Modification
Approval of Engineering Services Invoice for Cow Bayou Dams
Approval of Hospice and Long-Term Care Agreement with Community Healthcare of Texas
Approval of Document Scanning Service Agreement with SourceCorp BPS
Approval of Professional Services Agreement with HOTBHN for Veterans Treatment Court
Approval of BGE Engineering Invoices for Bridge Upgrades
Approval of FY26 Budget Amendments
Approval of TAC Claim Deductible Invoice
Application for FY26 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program
Transfer of Sheriff's Office Taser Devices to Constable Precinct 1
Authorizations for 104th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association Conference
Approval of McLennan County 2027 Holiday Schedule
Voting record (53)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Associate Criminal Court Judge Position Fill Authorization
Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of Greater Waco Chamber Agreements
Health Plan Benefit Changes and Premium Increase
Approval of Budget Adjustments and Expenditure Reductions
Adoption of the FY 2027 Budget
Ratification of the Property Tax Increase
Adoption of the 2026 Tax Rate
Approval of Lakeland Hills Subdivision Road Petition
Approval of Proclamation Recognizing Judge David W. Pareya
Denial of Petition for Creation of Agricultural Development District
Vote on the Proposed 2026 Tax Rate
Approval of ARPA Recovery Plan Performance Report
Approval of County Financial Obligations
Amend 7 Mile Lane Bridge Award (Bid 26-005)
Authorize Construction Contracts with Knife River Corporation - South
Approval of Order Giving Notice of Intent to Participate in Spring Street TIRZ, City of West
TxDOT STEP Grant Application Modifications
Approval of Proclamation for County Clerk Andy Harwell
Ratification of Proclamation for Robinson Rockets Baseball Team
Approval of Proclamation for First Responders' Valor Award
Authorization to Publish Notice and Set Public Hearing for Lakeland Hills Road Petition
Expressed concern over equity compared to private road standards required in his own precinct.
Acceptance of Tax Office Performance Quality Recognition Program Silver Level Award
Approval of Juvenile Probation Monthly Activity Reports (March - May 2026)
Approval of Engineering Department Monthly Activity Reports (March - June 2026)
Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth Holiday
Consent Agenda Approval
Reclassification of Assistant District Attorney Position
Approval of General and Department Head Incentive Pay Lists
Amendments to McLennan County Employee Policy Guide
Subdivision Variance Request in Precinct 4
Authorization of Service Contract with One and Done Dumpster Rentals
Authorization of Grant Payment to Messer LLC
Authorization of Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement with Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
Justices of the Peace: Discussion and/or Action regarding Death Investigator Position
Proclamation Recognizing Constable David Maler
Criminal District Attorney County Credit Card Expansion
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Annual Report
Engie Prairie Hill Wind Project Update
H2O Partners Contract Amendment and San Jacinto Day Fireworks Order
Downtown Jail Remodel Change Order for Building Exterior Reskinning
Consent Agenda Approval
Justices of the Peace Death Investigator Position
County Sheriff Jailer Positions Funding
Approval of Burn Ban
Expressed concern from constituents in outlying areas experiencing dry conditions despite forecasts.