Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washington County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues with low priority
2027 Sheriff's and Constables' Fees
Constables will charge more for citations starting 2027 — $100 for service (up from $85) and $50 for posting. It's the first increase since 2013, and the constable's office is actually a revenue generator for the county.
Scrap Tire Collection Event
The amended Brannon Industrial Group agreement keeps the October tire collection event running at $5 per resident, with a new grant-required indemnification clause added.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The county proclaimed September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, supporting the Color Brazos Valley Gold effort; Washington County saw four new childhood cancer diagnoses this year.
County branding: first official seal, logo, and standards
For the first time, Washington County has an official seal, logo, colors, and branding rules for everything from business cards to vehicle decals. Departments use up current stationery before switching — no forced waste.
Pecan Glen Road District tax rate
The road district's 2026 rate was proposed at $0.278321 — flat compared to last year, so district property owners shouldn't see a rate-driven increase.
Fiber installation in county right-of-way
Periti Group will install about three-quarters of a mile of fiber on each of Old Independence and Hopmann Roads in Precinct 3, mainly to support airport radar. No county roads will be bored under.
EMS Fleet Replacement
EMS is buying three vehicles (~$164,000) from the Tobacco Fund — two Expeditions because leased Suburbans couldn't be upfitted properly, and an Explorer to replace one totaled by lightning. Purchasing beats leasing, and no tax dollars are used.
Windmill Ridge subdivision roads nearing county acceptance
Four streets totaling 1.08 miles serving 41 lots moved into the one-year maintenance period with the bond cut to 50%. If the final core seal holds up, the county takes over the roads in about a year.
Fallen tree removal on Brandt Road
A tree fell from the county right-of-way onto private property near an old barn. Crews will hand-cut it to avoid damaging the building and will repair the fence it crossed.
911 Livestock Registration Program
Livestock owners can now register their animals and property access details with 911, so deputies can quickly find owners when animals get loose — and warn them about broken fences. The court wants better outreach so older residents without smartphones can participate.
Tax sale and constable sale locations
State law requires constable sales at the main courthouse entrance, but weather makes that impractical. The court reaffirmed the courthouse steps and added the Courthouse Annex at 100 S. Park St. as a covered backup site.
Bluebonnet 4-H Club adopts Gibbs Creek Road
The 4-H Club will volunteer to keep a two-plus mile stretch of Gibbs Creek Road near Chapel Hill clean, with county signs installed to recognize the effort.
Donation to 911 Communications
The Washington County Democratic Club donated $200 to the county's 911 communications division, following an earlier $400 gift. The director credited the community for supporting the department.
Delinquent tax collection performance
The county collects 97% of property taxes on time; the law firm handling delinquencies reported steady progress collecting older accounts and resolving JP court fines.
Bluebonnet Festival street closures
Chappell Hill's Main Street and four side streets will close April 10-12 for the Bluebonnet Festival — same closures as every year.
County banking services for 2026–2030
Brenham National Bank won both the county's main depository and sub-depository contracts for the next four years, beating Citizens State Bank and VeraBank.
IT shop truck repair funding
The county is spending about $5,400 of contingency funds to keep its 2022 IT shop truck running 5–10 more years instead of buying a new one — officials called it a good, frugal investment.
Accounting switch complicates budget report
The county's move to modified accrual accounting made some departments look over budget on paper — it's a one-time timing issue, not overspending, and the audit will reconcile it.
Malinowski Lane road abandonment
About one acre of an unused old US 290 river-crossing right-of-way is being given to the neighboring landowner who already farms it. Bluebonnet Electric didn't object.