On the agenda: Leon County  7/27/2026 Minutes — data center (Jul 27)

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STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF LEON

IN THE COMMISSIONERS COURT
OF LEON COUNTY, TEXAS

On this the 27th 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, District Attorney Caleb Henson, and Elections
Assistant Karen Moore.
1. OPEN MEETING WITH PRAYER AND PLEDGES.
Pastor Alan Grisham, First Baptist Church Buffalo, 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 Foley 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 Foley to approve the claims.
MOTION CARRIED.
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3. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS
MEETING.
None submitted
4. REVIEW AND APPROVE PAYROLL TO BE ISSUED.
None submitted.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS #1.
The following people submitted a request to speak:
Carol Milder, voter registration
Dr. Sarah Loomis, 391 commission update.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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6. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON CLOSING REGULAR MEETING
AND OPENING THE PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE LEON COUNTY TAX
ABATEMENT GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA.
Commissioner Sullivan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to close the
regular meeting at 9:36 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
MOTION CARRIED.
**PUBLIC HEARING**
1. DISCUSS THE LEON COUNTY TAX ABATEMENT GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA.
Discussion only.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS.
The following individuals made comments regarding the tax abatement guidelines and criteria:
Nikki Meador, Carly Hickman, Debra Lavender, Janet Dunbar, Michael Rice, Travis Treadway.
(COPIES FOLLOW)

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3. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sullivan, to close the
public hearing at 10:20 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
7. OPEN REGULAR MEETING.
Regular meeting reopened at 10:20 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
8. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON THE LEON COUNTY TAX
ABATEMENT GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to approve the
guidelines, criteria, and resolution.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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9. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ANY ACTION ON INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS BRAZOS VALLEY
AND LEON COUNTY BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30,
2027.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
agreement.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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10. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY ACT ON APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION JUDGES AND
ALTERNATE JUDGES FOR TWO-YEAR TERM 9/1/26-8/31/28.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to appoint the judges
as listed and to sign the order
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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11. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON APPOINTMENT OF CENTRAL
COUNTING STATION PERSONNEL & EARLY VOTING ELECTION OFFICERS FOR
TWO-YEAR TERMS 9/1/26-8/31/28.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to appoint the list as
provided.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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12. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ANY ACTION ON APPOINTMENT OF EARLY
VOTING BALLOT BOARD FOR TWO-YEAR TERMS 9/1/26-8/31/28.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to sign the order and
appoint the list as provided.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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13. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON SALARIES, EXPENSES, AND
ALLOWANCES.
No action taken
14. TAX ASSESSOR SUBMITS THE APPRAISAL ROLL TO THE COURT (TOTAL
APPRAISED ASSESSMENT AND TAXABLE VALUE).
Roll was submitted.
15. SUBMIT TOTAL VALUES OF NEW PROPERTY TO COMMISISONERS COURT.
Total values were submitted.
16. TAX ASSESSOR CERTIFIES COLLECTION RATE FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.
Tax Assessor Collector Victoria Willis certifies the current year collection rate.
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17. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON PROPOSED TAX RATE FOR FY
2026-2027. (VERY IMPORTANT ROLL-CALL VOTE.)
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to leave the tax rate
for fiscal year 2026-2027 the same as the previous year, as .419296, but to continue to evaluate
the budget for any cost efficiency.
VOTE BREAKDOWN:
Precinct 1: Yes
Precinct 2: Yes
Precinct 3: Yes
Precinct 4: Yes
County Judge: Yes
MOTION CARRIED.
18. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON SETTING DATE, TIME AND
LOCATION OF BUDGET HEARING WHICH WILL BE MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2026,
AT 9 A.M., ANNEX 2, 155 N. CASS STREET, THIRD FLOOR, CENTERVILLE, TX
75833.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to set the time, date,
and location as listed above, noting that the correct time will be 9 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED.

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19. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON ANY BUDGET ITEMS FOR FY
2026-2027.
None submitted.
20. 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 Foley to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
21. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON ROAD USE AGREEMENT AND/OR
PIPELINE AGREEMENT FOR CR 391-WATER TRANSFER (COMSTOCK.)
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to approve the 120day agreement.
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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22. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON PERMIT #46146
(WINDSTREAM/KINETIC) FOR CR 307, 3315E, AND 329.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
23. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON EMERGENCY CULVERT
REPAIRS TO CR 3681.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to approve the
emergency repairs, which only will require using a re-purposed culvert and some heavy
machinery work.
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 send this
document to the Personnel Committee for review.
MOTION CARRIED.
25. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON REAPPOINTING HON. JOEY
SULLIVAN, HON. BOBBY WALTERS, AND JIM SCOTT TO THE BRAZOS VALLEY
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (BVCOG) (OCTOBER 1, 2026 THROUGH
SEPTEMBER 30, 2029, AND APPOINT JUDGE BYRON RYDER TO A NEW TERM
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2026 ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2026.
Commissioner Bing made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
reappointments and appointment.
MOTION CARRIED.
26. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN LEON COUNTY AND JEWETT EMS FOR AN AMBULANCE USING THE
HB 3000 GRANT FUNDS.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.

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27. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
CAPITAL CREDIT FOR LEON COUNTY FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
application
MOTION CARRIED.
28. DISCUSS AND AWARD HEALTH, DENTAL, AND LIFE INSURANCE PROVIDER.
For next budget year, Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
Sullivan to award health insurance to Baylor Scott & White, to award Guardian for all other
insurance except for basic life insurance, and to award basic life insurance to Principal.
MOTION CARRIED.
29. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FY
2025 AUDIT.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to table this agenda
item.
MOTION CARRIED; ITEM TABLED.
30. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON ANY ESD AUDITS.
Discussion only.
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31. COUNTY ATTORNEY KEITH COOK TO UPDATE THE COMMISSIONERS ON
BUILDING COMMITTEE AND IT COMMITTEE IF NECESSARY.
None submitted.
32. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND
TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY.
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
budget adjustments as submitted.
MOTION CARRIED.
(COPY FOLLOWS)

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33. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING MONTHLY
REPORTS (COUNTY AUDITOR) PER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE,
SECTION 114.044.
None submitted.
34. 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.
None submitted.
35. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON DONATION(S) AND/OR
REIMBURSEMENT(S).
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sullivan to approve the
following donations:
Senior Nutrition: in-kind donation of 3-foot griddle from Amy Kaiser
MOTION CARRIED.
36. PURCHASE AND/OR SELLING REQUESTS AND TAKE ANY ACTION
NECESSARY.
A. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON BVCOG CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR
DPS AND JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT. 4 (INTERNET).
Commissioner Foley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Workman to approve the
TechBundle Starlink quote, with a spending limit of up to $5,000 for equipment and installation
for the new JP 4 office.
MOTION CARRIED.
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B. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON PURCHASING A NEW TRUCK FOR
911 ADDRESSSING.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Foley to have the
Auditor’s office explore all financing and leasing options.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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C. DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY TAKE ACTION ON GENERAL PROCUREMENT TERMS
AND CONDITIONS.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bing to approve as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED.

(COPY FOLLOWS)

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37. PUBLIC COMMENTS #2.
The following people submitted a request to speak regarding
Mike Ritter, data centers
Ann McCoslin, data centers (did not speak)

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38. COMMISSIONERS OPEN FORUM.
None submitted.

39. ADJOURN.
Commissioner Workman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sullivan 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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