Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waller County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues with low priority
Termination of Pine Island sewage inspection agreement
The county would end its interlocal agreement with the Town of Pine Island for on-site sewage facility inspections and sanitation services, and turn over Pine Island's OSSF records.
School fund distribution
About $23,000 in interest earned on school lands was distributed to Waller County schools based on enrollment, a big jump from the $4,000-$5,000 of prior years.
Morrison Road Right-of-Way Donations
Two developers donated nearly 3 acres along Morrison Road to the county for public right of way, supporting planned road improvements.
TxDOT Traffic Safety and Indigent Defense Grants
The county accepted about $125,000 in state grants for traffic enforcement and indigent defense, requiring roughly $15,300 in local matching funds.
Riley Road Bridge Replacement Change Orders
The bridge project picked up about $43,000 in added costs for message signs and closeout reconciliation. It's a modest addition to finish the job right.
Reserve deputy caps for constables
The court set a maximum of 20 reserve deputies per constable department, down from an informal figure near 30, based on courtroom staffing needs.
Subdivision Road Maintenance Acceptances
Roads in Woodhaven Estates (Sections 1-4), Frontier Farms Section 2, Sunterra Lakes North (Sections 5-6), and Bellamina Section 1 entered the developer's one-year maintenance period with reduced bonds.
Appraisal district board vacancy
The court tabled a plan to nominate Tax Assessor Carolyn Midkey as a voting member of the appraisal district board after commissioners raised concerns about the optics of the county's largest customer sitting on that board.
HAS Park detention facility naming
The detention facility at HAS Park will be named after Charles Kalkomey, honoring a community figure.
Waller County Hospital title reversion
The court formally recognized that the old hospital property legally reverted to the county from the Riceland Regional Mental Health Authority back on July 22, 1994 — clearing up a decades-old title question.
Focusing Families funding renewal
The county renewed its $20,000 agreement with Focusing Families, a community nonprofit, using money already set aside in the 2026 budget.
Clean Water Grant Commitment
The county ratified a three-year, $5,800-per-year in-kind commitment to help H-GAC and Texas A&M AgriLife pursue a state clean water grant — a low-cost bet on water quality funding.
Community center rental policies and refund authority
The court approved a community center fee refund — but only prorated to an hourly rate — and handed day-to-day operations of the center to the Parks Department director.
SB 22 employee overpayments
Small grant overpayments spread across more than ten current and former DA employees; the court tabled the question of whether to pursue collections.
Sheriff polygraph capability via Crime Stoppers donation
A $7,000 Crime Stoppers donation buys a polygraph machine for the Sheriff's Office, which has its own licensed polygrapher. It could save $300–$500 per applicant if the state requires polygraphs for all hires.
Waller County Historical Society support
The court honored the Historical Society, which maintains courthouse displays, historical markers, and a digital archive — and needs new members (dues are $10 a year for a family).
National Police Week proclamation
The county officially honors its deputies, constables, municipal police, and troopers on January 9. Commissioners emphasized the dangers and sacrifices of the profession, including for officers' families.
First-responder equipment grant
The county is applying for a $38,517.55 ONEOK foundation grant for Fire Marshal and emergency management equipment, found through the pipeline company's community outreach.
Sheriff's maintenance garage nearing completion
The new sheriff's maintenance garage is on track to be operational within about 60 days, with equipment purchased and doors being installed.
Library community space shortage
Dr. Maddox reported the library's community room is booked nearly around the clock and suggested repurposing space in the annex as additional community meeting space.