Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wilson County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Sheriff–County Attorney equipment MOU
A new MOU lets the county attorney's investigator borrow weapons, range access and other equipment the sheriff already owns instead of the county buying duplicates to meet state licensing rules.
Construction site dust, burns and drainage complaints
The county is drafting a permit to make big commercial projects manage their stormwater so roads don't flood — but it's been tabled for more work on fees and rules.
Collection facility building materials policy
Contractors were dumping big construction loads at the county collection facility, crowding out residents and pushing costs up. Commissioners temporarily banned contract building materials and plan to revisit fees with Republic Services.
Operation Lone Star grant acceptance
The sheriff's office landed a fully funded $381,542 federal/state grant — no county match — supporting border-related operations.
Permitting software modernization
The county is buying GovPilot permitting software for $38,000 a year — a tool the development office asked for during budget workshops to replace outdated paper processes.
Lake Valley Estates re-plat and plat revision
A 68-lot private subdivision behind the subdivis restaurant got its final plat approved.
Public Information Act administration
A resident told the court the proposed subdivision regulation changes weren't posted online before the hearing, leaving the public unable to give informed comment. The court agreed to ask staff to link proposed changes to future agendas.
Precinct 1 constable vacancy
The elected constable for Precinct 1 resigned, and the court declared the seat vacant. A replacement process now begins, affecting who provides constable services and process serving in the precinct.
Purchasing and Debarment policy revisions
Commissioner Gary Martin was to bring revisions to the county's Purchasing and Debarment Policies and Procedures, which govern how the county buys goods and services and which vendors it can do business with.
Courthouse safety upgrades
The court approved leasing AEDs for the courthouse and district courthouse and bullet-resistant window film for JP 1 and 4 — funded carefully because courthouse security funds are restricted.
Atascosa County billing arrangement questioned
Commissioners learned Atascosa County bills Wilson County in bulk for shared services like indigent defense, meaning Wilson County loses interest on its money — and nobody can find the original agreement.
Statewide push for county road gas tax funding
Commissioners returned from the statewide conference behind a legislative proposal to raise the 1954-era motor fuel tax allocation, which could bring Wilson County more road money.
Rural Ambulance Grant Program (H.B. 3000)
STCEMS wants the county's required letter of approval to apply for a state EMS license for non-emergency medical transfers. ESD 3's chief warned that private competition for hospital transfers could cut ESD revenue and raise taxpayer burden; the court approved anyway.
Courthouse portico repair RFP
The RFQ for courthouse portico repairs is drafted but was sent to the county attorney first — the court wants procurement rules followed even if the state pays.
Library grants and reimbursements
The county library accepted $526.82 in interlibrary loan reimbursement and a $6,272.93 federal E-Rate subsidy for internet service, and will continue the Dolly Parton Imagination Library partnership with state support covering the county's share.
FM 1107 road closure
TxDOT closed FM 1107 for a culvert repair under the railway, with detours posted; the 85-day estimate counts only working days, so it could stretch longer.
Kirchoff Family Farm tax refund request
A family says the county mailed their 2022 tax bill to a wrong address with an invalid zip code for four years, then hit them with $5,130 in penalties and interest when they paid immediately. The court tabled it to consult other taxing entities.
Food distribution drive for Hunger Action Month
The San Antonio Food Bank and Wilson County planned a food distribution drive on September 30, 2026, as part of Hunger Action Distribution Month. This was a discussion-only item.
Inmate healthcare contract renewal
A roughly $198,000 hospital bill for a former inmate may actually be Bexar County's responsibility. The county attorney is now authorized to negotiate.
Possible second data center
A resident alleged that people on the county-funded Economic Development Corporation board are tied to AI/data center projects like Moonstone and Alina, and urged the court to look into it.
November 2026 general election
The election is officially on for November 3, with early voting October 19-30 at the elections office and a La Vernia branch. Ballot-by-mail applications are due October 23.
Burn Ban Expiration Consideration
Dry conditions and rising grass fires put the county under a 90-day burn ban. Outdoor burning is off limits, though rain could end it early.
2026 Tax Rate Calculation Designation
The county is proposing a tax rate of $0.424932 per $100 valuation, which raises about $1.15 million more in property tax revenue than last year — a 4.7% increase. A public hearing is set for September 14.
Wilson County EDC contract and transparency
The court approved $50,000 more for the young Economic Development Corporation plus a contract with 'subject to appropriation' protection. Commissioners warned the county won't fund it forever — the EDC is expected to grow private memberships and become self-sustaining.
Moonstone Solar tax abatement and data center concerns
Residents flooded the courtroom to oppose tax breaks for the Moonstone Solar project, fearing it's connected to a massive data center planned near Floresville. Speakers cited noise, water, fire risk, property values and rural character.
Camino Real mental health services funding
The county renewed its local match — essentially free office space worth about $163,700 a year — so Camino Real can keep providing mental health and disability services here.
Potential International Building Code adoption
The fire marshal wants to adopt a building code to fill safety gaps the fire code doesn't cover — especially relevant as data centers and big commercial projects eye the county. Discussion only for now.
EEOC complaint settlement
The county settled a pending federal employment discrimination complaint through a Settlement Agreement and Release approved by commissioners court. The terms weren't spelled out in open session, but the deal required immediate action per the county judge.
Sheriff's Office staffing and flood response
A resident flagged that the county fields only about 14 patrol deputies with three sergeants, and offered free training. Separately, the court praised the multi-agency response to the recent flood event, including DPS swift-water teams at Sutherland Springs.
Rabies vaccination ordinance revision
The county now lets vets give three-year rabies vaccines instead of requiring annual shots, matching Texas law since 2003. Pet owners save a yearly vet trip; six local veterinarians signed on in support.
Emergency Operations Center project closeout
The EOC project is wrapping up; the court covered the final $9,412.41 bill and cleaned $777,458.92 of no-longer-expected grant money out of the budget.
Moon Stone Solar tax abatement and development agreement
A $145 million, 145-megawatt solar farm on about 3,600 acres southwest of US 181 is seeking a 10-year tax abatement. Residents packed the courtroom worried about water use, heat island effects, setbacks, and rumors the site could serve a data center. The court didn't vote on the development agreement — no motion was made — so the project stalls for now.
Veterans services performance
A $214,000 state grant will keep helping local veterans with rent, utilities, repairs and funeral costs. The veterans officer says caseload is booming and the county may need a second veterans service officer.
Budget workshop scheduling
Commissioners want budget workshops split across two days rather than crammed into one, with dates to be worked out by email.
Solid waste contract savings
Renegotiated Republic Services contracts cut costs 30-70% for the county collection facility and Expo Center on a 60-month deal with no fuel fees — real savings for county budgets.
Economic development restructuring
The court dissolved its dormant county economic development committee but will keep working with the private Economic Development Corporation — with funding paused until a written agreement spells out what the county gets for its money.
Free road material donation
Hunter Industries will donate the base material it digs up widening FM 1344, saving precinct road budgets real money on fill.
Sheriff's Office Overtime & Surplus Property
Old church pews and broken furniture are crowding the county annex — and there's a flea problem that made a worker sick. Departments have until July 24 to claim their stuff.
Termination of GLO Shelter of Last Resort grant
The county gave back a $1.2 million state grant meant to build a shelter of last resort because sprinkler, staffing and compliance requirements would have swallowed the whole award. Officials say backing out carries no penalty for future grants.
Countywide Audit Resolution
Clean audit opinion and a $3.8 million surplus — but auditors flagged, for a second year, that about $3.5 million in court fine and fee custodial accounts aren't being booked properly.
Precinct #1 Creekwood Project Bids
Three bids were opened for the Creekwood Project Phase 1, ranging from about $758,000 to $1.18 million base bid. The engineer will tabulate and recommend a winner to the court.
Utility Rate Increase
Your water and sewer bills are getting a hike starting August 10th to pay for long-overdue repairs to our city's aging pipes. The city claims this is the only way to fix the system and finally unlock state grant money.
County Employee Health Insurance Premium Increase
The county's health plan ran a 134% loss ratio, forcing a 12% premium hike and a higher deductible. Officials warned employees may face premium contributions if trends continue.
Emergency Services District Audits
ESDs 1, 3, and 4 filed clean fiscal 2025 audits; ESD 5 got a 30-day extension. These districts fund emergency services through sales tax.
SARA Hazardous Waste Collection Event
The annual household hazardous waste collection is set for November 14, 2026, after scheduling conflicts with the Peanut Festival and stock show. An interlocal agreement with the San Antonio River Authority will lock in recurring dates and responsibilities.
Appraisal District building purchase and entity transparency
The Wilson County Appraisal District wants taxing entities to fund a $2.6 million building purchase with almost no advance notice — and under state law, not voting counts as a yes. The county's share is about $83,241, and commissioners are calling a special meeting before the June 8 deadline to formally respond.
Property insurance renewal errors
The county's $168,636 annual property insurance renewal listed buildings that don't exist and missed equipment commissioners actually own. The court tabled it until the asset list is cleaned up, which could affect premiums.
Tax Office fiber network upgrade
Residents keep complaining that Spectrum leaves messes after utility work; commissioners say the company needs to be a partner and clean up after itself.
Historic Courthouse Preservation Grant
The county is asking the state for up to roughly $750,000 to fix the courthouse's porticos, doors and water-damaged wing walls. The court signed the resolution the state needs to consider the application, and will seek real cost numbers through an RFP next.
Election Information
Election season is officially here, and you need to know who's on the ballot before early voting starts on May 18. Check out the Wilson County News candidates' forum to get the lowdown on where everyone stands so you can vote with confidence.