Fannin County, Texas -- All five members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting held Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Sylvester Smart, pastor of New Home Baptist Church, and pledges were led by Major James Manis (Ret.).
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In public forum, Bonham resident Rusty Deets recalled advising the court 3-4 weeks ago that the drainage was broken on the south side of the courthouse. Deets is concerned that this problem contributes to water accumulating in the courthouse basement.
"I checked this morning and it's still broken," Deets said. "The pipe is full of rocks. And while I was out there, I also noticed a big chunk chipped off of the stonework on the west side, kind of by that drain. It's on the east side of the drain, but on the west side of the entryway."
Pct. 1 Commissioner Troy Waggoner asked everyone to keep former commissioner and tax assessor/collector Ronnie Rhudy and his family in their prayers. Rhudy is in Medical City in Plano.
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Routine items
Fannin County Commissioners Court approved bills totaling $578,152.07.
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Commissioners court approved minutes from a special meeting on March 7, 2023, and a regular meeting on March 21, 2023.
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Commissioners court approved the Treasurer’s Financial Report for June 2025.
Fannin County Treasurer David Woodson reported that receipts for June was 1,069,447.83.
Property taxes received for that period was $186,519.35.
Delinquent taxes the country received was $77,190.84.
April sales tax the county received in June was $186,519.35.
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Commissioners court approved the Treasurer’s Investments Report for June 2025.
Total interest for June was $107,712.47.
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Commissioners court voted to release the below overpledged funds at Legend Bank.
Discussion and possible action items
Commissioners court voted to approve a Proclamation declaring August 3-9, 2025 to be National Health Center Week in Fannin County.
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Commissioners court approved Fannin County's annual external financial report/audit from BrooksWatson & Company for fiscal year 2024.
External Auditor Mike Brooks, CPA, thanked Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple and her staff for their assistance during the detailed audit and presented the county's annual financial report.
The county received the best possible outcome, an unmodified opinion, which is the highest level of assurance from a clean audit.
The county's total assets exceeded total liabilities by $51,024,216.
The county's governmental funds reported combined ending fund balances of $25,445,983 an increase of $2,119,574.
The unassigned fund balance in the county's general fund was $7,059,207, which equates to 47% of annual general fund expenditures.
The county enjoyed an overall increase in net position of
$4,807,547 for the year.
"Overall, it was a very healthy year, from a budgetary perspective," remarked Brooks.
The external auditor recommended changes the way cash is handled, as well as identifiers to indicate who used a rubber stamp.
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Commissioners court approved all budget amendments for October 2024 thru June 2025 as recommended by outside auditors.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding Interlocal Agreement with the City of Ladonia relating to law enforcement.
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Commissioners court voted to take $1,000 from contingency in order to fix the A/C in Constable Precinct 3’s reserve vehicle.
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Commissioners court voted to approve a renewal of the Lake Fannin Facilities Rental Agreement; July 29, 2025-July 1, 2026.
The agreement allows for the use of historic property at Lake Fannin.
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Commissioners court approved the 2026 Fannin County Organizational Chart.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding H&G Systems HVAC Service Contract for yearly maintenance.
The new proposed contract calls for a 23% increase to $7,943.00.
This delay will allow the county to go out for bids.
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Commissioners court approved a re-plat of the Bois d’Arc Creek Cowboy Church in Bonham, Precinct 4; Property ID#s 121131 and 82566, lots 4R & 5R.
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Commissioners court approved a preliminary plat for The Ranch at Bois d’Arc in Dodd City, Precinct 4; Property ID#s 99317, 83803 & 128549, 222.28 acres, 19 lots with over 11 acres.
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Commissioners court heard a citizen's complaint regarding prescriptive rights and public access to County Road 3444.
Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham invited the resident's lawyer to discuss this issue with the county's civil attorney.
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Commissioners court voted to approve a $5,000 bond for the new Fannin County Elections Administrator
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Commissioners court approved the replacement of a 2" water line at the Justice Center and with the payment of $11,750.09 to possibly come from the construction manager at risk's contingency.
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Commissioners court passed on an agenda item regarding moving a natural gas generator from the South Annex to the Justice Center as a backup power supply.
The generator would be used to power IT and security elements at the Justice Center
Open discussion items
Open discussion items may be passed on unless discussion requested by a member of the court or a citizen.
In regard to Fannin County roads, trucks parked on a state highway right-of-way are causing a line-of-sight safety issue on Hwy 78 and CR 2520.
Law enforcement will be involved in resolving the situation.
Executive session(s) and action if needed
Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, Fannin County Commissioners Court entered into executive session at 10:45 a.m. to consult with their attorney, and to discuss personnel issues including Purchasing and Auditor offices.
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Commissioners court reconvened in open session at 11:47 to announce no action was taken in executive session.
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In the segment of the meeting reserved for comments, Commissioner Fogelberg repeated his intention of keeping public roads open in his precinct.
