On the agenda: Leon County 7/13/2026 Minute — data center (Jul 13)

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STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF LEON

IN THE COMMISSIONERS COURT
OF LEON COUNTY, TEXAS

On this the 13th day of July 2026, the Commissioners’ Court of Leon County, Texas, met for a
regularly scheduled meeting at 9:30 a.m. with the following members present:
Byron Ryder – County Judge
Joey Sullivan – Commissioner Pct. No. 1
Paul Bing – Commissioner Pct. No. 2
Kyle Workman– Commissioner Pct. 3
T. J. Foley – Commissioner Pct. No. 4
Together with County Clerk Amy Kaiser, serving as an ex-officio member of the Commissioners
Court, County Attorney Keith Cook, County Auditor Melissa Abney, County Treasurer Brandi
Hill, Tax Assessor Collector Victoria Willis and Sheriff Kevin Ellis.
1. OPEN MEETING WITH PRAYER AND PLEDGES.
Judge Ryder opened the meeting with prayer; pledges to the American flag and Texas flag were
rendered.

2. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON CLAIMS DUE.
Commissioner Sullivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
claims due.
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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a. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON CLAIMS DUE (LGC 130.908, “LAME
DUCK”
-COUNTY JUDGE
-10-401 COMISSIONERS COURT
-10-409 NON-DEPARTAMENTAL
-10-415 KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL
-10-420 JANITORIAL
-10-426 COUNTY COURT
-10-510 COURTHOUSE & BUILDINGS
-10-630 HEALTH & WELFARE
-12-400 TAX NOTE
-12-417 TAX NOTE ‘24
-12-418 TAX NOTE ‘25
-13-422 DEBT SERVICES
-21-400 HOTEL TAX
-21-455 HOTEL OCCUPANCY
-24-498 VETERANS SERVICE FUND
-25-455 EXPO
-52-427 EOC
-55-402 911 MAPPING
-56-400 GRANTS
-56-468 GRANT FUND
-58-415 CAPITAL PROJECTS
-60-406 TOWERS
Commissioner Sullivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
claims.
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)
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3. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS
MEETING.
Commissioner Sullivan made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
minutes from the previous session.
MOTION CARRIED.
4. REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL TO BE ISSUED.
Commissioner Bing made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to approve June 26, 2026,
and July 10, 2026, payrolls.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPIES FOLLOW)

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5. PUBLIC COMMENTS #1.
The following people submitted a request to speak regarding the planned data centers, water use,
and tax abatement considerations:
Floyd Fobbs, Tinya Holifield, Carly Hickman, T. F. Stein, Janet Dunbar, Daniel McCoslin,
Debbie Frank, Carol Milder, Michael Rice, Sylvia Guzman, Lisa Williford, Donna Hull, Kat
Wall, Ann McCoslin, Larry Cox, Jaime Naquin, Jessica Dawn Nelson, Zant Tatum, Paul
Lutteringer, Robbie Peterson, Mike Glick, Rachel Streater, Jay Winn (spoke, no form),
Judy Jackson (spoke, no form) addressed the Court regarding lack of space for the present
meeting.
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**RECESS**
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to recess for 5
minutes before resuming.
MOTION CARRIED.
6. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON APPLICATION BY CRUSOE
TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, FOR A TAX ABATEMENT AND DESIGNATION OF
REINVESTMENT ZONE.
Presentation, and discussion. Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by
Commissioner Foley to reject the application as submitted.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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**RECESS**
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to recess for 10
minutes before resuming.
MOTION CARRIED.
7. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON UPDATING LEON COUNTY’S
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA AND RELATED RESOLUTION FOR GRANTING TAX
ABATEMENTS.
Commissioner Workman presented his draft of the new guidelines and criteria. Commissioner
Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to approve the presented guidelines
and criteria, contingent upon review and approval by County Attorney Keith Cook, effective
immediately.
VOTE BREAKDOWN:
Yes: Ryder, Bing, Workman, Foley
No: Sullivan
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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8. PRESENTATION BY TRAVIS TREADWAY (CONCORD ROBBINS WATER) AND
TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY.
Presentation only; no action taken.
9. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ANY ACTION ON LETTER DISCUSSING
PERMITS STRUCTURE IN LEON COUNTY.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to reject the
proposed letter presented by Black Mountain, Carolyn Cumber, permitting and entitlement.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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10. PRESENTATION OF LETTER OF LIABILITY NOTICE REGARDING
INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS IN LEON COUNTY.
Mr. Red Shinedling presented his letter of liability; Commissioner Workman made a motion,
seconded by Commissioner Foley to include the letter in the Commissioner Court minutes.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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11. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON GOLD STAR SERVICES FOR
SEISMIC SURVEYS ON LEON COUNTY CITIZENS.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to conditionally
approve the agreement, with the stipulation that once the post plan source map is submitted, the
County may submit reasonable objections to be addressed before final approval is made.
VOTE BREAKDOWN:
Yes: Ryder, Bing, Workman, Foley
No: Sullivan
MOTION CARRIED.
12. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ANY ACTION ON .GOV DOMAIN CHANGE IN
LEON COUNTY.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to take no action.
MOTION CARRIED.
13. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON IT COMMITTEE’S
RECOMMENDATION TO MIGRATE TO .GOV DOMAIN.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to take no action.
MOTION CARRIED.
14. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON THE IT COMMITTEE’S
RECOMMENDATION ON A STANDARDIZED SIGNATURE BLOCK FOR COUNTY
EMAILS.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to take no action.
MOTION CARRIED.
15. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON APPROVING A BID FROM STEVE
AND SADIE KLINE ON LOTS 13, 14, AND 15, BLOCK 13, HILLTOP LAKES,
SECTION 2 IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500 ($1,500 PER LOT)
Based on Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLC’s recommendation, Commissioner Foley
made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to approve the bid.
MOTION CARRIED.

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16. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON APPROVING A BID FROM
CLAYTON AND HAILEY HALLIBURTON ON LOTS 26 AND 27, BLOCK 9, HILLTOP
LAKES, SECTION 15 IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,000 ($2,000 PER LOT).
Based on Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLC’s recommendation, Commissioner Foley
made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to approve the bid.
MOTION CARRIED.
17. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON APPROVING A BID FROM
RONALD AND KRISTAL ELLETT ON LOTS 9 BLOCK 12, HILLTOP LAKES,
SECTION 2 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.
Based on Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLC’s recommendation, Commissioner Foley
made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to approve the bid.
MOTION CARRIED.
18. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON BUDGET AMENDMENT
REQUEST. 2026 MASS MAILING OF VOTER REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES
(VOTER ID CARDS).
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to move what funds
are needed (once Election’s budget is depleted first) from Contingency.
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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19. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUEST
2026 ELECTION SALARIES AND OVERTIME FY 2026.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to approve moving
funds from Contingency to fund the deficit.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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20. DISCUSS LEGISLATIVE TIMELINE AND IMPACT ON COUNTY ELECTION
OFFICES TEXAS RISK-LIMITING AUDIT (RLA) & POST-ELECTION HAND
COUNT AUDIT (PEHCA).
Presentation only.
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21. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON ROAD USE AGREEMENT AND/OR
PIPELINE AGREEMENT FOR CR 156 IN PCT. 1 (SPECTRUM).
Commissioner Sullivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
22. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON ROAD USE AGREEMENT AND/OR
PIPELINE AGREEMENT FOR CR 220, 221, AND 222 PCT. 2 (COMSTOCK).
Commissioner Bing made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the 180day agreement.
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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23. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
PRECINCT 3 COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAM (CRT).
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to take no action.
MOTION CARRIED.
24. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON UPDATING THE LEON COUNTY
VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT FORM TO ADDRESS SUGGESTIONS MADE BY TAC.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
25. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON ACCEPTING ROADS FROM
WILDWOOD SUBDIVISION INTO COUNTY MAINTENANCE (PCT. 3)
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to accept the two
new roads into county maintenance: CR 4941 and CR 4942.
MOTION CARRIED.

26. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON APPROVING THE LEON COUNTY
FERAL HOG ABATEMENT ANTI-BREEDING POLICY.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
policy.
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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27. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON APPOINTING THE TAX
ASSESSOR/COLLECTOR TO CALCULATE THE NO NEW TAX RATE (EFFECTIVE)
AND VOTER APPROVAL RATE (ROLL BACK) FOR THE TAX YEAR 2026.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to appoint Tax
Assessor/Collector Victoria Willis to calculate the no new tax rate and voter approval rate for the
tax year 2026.
MOTION CARRIED.
28. REVIEW AND ANNOUNCE PROPOSED PRELIMINARY BUDGET TO BE
SUBMITTED ON AUGUST 10, 2026, AT COMMISSIONERS COURT; FILE WITH
COUNTY CLERK (FIRST FILING) AND PLACE ON WEBSITE.
Announcement only.
29. PRESENT PROPOSED TAX ROLL VALUE FROM LEON COUNTY APPRAISAL
DISTRICT.
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30. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON REAPPOINTING HON. JOEY
SULLIVAN, HON. BOBBY WALTERS, AND JIM SCOTT TO THE BRAZOS VALLEY
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (BVCOG) AND APPOINT JUDGE BYRON RYDER
TO A NEW TERM BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2026 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2029.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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31. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON THE RESIGNATION OF TERRY
JOHNSON AND THE APPOINTMENT OF JENNIFER MCKENZIE TO THE ESD #4
BOARD.
Commissioner Bing made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sullivan to approve the
resignation and appointment.
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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32. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN LEON COUNTY AND JEWETT EMS FOR AN AMBULANCE USING THE
H.B. 3000 GRANT FUNDS.
Commissioner Sullivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
33. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON SIGNAGE FOR NEW PARKING
LOT AND RESEVED PARKING SIGN FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to appoint the
County Attorney’s office to work with the EOC and Maintenance to create signs for Annex 2
directing parking traffic to the new lot on the southeast side of Annex 2.
MOTION CARRIED.
34. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON PERMIT # 46146
(WINDSTREAM/KINETIC) FOR CR 307, 315E, AND 329.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
35. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON PERMIT
(WINDSTREAM/KINETIC) FOR CR 416, 432, 430, 388, 424
The Court clarified that it is CR 488, not CR 388. Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded
by Commissioner Sullivan to take no action.
MOTION CARRIED.
36. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FY
2025 AUDIT.
Commissioner Sullivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.

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37. COUNTY ATTORNEY KEITH COOK TO UPDATE THE COMMISSIONERS ON
BUILDING COMMITTEE AND IT COMMITTEE IF NECESSARY.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
38. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND
TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY.
None submitted.
39. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING MONTHLY
REPORTS (COUNTY AUDITOR) PER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE,
SECTION 114.044.
None submitted.
40. DISCUSS AND- POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON APPROVAL OF THE COUNTY
TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT AND AUTHORIZE AFFIDAVIT OF SAME, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 114.026.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
following report:
June 2026
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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41. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON DONATION(S) AND/OR
REIMBURSEMENT(S).
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
following donations:
Senior Nutrition: June 2026 - $748
MOTION CARRIED.
A. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON DONATION OF TABLES AND CHAIRS
TO THE LEON COUNTY EXPO FROM TWO RIVERS WILDLIFE ALLIANCE.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to approve the
donation.
MOTION CARRIED.
42. PURCHASE AND/OR SELLING REQUESTS AND TAKE ANY ACTION
NECESSARY.
A. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON PURCHASING FANS AT THE EXPO
CENTER.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to take no action.
MOTION CARRIED.
B. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON TERM CONTRACT RENEWALS.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to renew all
contracts presented except SunCoast.
MOTION CARRIED.
Commissioner Bing made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to renew SunCoast.
VOTE BREAKDOWN:
Yes: Sullivan, Bing, Workman, Foley
Abstain: Ryder
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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C. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON BVCOG CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR
DPS AND JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT. 4 (INTERNET).
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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D. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON PURCHASING A NEW TRUCK FOR
911 ADDRESSSING.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
E. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON GENERAL PROCUREMENT TERMS
AND CONDITIONS.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
43. PUBLIC COMMENTS #2.
The following people submitted a request to speak regarding the planned data centers, water use,
and tax abatement considerations:
Michael Rice
Lisa Williford
Carly Hickman
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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44. COMMISSIONERS OPEN FORUM.
Commissioner Workman submitted a copy of a letter to Senator Schwertner and Representative
Orr requesting the state provide increased county control and influence over data center, BESS
and solar projects.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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45. ADJOURN.
Commissioner Sullivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED; MEETING ADJOURNED.

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SIGNED AND APPROVED this the _____ day of ___________________________, 2026.

______________________________________________
Byron Ryder, County Judge
______________________________________________
Joey Sullivan, Commissioner Pct. No. 1
______________________________________________
Paul Bing, Commissioner Pct. No. 2
______________________________________________
Kyle Workman, Commissioner Pct. No. 3
______________________________________________
T.J. Foley, Commissioner Pct. No. 4

ATTEST:

______________________________________________
Amy Kaiser, Leon County Clerk

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